Ep 67: “I’m Not Popping My Kids”

Episode 67 kicks off in true *Babies Down, Bottles Up* fashion—playful chaos, inside jokes, and plenty of personality. Danny, the producer, hops on the mic with Kisha, Josselyn, and Terrin, immediately setting the tone for a fun and less formal episode compared to their recent heavy-hitting, information-packed discussions.

The banter between the hosts is a reminder of why this podcast resonates with so many parents: it feels like you’re hanging out with friends. The episode strikes a balance between lighthearted fun and meaningful parenting reflections, showing that even in the chaos of parenting, laughter and camaraderie matter just as much as lessons learned.

Catching Up: Wine, Ring Cameras, and Random Thoughts

Before diving into the main themes, the hosts catch up on life. Terrin admits she’s sipping Merlot while trying to balance hunger with the dream of becoming a “skinny legend.” She also shares a hilarious story about her husband using the house’s ring cameras to capture her at an unflattering moment, sending the clip to their group chat.

Meanwhile, Josselyn teases a documentary called *Unknown Caller: The High School Catfish*. While she refuses to spoil it, she and Terrin highlight the broader issue of how mental health struggles are often used to justify bad behavior. Their conversation naturally shifts to accountability, emphasizing that a diagnosis doesn’t erase responsibility for harmful actions.

This section is important because it reminds listeners that parenthood isn’t the only lens through which the hosts view life—they’re also individuals with their own stories, frustrations, and observations about the world around them.

Towels, Shoes, and the Essentials of Comfort

Danny steers the conversation toward everyday essentials, asking about favorite towels. What sounds like a throwaway topic quickly becomes a mini-debate about bath sheets versus standard towels, Costco quality, and “deformed” ribbed fabrics. From there, the talk spirals into shoes—how many pairs are *really* necessary, and why women seem to justify having entire closets for different occasions.

While it’s funny, these conversations serve as a relatable bridge. Parents, after all, aren’t only focused on their kids—they still have opinions about towels, clothes, and all the little things that bring comfort in adult life.

What Parents Won’t Do Anymore

One of the episode’s strongest sections centers on the things parents would *never* do now that they have kids.

– **Josselyn** vows to avoid extreme sports like skydiving or bungee jumping, recognizing the risks and the responsibility of being present for her children.
– **Kisha** admits she’d never bring a stranger home after a night out—what was once carefree fun is now off-limits with children in the house.
– **Terrin** humorously points out that she hasn’t slept through the night since becoming a mom and can no longer leave food unattended without her kids stealing it. Blackout drinking? Off the table too, because kids demand care at sunrise no matter how rough the night before.

This part of the discussion underlines how parenthood reshapes priorities. It’s not just about losing spontaneity, but about intentionally making choices that protect children and set examples.

Playlist Playoff: Cleaning Edition

Every fan-favorite *Playlist Playoff* segment delivers laughs, nostalgia, and a glimpse into each host’s personality through music. Episode 67’s theme? **Songs you clean the house to.**

– **Kisha’s list** includes Cardi B and Drake—songs with high energy that keep her moving.
– **Josselyn** leans into attitude-heavy tracks, the kind that let her dance around with a toilet brush in hand.
– **Terrin** surprises the group with rock and country picks like Aerosmith and Zach Bryan, proving cleaning playlists don’t have to be typical party jams.
– **Danny** taps into both hip hop and Latin roots, blasting Young Thug, salsa classics, and even a little bachata from Prince Royce.

The importance of this section lies in its relatability—music is universal, and every parent knows the power of a good playlist to make chores feel less like chores. It also shows the mix of cultures and generations that make this podcast unique.

Best and Worst Parenting Advice

The heart of Episode 67 comes through in a candid discussion about the **best and worst parenting advice** the hosts have received.

– **Terrin** recalls her mom telling her, “You don’t parent with your eyes, you parent with your soul,” a lesson that stuck with her as a blind parent. On the flip side, she rejects the idea of blindly following pediatricians without trusting her own intuition.
– **Kisha** remembers her mom cautioning her not to follow parenting books to the letter, since every child is different. She also pushes back against advice suggesting blind parents should rely on their kids to help them simply because of vision loss.
– **Josselyn** takes a stand against advice encouraging physical punishment, especially when people suggested she “pop” her daughter for potty training resistance. She emphasizes patience, readiness, and gentle parenting instead.

This segment is powerful because it highlights how the hosts balance cultural, generational, and personal values when it comes to raising children. It also challenges outdated notions about discipline, especially in blind parenting households where assumptions often add extra layers of judgment.

Gentle Parenting, Trauma, and Accountability

The discussion about discipline expands into generational differences. The hosts reflect on their own experiences of being hit with switches, shoes, or hangers, contrasting them with their commitment to break cycles of trauma.

They agree that while gentle parenting can be tough, it helps children learn emotional regulation and self-expression. The group stresses the importance of apologizing to kids when parents slip up—something many of them never experienced growing up.

This part of the episode captures the broader cultural shift happening in today’s parenting landscape: moving from fear-based discipline to intentional, respectful approaches that still set boundaries without relying on harm.

People Who Knew Them Then vs. Now

Toward the end, the hosts reflect on people who knew them before parenthood and now get to see them as moms.

– **Kisha** reconnects with her childhood vision teacher and another mentor who was a blind mom of four, both of whom express pride in the mother she’s become.
– **Josselyn** talks about longtime friends who remember her wild party days and now watch her thrive as a parent, including the full-circle story of naming her daughter Ariana after a childhood pact.
– **Terrin** shares how she essentially grew up alongside her daughter, having become a mom at 19, and how her friends and family have witnessed that transformation.

These reflections emphasize the importance of community and continuity. Parenthood isn’t just about raising kids—it’s also about showing growth to the people who’ve supported you along the way.

Wrapping Up: Fun, Reflection, and Connection

Episode 67 of *Babies Down, Bottles Up* is a perfect example of why the show resonates. It balances fun—like towel debates and cleaning playlists—with deep, vulnerable conversations about parenting advice, discipline, and personal growth.

By the end, listeners walk away entertained, but also with fresh insights about parenting styles, generational trauma, and the little ways life changes after kids. It’s an episode that validates the struggles, celebrates the wins, and reminds every parent that they’re not alone in the chaos.

Listen to the episode.

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