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The Daily Dad

"You Can't Parent Without Hope" | Maggie Smith

Apr 19, 2025
Maggie Smith, a New York Times bestselling author known for her impactful poem 'Good Bones,' joins Ryan to explore the challenges of parenting in an imperfect world. They discuss the delicate balance of shielding children from negativity while nurturing hope and resilience. Maggie emphasizes the importance of instilling strong values and creating a safe haven amidst chaos. The conversation highlights the courage it takes to raise earnest children, blending realism with optimism in today's complex landscape.
14:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Parents must balance hope with realism, fostering optimism in children while shielding them from overwhelming cynicism about the world's challenges.
  • Creating a safe home atmosphere allows children to engage with life's complexities while nurturing their sense of agency and proactive mindset.

Deep dives

The Balance of Hope and Reality in Parenting

Raising children in a challenging world requires a delicate balance between hope and realism. Parents must navigate their own concerns about the state of the world while ensuring they do not transfer their cynicism onto their children. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering optimism and encouraging children to envision a brighter future, despite the harsh realities they may face. This approach involves acknowledging difficult circumstances without allowing despair to dominate the parental narrative.

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