S01 EP10: Isy Suttie

Kroger offers an extensive variety of delicious meal options along with everyday low prices and additional savings through digital coupons and fuel points. Meanwhile, the podcast "Lockdown Parenting Hell" explores the challenges of parenting during lockdown through the experiences of famous parents and everyday people. A common theme in their stories is the unpredictability and tests of patience that come with raising children, such as tantrums and discovering empty bottles of household items. Despite the ups and downs, the parents remain hopeful and try to find humor in their situations.

The seemingly simple and carefree aspects of children's TV shows can be overanalyzed when watched repeatedly. The discussion revolved around the implausible plotlines and inconsistencies in shows like Fireman Sam and Postman Pat. For instance, the cafe in Fireman Sam, which serves a large number of customers despite a small population, raises questions about the logic and feasibility of the storyline. Similarly, the idea of Postman Pat struggling with the decline of his business due to email and the unsociable hours was explored. The speakers also shared personal experiences of getting carried away with overthinking these shows, which are not designed for adults. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the impact of lockdown on people's routines and the lengths some might go to pass the time, such as online gambling. Overall, the discussion highlighted the amusing yet intriguing aspects of overanalyzing children's TV shows and the escapades that can ensue.

Parenting during a lockdown comes with unexpected challenges. A young girl's DIY haircut and her parents' attempt to sell lemonade in the cold show the creativity and resourcefulness of families in difficult times. However, the struggles of juggling work, household chores, and childcare can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Izzy Sutti, the voice of Asda and a parent herself, shared her experience of living in a small flat with her partner and two young children, including a 5-year-old who was a poor sleeper. Despite the challenges, parents continue to adapt and carry on, knowing that each day brings new opportunities and new obstacles to overcome.

The speaker has found a silver lining in the lockdown situation by reflecting on how it's not as bad as when they had a newborn who woke up every hour at night. They've also adapted to their roles in the household, with the speaker taking charge of the morning routine and cooking, while their partner focuses on work and bedtime. The arrangement, though unspoken, has brought about a sense of order and routine in their lives. Despite the early mornings and the increased workload, they've grown more confident in their abilities and have even developed a newfound appreciation for each other's contributions. However, they acknowledge that not all couples may find this arrangement ideal, and there might be challenges in maintaining a balance. Overall, the lockdown experience has led them to reassess their roles and responsibilities within their household and discover new strengths and skills.

Effective communication is essential for avoiding misunderstandings and reducing stress in relationships. The discussion highlights the challenges of signing a release form during lockdown and the importance of clarifying instructions to avoid confusion. The speaker also shares his experience with a family member who interrupts conversations, making it difficult to have productive discussions. The importance of tidiness and its impact on relationships was also touched upon, with both parties acknowledging their lack of tidiness and the unique challenges they face. Despite these challenges, they found joy in shared experiences, such as reading and watching movies together. The conversation ended with a discussion about a book they had read, emphasizing the importance of finding enjoyment in shared activities and the value of clear communication in understanding the twists and turns of a story.

Storytelling, even when intended for children, can have unintended consequences and may evoke strong emotions. The speaker shared an experience where her daughter became fixated on a scary part of a story, leading to repeated requests and nightmares. The speaker felt torn between wanting to shield her daughter from fear and satisfying her curiosity, ultimately deciding to summarize the story in a cheerful tone. This incident highlighted the power of storytelling and the importance of being mindful of its impact on young listeners. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities, particularly during lockdowns and stressful times.

Parenting and working from home during a pandemic can be overwhelming and push people to their limits. The speaker shared her experience of feeling drained and angry, even when her energy was low. She mentioned that small things could trigger her, and she found herself struggling with her partner not sleeping and her own back pain. They were trying to co-parent and work from home, but the speaker had only recently gone back to work after having a baby, so she was doing more childcare. Her partner was doing a sports-based podcast or radio show, and they were sharing the responsibilities as best they could. The speaker also mentioned that she was writing a novel and had to do her rewrites in bed due to her back pain. Overall, the conversation highlighted the challenges of balancing work and family life during unprecedented times.

Even in challenging circumstances, finding simple pleasures and making the most of unexpected situations can lead to unexpected joys. The speaker shares her experience of working from home during the lockdown, dealing with the lack of ideal conditions for recording voiceovers, and finding enjoyment in unexpected solitude. She describes the novelty of working from home at the beginning of the lockdown, but later growing tired of the makeshift recording setup and the heat under the duvet. She also recalls the unexpected joy of having two days alone at home before her children returned, which she compared to being on vacation in prison. She acknowledges that there have been low points during the lockdown but also highlights the moments of joy within each day. Overall, the speaker's reflections remind us to find joy in the simple things and make the most of unexpected situations.

Parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions, with both simple moments of joy and challenging situations that test patience. The speaker shares her experiences of cherishing small moments with her kids, but also feeling overwhelmed by their constant presence and unexpected behaviors. Routine and consistency, such as specific mugs for tea or earplugs for sleep, can provide comfort and stability in the chaos of parenthood. Communication and understanding between partners are crucial for navigating the challenges and maintaining a healthy relationship. Despite the challenges, the speaker expresses her deep love for her children and the unique experiences they bring to her life.

While some people may envy the division of household chores and childcare, the reality of having a child who wakes up multiple times in the night and very early in the morning can be exhausting and challenging. The speaker expresses her frustration with her child's sleep patterns and the impact it has on her own ability to get a good night's rest. She also mentions how her partner, who usually handles the mornings, is often left dealing with the child while she catches up on sleep. The discussion also touches upon the speaker's own habits, such as her reliance on sugar and alcohol to get through the day, and her amusement at finding crumbs in her ice cubes. Despite the challenges, the speaker finds comfort in knowing that there are others who may have it worse and that she is not alone in her experiences.

Everyone's experience during the lockdown is unique, and people deal with the challenges in different ways. Ellis, for instance, is a sports enthusiast who loves nostalgia and works on sports-based podcasts. He's always busy watching old games or documentaries, even if it means sacrificing sleep. His partner, on the other hand, is more emotional and needs more space. They have a different eating routine, with healthy meals during the week and takeaways on weekends. Despite their different coping mechanisms, they've found a rhythm that works for them. However, they're aware that not everyone is having an easy time, and many people face unique challenges. It's essential to recognize and respect the diversity of experiences during the lockdown.

While having children can present challenges, particularly during lockdowns, it also brings routine and joy to one's life. The speaker acknowledges the guilt of not being able to give their child enough attention, but also appreciates the benefits of having a dependent, such as a sense of purpose and a reason to get up every day. Additionally, children can adapt to difficult situations, like lockdowns, in creative ways, and parents may find themselves discovering new hobbies or activities due to their children's needs. Ultimately, the speaker values the experience of raising a child and the unique perspective it brings to their life.

Finding a balance in responsibilities with your partner can lead to a happier family life. As discussed, Izzy and Liz discovered that each handling their own preferred tasks led to a more harmonious situation. This concept of splitting responsibilities based on individual preferences was further emphasized when one person expressed a desire to swap roles, revealing a dislike for early mornings and a longing for a later bedtime. Moreover, the conversation highlighted the importance of adaptability and understanding in relationships. Both Izzy and Liz acknowledged the differences behind closed doors and embraced each other's unique quirks. This acceptance allowed them to navigate their daily challenges more effectively. Lastly, the conversation shed light on the creative ways families develop routines to delay bedtime, demonstrating the lengths parents go to in order to maintain a semblance of control in their lives. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of communication, understanding, and flexibility in managing family life.

Even the smallest and seemingly insignificant routines and rituals can hold significant importance in our daily lives. This was highlighted in the conversation as the speaker shared her experience of having to go through the process of getting fresh water, despite already having done so recently. She acknowledged that each hour is made up of numerous events, and it's possible that some of these rituals may seem unnecessary or repetitive to others. However, they can play a crucial role in ensuring a sense of comfort, consistency, and routine, especially for children or in unique situations. The conversation also encouraged listeners to share their own odd but necessary bedtime rituals and reminded them to subscribe and rate the podcast.