Parenting Through Generations and Modern Challenges

Jerry McRae

You know, when I think about the kind of father I am today, I really have to credit my dad. He was, uh, strong… hard-working… and just deeply spiritual. Everything he did seemed to be—well, it always had this purpose, you know?

Bianca

Ah, I love that. But like—okay, so what did that look like day to day? Did he have these like, life lessons he’d just drop on you, or was it more just… how he lived?

Jerry McRae

A little of both, actually. One moment that's stayed with me forever was when he taught me how to fix my bike. I must have been… I don’t know, maybe ten?

Jerry McRae

The chain had come off and I—I was ready to just throw the whole thing away. But my dad, he didn’t just fix it for me. He — he showed me how.

Bianca

See, that’s genius. My kids would’ve just been like, “Mom, can you buy me a new one?”

Jerry McRae

Exactly! I mean, he could’ve done that too, but—he showed me how to get my hands dirty. He taught me how to use the tools, how to put the chain back, and the whole time he was talking about how, you know, life isn’t about replacing things when they’re broken. It’s about fixing them, working through the problems.

Bianca

That’s a lesson for life right there. Fix, don’t replace. But like—okay, you’ve gotta tell me, do your kids get that same lesson, or are we working with the Amazon Prime generation now?

Jerry McRae

Ha, I mean, Camren and Brianna definitely have their moments. But I try—I try to pass on those same values my dad taught me. It’s, uh, it’s a challenge sometimes, you know? This world moves so fast, but I hope they see it. I hope they feel it.

Bianca

Yeah, I think they do, whether they get it now or not. Alright, but real quick, what’s like, the biggest value you want them to leave your house with someday?

Jerry McRae

Hmm, that’s a big one. I think, uh… if nothing else, I want them to leave with integrity. To to live their lives not just for themselves, but with others in mind. Responsibility, compassion... My dad showed me how those qualities can — can shape a life. I'm just doing my best to follow in those footsteps every day.

Bianca

Wow. Okay, philosopher dad over here. I love it!

Bianca

You know, talking about values makes me wonder—Jerry, you and Kelly seem to have such a groove as a team. Like, how does that even happen? 'Cause I’m over here multitasking a million things as a single mom and it’s—it’s wild.

Jerry McRae

It’s not magic, I promise. I mean, we basically treat parenting like a partnership. Kelly and I aren't perfect but we are growing in this journey of parenthood. Kelly is an amzing mother and a helpful teammate. We communicate about everything—who’s doing drop-offs, meal plans, school stuff. And when conflicts come up—and they always do—we, uh, we tackle them together.

Bianca

Man, tag-teaming sounds amazing, not even gonna lie. But, you’ve gotta give me the tea… does it ever get, like, “I did the last diaper!” kinda competitive?

Jerry McRae

Oh, absolutely. We’ve had the diaper debates, the “whose turn is it to clean up the epic mess?” moments. It’s all part of the deal. But, ah, honestly, what keeps us grounded is just remembering why we're doing it—for the kids. It’s less about keeping score and more about making sure Brianna and Camren feel supported.

Bianca

Yeah, I get that. I mean, I gotta admit, though, when you’re solo, it can feel like every single thing falls on you. I’ve had nights where I’m like, “If I don’t pack these lunches, nobody’s eating!”

Jerry McRae

That’s gotta be tough. But you—you manage it, right? I mean, you make it work somehow.

Bianca

Barely! But, yeah. I’ve figured out some hacks over the years. I use a lot of meal prepping, like Sunday is “chop everything day.” It’s not glamorous, but it saves me so much time during the week. Oh, and I’ve got this little squad of single moms I lean on. We watch each other’s kids whenever someone’s drowning. Lifesaver, honestly.

Jerry McRae

That’s incredible. I feel like support networks like that—whether it’s family, friends, or even neighbors—they’re, uh, game changers for any parent, single or not. But it’s... it’s different, isn’t it? Like there’s still this stigma attached to being a single parent, as if you’re supposed to have all the answers.

Bianca

Oh, totally. Like people assume you’re some sob story when, really, you’re just getting on with it. And those looks you get when you screw up? Like, oh no, the single mom forgot the birthday cupcakes—again!

Jerry McRae

I can imagine. But, uh, those struggles—they show strength in ways people often overlook. Honestly, Bianca, it’s inspiring, hearing how you’ve turned challenges into strategies.

Bianca

Thanks, Jerry. I mean, yeah, you figure it out because you have to. And, hey, if there are any single parents listening, find your crew. I don’t know what I’d do without mine.

Jerry McRae

That’s such an important takeaway. Whether it’s a spouse, a sibling, friends… Having support makes navigating this whole parenting thing just a little bit easier. And for us dads, there's also this pressure, uh, to prove we can parent solo or co-parent without missing a beat.

Bianca

For sure. But heads up, dads—y’all deserve support too. Nobody’s superhuman, alright?

Jerry McRae

You know, speaking of all those parenting challenges we juggle, there’s one that’s been really on my mind lately—screen time. It feels inescapable, right? Phones, tablets, laptops… it’s like technology isn’t just a tool anymore, it’s this whole environment our kids are growing up in.

Bianca

Oh, tell me about it. I’ve got three kids and one Wi-Fi network. It’s a constant battle, Jerry. You take one tablet away and suddenly they’re like, “But I need it for homework!” Then they’re on TikTok two minutes later, laughing their little heads off.

Jerry McRae

Exactly. And see, that’s the challenge, right? It's not just about limiting screen time, it's—it’s about helping them understand, uh, what they’re consuming. Like, are they learning something, or just scrolling mindlessly?

Bianca

Pfft, it’s usually the latter. I caught my oldest trying to “vlog” her morning routine the other day. I’m sitting there like, “You could just get ready faster if you weren’t filming toothpaste!”

Jerry McRae

Haha, yeah, I think I’ve seen that one. But seriously, how do you even balance it? Like, Camren begs for more gaming time, and part of me is like, “Sure, buddy, go for it.” But then the other part of me wonders, am I teaching him to, uh, rely too much on it for entertainment?

Bianca

I dunno, Jerry, I’m kinda winging it over here too. I mean, I’ve started doing these—I guess you could call ’em tech-talks—where I sit down with my kids, and we chat about what they’re watching or playing. You know, like, “Hey, do you think that YouTuber’s really living in a mansion? Or is it just good lighting?” It’s kinda fun, actually.

Jerry McRae

I like that. Keeps the conversation open. It’s, uh, a good way to help them think critically about what they’re seeing. 'Cause this digital stuff isn’t just going away. In fact, it's, uh, redefining how we parent altogether—even how we handle discipline.

Bianca

Oh, yeah! Like, is it even possible to ground a kid from the internet? I tried once, and my youngest was like, “Fine, I’ll just read an ebook.” I can't compete with that, Jerry!

Jerry McRae

Haha, that’s clever. But it does make you wonder, doesn’t it? Discipline used to be so… straightforward. Now, it’s about teaching them how to self-regulate in a world that's constantly competing for their attention.

Bianca

Exactly! And it’s not just about rules; it’s about trust. Like, I’m trying to raise these little humans who’ll know how to navigate all this craziness when I’m not helicoptering over their shoulders.

Jerry McRae

Well said, Bianca. At the end of the day, it’s about giving them the tools to make their own choices—for better or worse. And I guess that starts with us guiding them, while still showing ’em some grace along the way.

Bianca

Yup. Parenting’s basically a leap of faith these days—sprinkled with a little Wi-Fi password control!

Jerry McRae

Haha, absolutely. And on that note, I think it’s safe to say there’s no single answer here. Just, uh, a lot of love, patience, and a few boundaries.

Bianca

For sure. Alright, parents out there, don’t stress the small stuff. Just do your best and maybe hide the tablets every once in a while. Jerry, this was awesome. Thanks for all the dad wisdom!

Jerry McRae

Thanks, Bianca. And to everyone listening, take care of your kids—and hey, take care of yourselves too. See you next time!