Elementary school and the 60s feels like the last time I felt okay before I began 4th grade. My mom was a young mom, my dad worked all day, and I spent my summers outside at the public pool. When school was in session I dealt with sexist teachers and when I left for the day I went to church 3 times a week. In this episode, I dive deep into my generational identity and the calm before the storm.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] I don’t identify as a boomer and being born into a time of change
[3:56] My mom being a young mom and having a carefree childhood
[6:46] The TV shows I watched as a child
[8:11] Constantly playing outside with the neighborhood kids
[9:56] Household and school life growing up
[12:11] Not understanding Tom was my biological father yet
[13:24] The expectations of girls in school in the 60s
[15:26] Having an age gap between siblings and chaos
[16:38] Swimming at the pool all day
[18:55] Enjoying time with my grandparents
[20:58] Divorce and family transcending beyond blood
[24:25] Going to church every Sunday was a big part of my life
[26:56] Being very empathetic from a young age
[29:18] Getting in trouble for wearing pants to school
[31:08] Climbing the fire escape to leave school
[34:06] Becoming friends with Suzanne and joining church choir
[39:32] Trying to understand my mom and how my life went downhill
[41:42] Being so happy in third grade, but that changing in fourth grade
[43:23] Being overwhelmed by starting school in a new building
[44:36] Missing the first 2 weeks of school because I had the mumps
[45:46] People think I appear dumb and being people pleasing
[47:14] My relationship with my mom was wonderful
[51:48] The summer before 4th grade was the last summer I was okay
Connect with Barb:
