Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour

Episode Title: Parental Problems | Golden Hour
Date: September 12, 2025
Hosts: Kathy and Susan
Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour, by iHeartPodcasts and Warner Bros

Episode Overview

This episode of "Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour" dives into the complexities of parenting at various stages of life—including when to stop parenting your children, navigating tricky in-law dynamics, and the emotional (and logistical) challenges of "parenting your parents." Hosts Kathy and Susan read and respond to listener questions, share personal stories, and play a humorous game exploring generational quirks and boundaries.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Question of the Day: Does Parenting Ever End?

[04:03–09:30]

• Evolution of Parenting:

  • Kathy and Susan agree that parenting never truly ends, but changes form as children grow up.
    • Kathy: “I don’t think you ever stop parenting. I do think it looks a little bit different...I try so hard not to interject what I think unless I’m asked.” [04:24]
    • Susan: “I have definitely changed. 100,000% have changed. Because I’ll bite my tongue when I say, you know, you should… you’re raising your family, you do it your way.” [04:50]
  • Both reflect on their tendencies to advise (especially on finances) and the need to let adult children make their own choices.
    • Notable quote—Kathy: “Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems.” [05:27]

• Money Lessons and Parenting:

  • Kathy shares her method of giving allowances and teaching budgeting.
    • “If they wanted to go to the movies with their friend, like they had to learn to budget. And I made them...put their money in the collection.” [07:10]
  • Both acknowledge that financial advice is sometimes the sticking point for continuing parental influence.

• Role Reversal and Aging:

  • They joke about how, as they age, the tables begin to turn and children start looking out for their parents.
    • Kathy: “When the tables sort of flip and our kids sort of start parenting us…” [08:23]

• Grandparenting:

  • Susan notes she’s more lenient with grandkids, sneaking them money and letting things slide.

2. Advice Segment: Listener Questions

[14:40–35:11]

A. Mother-in-Law Conflicts

Listener: Briana, 42, Seattle
[14:45–20:42]

• Situation:
  Briana writes in about a mother-in-law who seems determined to dislike her, despite Briana's best efforts, impacting her mental health but not her marriage.
• Kathy’s Insight:
  • Empathizes deeply, suggesting an “Oedipus complex” may be at play, with the mother-in-law unable to let go.
  • Advice: Remain polite, avoid letting it come between her and her spouse, and keep up family events, if possible.
    • “All you can do is be polite. Because being polite never goes out of style.” [19:17, Kathy]
• Susan’s Take:
  • Emphasizes patience and the benefit of therapy, for Briana and her partner, even if the mother-in-law refuses.
    • “If you hit a milestone and you succeed, please tell us so we can tell the world.” [20:32, Susan]

B. Parenting Parents

Listener: Melissa, 64, Oxnard
[20:55–25:23]

• Situation:
  Melissa’s 90s-aged father refuses to use a walker or consider assisted living, leaving her feeling like the parent dealing with a stubborn toddler.
• Kathy’s Advice:
  • Plainspoken reality: Unless declared incompetent, aging parents have the right to make their own choices—even if it’s risky or frustrating for their adult children.
    • “Unless you have him declared incompetent, which he doesn’t sound like he is, there’s nothing you can do but do what you’re doing.” [22:11, Kathy]
• Susan’s Perspective:
  • Ultimately, the adult child must respect the parent’s autonomy: “If that’s the way he chooses to go out, let it be.” [23:09, Susan]
  • Both stress maintaining love and connection over control, and trying not to let resentment build.

C. In-law Boundaries

Listener: Chris (assumed spelling correction from "Cress")
[30:07–34:58]

• Situation:
  Chris’s wife is very close to her parents—so much so that they have a key to their house and sometimes hear family news before Chris does.
• Susan’s Suggestion:
  • Clear, respectful boundaries: “You kindly and respectfully ask your in-laws, let me know when you’re coming. I could be coming down the stairs in a towel or naked for that matter.” [31:02, Susan]
• Kathy’s Approach:
  • Talk to the spouse first, then the in-laws. “You need to get buy-in from your wife because you guys are a team.” [34:19, Kathy]
  • Establish boundaries: Ask for a call before visiting and insist that privacy (like unopened mail) is respected.
• Balanced Tone:
  Both stress communication, kindness, and teamwork between spouses—though acknowledge some feelings may get hurt.

3. Game Segment: “Icky, Picky, or Ooh?”

[35:12–44:42]

A humorous lightning round where Kathy and Susan weigh in on various parenting and relationship behaviors—labeling them as “icky,” “picky,” or giving an “ooh” (cringe/disgust).

Highlighted Scenarios and Responses:

• Parents/in-laws/kids pop in unannounced
  • Kathy: “That’s ew to me.” [36:07]
  • Susan: “I say picky… unless it got monotonous.” [36:12]
• Adults kids living at home:
  • Both: Depends on situation; if permanent, it’s icky/ooh.
• Gives adult kids an allowance:
  • Both: Definite “ew.” [38:02]
• Goes on kids’ honeymoon:
  • Kathy: “Listen, you know what? While he’s on the honeymoon with them, you know where I am? In the lawyer’s office filing for divorce.” [38:29]
• Oversharing relationship fights on social media:
  • Susan: “Icky. I wouldn’t share a fight on social media. That would drive me off.” [40:51]
• Partner wants your location, checks where you are:
  • Both: “Huge ick” if it’s used to control. [42:47]
• Proposes without a ring:
  • Susan tells a personal story of a very low-key proposal, showing it’s not always about the ring, but still… the gesture matters. [43:04]
• Shares intimate bedroom details with friends:
  • Kathy: “It’s beyond…kick him to the curb. That’s alimony, child support, and taking 80% of every dime he has.” [44:04]
  • Susan: “That right there gave you a dick.” (meaning “ick”) [44:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parenting Adult Children:

  • Kathy: “Don’t say anything unless you’re asked.” [04:24]
  • Susan: “I have matured as a parent. I do not call my children every night and tell them to brush their teeth.” [05:24]

• On Parenting Parents:

  • Kathy’s humor: “We as senior citizens have the right to make our own choices. [...] he has the right to wither away, fall every day, unless he breaks a bone.” [22:11]

• On In-Law Intrusion:

  • Susan: “You kindly and respectfully ask your in-laws, let me know when you’re coming. I could be coming down the stairs in a towel or naked for that matter.” [31:02]
  • Kathy: “They must call before coming and your wife must talk to you before she has them over…” [32:16]

• On Game Answers:

  • Kathy: “He went with his kids on their honeymoon—while he’s on the honeymoon with them, you know where I am? In the lawyer’s office filing for divorce.” [38:29]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Start Time | |-------------------------------------------|---------------| | Start of Show/Intro | 02:58 | | Question of the Day: Does Parenting End? | 04:03 | | On Allowances, Money & Grandkids | 06:48 | | Role Reversal: Kids Parenting Parents | 08:23 | | Advice: Briana’s Mother-in-Law Conflict | 14:45 | | Advice: Melissa Parenting Her Parent | 20:55 | | Advice: Chris Setting In-law Boundaries | 30:07 | | Game: “Icky, Picky or Oooh?” | 35:12 | | Best Quotes & Recap of Issues | 44:42 |

Tone and Style

Warm, witty, and empathetic, Kathy and Susan approach every topic candidly and with humor, often poking fun at themselves and each other (“cry me a river, Susan!” [08:23]). Their advice is rooted in lived experience, seasoned with a no-nonsense edge and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

For New Listeners

Even if you haven’t tuned in before, this episode offers relatable insights for anyone navigating complex family dynamics—be it parenting adult children, caring for aging parents, or drawing healthy boundaries with in-laws. The lively banter and honest anecdotes make the advice feel authentic, accessible, and reassuring.

To hear your question answered or join the conversation, check out Bachelor Happy Hour’s Golden Hour at bachelornation.com/goldenhour or on social @bachelorhappyhour.