The Gray Area with Sean Illing Emily Oster schools me on parenthood
Apr 29, 2019
Emily Oster, a professor of economics at Brown University and author known for her data-driven approach to parenting, challenges conventional wisdom surrounding family life. She debunks parenting myths, particularly around breastfeeding and sleep training, with empirical evidence. Oster discusses how socio-economic factors shape parenting decisions and the emotional struggles parents face amid conflicting advice. The conversation highlights the need for clear communication about risks and the nuanced realities of child development, emphasizing that not all expert opinions are based on solid data.
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Confounding Factors in Breastfeeding Studies
- Breastfeeding studies often compare groups with many other differences besides breastfeeding.
- These differences, like maternal education and socioeconomic status, can confound results, making it hard to isolate breastfeeding's impact on IQ.
SIDS and Parental Anxiety
- Ezra Klein describes the anxiety new parents feel about SIDS and safe sleep practices.
- He contrasts the conflicting information online with Emily Oster's data-driven approach, which provided him with much-needed reassurance.
Safer Co-sleeping Practices
- Co-sleeping can be done more safely by avoiding alcohol, smoking, and excessive covers.
- While a small risk exists, it's comparable to other everyday risks like car travel, so parents should make informed choices based on data, not fear.
