In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes author Tracy C. Gold to discuss her picture books "Call Your Mother" and "Call Your Father." Tracy shares insights from writing these books, which celebrate the importance of staying connected with parents across generations. The conversation explores how to avoid stereotypes about parental roles, emphasizing that fathers are equally capable of nurturing, comforting, and caring for children. Christopher and Tracy discuss the reality of modern parenting, including how different children have different communication styles—some call frequently, others prefer texting or memes—and how grandparents play vital roles in family support systems. The episode highlights the privilege of maintaining parent-child connections throughout life and the bittersweet reality of watching children grow and leave home.
Episode Highlights
00:00:45: Introduction of Tracy C. Gold, author of children's books including "Call Your Father" and "Call Your Mother," which inspire connections between families and nature.
00:03:15: Tracy explains the origin of "Call Your Mother" from a family joke where her grandfather would tell her father to call his mother, sparking the book series idea.
00:05:30: Discussion of intentionally avoiding stereotypes in the books—showing fathers performing all childcare duties including newborn care, potty training, and emotional support.
00:08:45: Christopher shares his personal experience with nine children, noting that communication styles vary greatly—some call daily, others text memes or never contact him.
00:12:00: Tracy emphasizes that the books celebrate fathers comforting children through failure, handling bathroom emergencies, and addressing bullying—roles traditionally attributed to mothers.
00:14:30: Discussion of intentionally not showing a partner in the books to avoid depicting one parent as idle and to represent diverse family structures (single parents, military families, same-sex couples).
00:17:45: Tracy reveals her favorite humorous moments are the "potty pages" that get big laughs from children during readings.
00:19:30: Christopher reflects on the 36-year parenting journey with his wife Michelle, emphasizing equal partnership in all household and childcare responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Fathers are equally capable of all aspects of childcare and emotional support—challenge stereotypes by expecting and allowing dads to nurture, comfort, and guide children through life's challenges.
- Connection with parents takes many forms; not all children call frequently, but texting, memes, and group chats are equally valid ways to maintain relationships and stay connected.
- Parental partnership requires intentional effort and shared responsibility across all tasks—cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, and emotional support should not fall disproportionately on one parent.
- Grandparents are valuable family assets who can provide essential childcare support and intergenerational connection when parents allow their involvement.
- Representation in children's literature matters; books should reflect diverse family structures and show parents of all types succeeding in their roles.
Quotable Moments
"I really wanted to show that dads can do everything that moms can do, except for some biological things, perhaps, and that we should support them to do that."
"Change the diaper. Yeah. Do the vacuuming. I don't know if a woman can find anything more sexy than a man vacuuming the floor."
"You've succeeded as a parent when they're able to" [leave home].
"I have succeeded if you put down these books and you call your mom, your dad, or anybody who's served that role for you in your life."
"One step at a time, calling your parents. Every day you can make the world a happier place."
