Teaching kids about responsibility, giving back, and awareness of privilege is crucial for parenting.
Exposing children to different perspectives and experiences can help cultivate gratitude and empathy.
Parents should be intentional about the subtext they convey, challenging societal narratives that prioritize certain experiences over others.
Deep dives
Teaching Kids About Responsibility
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the importance of teaching kids about their responsibility to help others and be aware of their privilege. The podcast hosts share personal stories and examples of how they incorporate this value into their parenting, such as carrying bags of food to give to homeless people and discussing the importance of giving back.
Navigating Wealth and Privilege
The hosts also discuss the challenges of raising kids in a wealthy environment and the concern of spoiling them. They reflect on their own experiences and feelings of discomfort surrounding wealth and the fear of their kids developing entitled attitudes. They explore the idea of exposing their kids to different perspectives and experiences to cultivate gratitude and empathy.
Maintaining a Balanced Perspective
The hosts highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective when it comes to parenting and wealth. They share their personal struggles and the need to question their own actions and values. They also discuss the significance of having conversations with their kids about responsibility, social issues, and the importance of giving back to the community.
Challenging Assumptions and Fears
The podcast encourages listeners to challenge their assumptions and fears surrounding wealth and privilege. They discuss ways to address these concerns, such as volunteering together as a family or having open conversations about money, privilege, and the importance of helping others. They emphasize the value of creating shared experiences and teaching kids about gratitude and empathy.
The Impact of the Achievement-Driven System
The podcast explores the systemic pressure on achievement and its negative impact on children's mental health. It highlights that high-achieving schools, both public and private, have a detrimental effect on students' well-being, leading to higher rates of substance abuse, clinical depression, and anxiety. This pressure exists regardless of geographical location and affects kids in the top 25% of standardized test scores. The podcast emphasizes that opting out of the system does not exempt children from its influence, as they are still surrounded by peers embedded in that high-achievement culture.
The Subtext of Parental Influence
The discussion delves into the importance of modeling and subtext in parenting. It points out that what parents say and do can convey different messages to their children. Parental behaviors and expressions of preference, even if contradictory to their verbal statements, can impact children's perceptions and decisions. The podcast reminds parents to be intentional about the subtext they convey, giving examples such as excitement over travel destinations or wearing apparel associated with prestigious institutions. It encourages parents to create an environment where values are not linked solely to high status or achievement, challenging the broader societal narratives that prioritize certain experiences over others.
As a parent, you’re constantly nervous about raising spoiled, entitled and elitist kids. And if you're from a modest upbringing and have found success as an adult — it’s hard to recreate an environment of grit and resilience for your kids. We discuss exposing children to folks living in poverty, why “traveling” doesn’t give perspective and how to think about an inheritance. [Episode 24]
Wil is the founder of the digital marketing agency Seer Interactive and a father of two young boys.
