I’m excited to have my amazing friend, Bryanna Rayford, as my first podcast guest! 

On today’s episode we dive deep into a topic that's as tricky as it is crucial: setting boundaries with grandparents and caregivers. Love them or hate them, boundaries are an important aspect of parenting. Bryanna is a great partner to have on for this discussion, as she’s experienced firsthand the ups and downs of boundary setting with her family and in-laws.

We all cherish the love and support grandparents shower on our little ones, but what happens when their well-meaning actions cross the line? Bryanna and I share our personal tales of navigating these delicate situations, from the awkwardness of saying "no" to the relief of finding balance.

I discuss how articulating my comfort level concerning situations with my children has been a learning curve. Setting clear boundaries is a skill I’m practicing as I go, and one that I’ve become increasingly reliant on. The boundaries I set not only help my kiddos understand what to expect from me and other caregivers, but they also ensure they’re safe and protected at all times. 

Bryanna shares a personal anecdote involving her mother-in-law and an outing with her daughter, highlighting the tension that can arise from boundary disputes.The discussion underscores the necessity of establishing boundaries for our children's well-being and the challenges of ensuring grandparents respect parental decisions.

This is such an interesting topic with SO much to cover that we had to add a part 2! Make sure to listen to “Boundary is not a dirty word - Part 2,” where Bryanna and I cover the benefits of establishing boundaries as well as tips on how to go about setting healthy boundaries with your family members and other caregivers so your children can thrive. 

Bryanna Rayford is a fellow millennial mama juggling the work-life seesaw, just like many of us. She has a 2-year-old daughter and another baby girl on the way. She works from home full time while balancing household responsibilities, similar to that of a stay-at-home mom. She is dedicated to raising her daughters to be strong and determined through a combination of gentle and stern approaches. Bryanna is also very adamant about what is right for her children and will do whatever it takes to make sure her children are safe and the boundaries she’s set are respected. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• The sensitive topic of setting boundaries with grandparents and caregivers, including the struggles that come with overstepping (well-intentioned or otherwise).

• The enmeshed family system and the benefit that establishing boundaries play in maintaining healthy family dynamics.  

• While it can be tough voicing your concerns or boundaries to those who raised you, clear communication is a necessary step toward ensuring your parenting style is acknowledged and respected by all who participate in your children's lives.

Resources & Links:

• Read more about the University of Michigan study where half of parents surveyed reported butting heads with their child’s grandparent

• What exactly is an enmeshed family?

• The Hanley Foundation provides insight on setting boundaries in an enmeshed family

Connect with Bryanna:

• Follow on Instagram

Connect with Christine:

• Follow on Instagram

• Check out my website

Related Episode:

• 04. Boundary is not a dirty word - Part 2

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

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