In episode 16 of “When The Call Hits Home,” host Dr. Ashlee Gethner and guests Brittany Nieft and Kaity Standerfer explore the trials and unique perspectives of growing up with a police officer father. It’s an intimate conversation that delves into the complexities of family dynamics influenced by the demanding nature of a first responder’s job.

A Life Enhanced By Strong Work Ethic

Ashlee begins by expressing gratitude for the strong work ethic instilled in her by her family, highlighting the perseverance and lessons learned from her upbringing. Despite a few interruptions from Brittany’s children, she smoothly continues to provide insights into the forthcoming resources related to the podcast, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes. She underscores the supportive roles she and her co-host Jennifer Woosley Saylor play for their audience.

The Highs & Lows Of First Responder Life

Brittany, the first guest, shares her childhood experiences, initially viewing her father’s work positively. She reminisces about enjoying events with police officers and feeling special due to the associated benefits. However, she also acknowledges the rough times brought on by the stress of their father’s job, drawing parallels to her own experiences as a critical care nurse. Brittany emphasizes the difficulty of decompression for first responders, often resorting to bonding with peers who understand their unique stressors.

Ashlee and Brittany discuss the notable differences in their childhood experiences due to age and stage of life. Brittany had a closer view of their parents’ marital struggles, which were partially attributed to the high-pressure environment their father operated in. They recognize the stricter rules and expectations they faced at home compared to other families, attributed to their dad’s profession. Brittany, characterized as more passive and conflict-averse, contrasts with their more assertive sibling Kaity.

Kaity, reflecting on her experiences, initially saw her father’s job as cool, with minimal worries about potential dangers until she was older. Her perspective changed dramatically following a high school ride-along with her dad, making her more aware of the dangers. Tension at home due to their father’s stress and quick temper is a shared memory among the siblings. Kaity acknowledges this stress but suggests she might handle parenting differently, appreciating her father’s intentions to protect them.

The episode touches on significant aspects of their upbringing, including gun safety education and the public perception challenges faced by families of first responders. Brittany Nieft shares personal stories of fear and gratitude, recounting the scariest moment of her life and her father’s dedication to his family.

A warm and reflective segment details their father dressing as Santa at community events, underscoring his love for his children and community involvement. Brittany relates to her father’s expectations of appearance and manners, symbolizing the strict yet caring upbringing they experienced. Ashlee talks about their father’s quick temper and the familial dynamics where terms like “dude” were not tolerated, drawing humorous parallels to modern generational language use.

Wrapping Up

The episode concludes with both Brittany and Kaity reminiscing about the special opportunities their father’s job provided, from accessing VIP areas to enjoying spectacular events. They express gratitude for the values of resilience and determination he instilled in them, emphasizing the positives despite the challenges.

Overall, episode 16 of “When The Call Hits Home” offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of first responder families, highlighting the unique pressures and invaluable life lessons that come with such an upbringing. The discussion is a heartfelt tribute to their father’s influence and the experiences that shaped their views on life and family.