Podcast Summary: Paige Turner on Parenthood, Modern Motherhood, and Equitable Partnerships

Podcast Information

• Title: The Journey with Morgan DeBaun
• Host: Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc.
• Episode: Paige Turner on Parenthood, Modern Motherhood, and Equitable Partnerships
• Release Date: January 14, 2025
• Description: In this episode, host Morgan DeBaun engages in an enlightening conversation with Paige Turner, a TikTok influencer and mother of four, discussing the complexities of modern parenthood, the mental load carried by parents—especially mothers—and the importance of equitable partnerships in raising children.

1. Introduction

Morgan DeBaun welcomes Paige Turner to The Journey podcast, expressing her admiration for Paige's content on TikTok, particularly how Paige's approach has inspired her to foster greater partnership with her partner, Josh, in parenting duties.

Notable Quote:

Morgan DeBaun [00:00]: "...she's inspired me many times to let my partner, you all know who my partner is, Josh, do things."

2. Guest Background

Paige Turner shares her professional journey, highlighting her transition from operations roles in e-commerce startups to becoming a prominent content creator on TikTok and Instagram. She discusses how becoming a parent radicalized her perspective on societal expectations placed on women.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [01:54]: "Becoming a working parent really radicalized me... opened my eyes to all of the things, all the systems, all the expectations that we place on women."

3. Parenthood and Gender Roles

The conversation delves into traditional gender roles in parenting, with Morgan expressing feelings of guilt over not taking on roles traditionally expected of mothers, such as bath time routines. Paige emphasizes the importance of equity in parenting responsibilities.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [04:43]: "...childcare is a shared family expense. It is not something that is the burden of a woman to accommodate for."

4. The Mental Load

Paige introduces the concept of the "mental load," describing it as the ongoing checklist of tasks and responsibilities that parents, particularly mothers, manage mentally. She explains how this invisible labor contributes to feelings of overwhelm and resentment.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [12:22]: "The mental load... is the running checklist in your brain... it's remembering which kid likes cheddar cheese versus which likes mozzarella."

5. Navigating Equitable Partnerships

The discussion highlights strategies for fostering equitable partnerships in parenting. Paige advises couples to articulate their feelings, make invisible labor visible, and utilize tools like shared calendars and to-do lists to distribute responsibilities fairly.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [05:08]: "Make that invisible labor, that mental load visible in whatever way that works for you and your family."

6. The Trad Wife Phenomenon

Morgan and Paige explore the resurgence of the "trad wife" movement on social media, questioning its portrayal versus the reality. Paige critiques the idealized representation, noting that traditional roles often ignore the financial and emotional burdens they impose on women.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [30:46]: "The actual reality of it is probably pretty difficult to navigate... stay at home moms... it's still incredibly exhausting. It's still a ton of work."

7. Advocacy and Political Climate

Paige emphasizes the importance of using social media as a tool for change and encourages having politically and socially informed conversations with those around us. She stresses the need to advocate for policies that support families, such as affordable childcare and paid parental leave.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [40:23]: "Having these conversations... from a place as much as possible from the human side of things."

8. Conclusion

Morgan and Paige conclude with reflections on staying engaged in societal issues that impact families and advocating for equitable systems. Paige shares her platforms where listeners can connect with her for further insights.

Notable Quote:

Paige Turner [48:19]: "I have a newsletter where I talk about these things in depth weekly."

Key Takeaways:

• Equity in Parenting: Effective parenting partnerships require shared responsibilities and open communication to prevent burnout and resentment.
• Understanding the Mental Load: Recognizing and addressing the invisible checklist of tasks can alleviate stress and promote fairness in domestic roles.
• Challenging Traditional Roles: The "trad wife" narrative often overlooks the complexities and sacrifices involved in traditional domestic roles.
• Advocacy for Systemic Change: Empowering families through policies like affordable childcare and paid parental leave is crucial for fostering equitable partnerships.
• Utilizing Social Media for Change: Platforms like TikTok can be powerful tools for raising awareness and driving conversations around modern parenthood and gender roles.

This episode offers a profound exploration of the challenges and dynamics of modern motherhood, emphasizing the necessity of equitable partnerships and societal support systems to empower parents in their journey.