When The Call Hits Home | Episode 17: Exploring Parenthood, Blended Families, & Connection

Hosts:

- Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Guest:

-  Erin Quandt-Knapinski, LCSW, CCTP: Therapist and wife of a police officer

Episode Overview: Join hosts Ashlee and Jennifer as they welcome Erin Quandt-Knapinski to discuss the complexities of being part of a first responder family. In this enlightening episode, Erin shares her personal and professional experiences, delving into the challenges and strategies that help navigate life with a demanding career in law enforcement.

Key Topics:

1. Avoiding Daycare:

   • Erin discusses the initial decision to avoid daycare for her daughter, showcasing her husband's sacrifices and eventual transition from night to day shifts.

   • The importance of balanced sleep is highlighted, setting the stage for future episodes to explore this crucial topic in-depth.

2. Blended Families:

   • Erin shares her experience of becoming a stepmom before having her biological child, navigating the dynamics of a blended family with first responders.

   • Challenges of co-parenting with an unforgiving first responder schedule and the necessity for flexibility in work schedules within such families.

3. Parental Roles and Challenges:

   • Reflecting on the dual responsibility towards her husband and stepson, Erin emphasizes the need for balanced parenting, especially when one parent encounters extreme cases at work.

   • The psychological impact on first responders, such as conflict avoidance and decision fatigue, affecting family interactions.

4. Managing Household Responsibilities:

   • Erin's struggle with managing household duties and holiday preparations alone, evoking feelings of isolation.

   • Key reflections on how unpredictable work schedules and overtime impact family time and dynamics, especially highlighted during the pandemic.

5. Communication and Flexibility:

   • The critical role of preemptive communication and planning in first responder families, akin to fire drills for preparedness.

   • Emphasis on effective communication to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts arising from challenging work schedules.

6. Grace in Transition:

   • Erin reflects on her husband's brief transition to a day shift after decades on the night shift, sharing the frustrations and unmet expectations.

   • Discussion on the importance of grace for first responder families, acknowledging life's unpredictable and often messy nature.

7. Support Systems:

   • An exploration of the importance of meaningful connections and the need to disconnect to recharge.

   • Erin's availability for further guidance and support based on her multifaceted experiences as a professional and family member.

Conclusion: Ashlee and Jennifer commend Erin for her invaluable insights, emphasizing the need for grace, understanding, and support within first responder families. They express excitement for future episodes that will continue to explore these themes and offer valuable advice for their audience.

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