The parenting deep dive, Part 1: The ‘unsustainability of American motherhood’

Whether you are a parent, know one, or have been paying any attention at all, you’ll know that the pandemic was a breaking point for caregivers and mothers in particular. “Moms are the shock absorbers of society,” says New York Times journalist Jessica Grose. “Everyone realized that when things fell apart, moms were just expected to be there to pick up the pieces.” Well, moms have had enough. But are our policies, workplaces, and cultural norms progressing fast enough to give modern mothers — and fathers — the support they need? On this two-part episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie explores the impossibilities of modern parenthood with two experts who have been living it and writing about it: journalist Jessica Grose and clinical psychologist (and “millennial parenting whisper”) Dr. Becky Kennedy. Jessica’s new book, “Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood,” which is out Dec. 6, dismantles 200 years of unrealistic parenting expectations to empower all those who might be struggling out there. Jessica and Katie talk about that historical context, as well as solutions that are already being put into place, and how and where moms are finding reprieve. Finally, Dr. Becky talks about creating a safe space for parents to seek advice, support, and feel seen. 

Find out more:

• Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, by Jessica Grose
• Jessica Grose on parenting at the New York Times
• Good Inside: The Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, by Dr. Becky Kennedy
• Good Inside, Dr. Becky Kennedy’s membership-based parenting community
• Reshma Saujani on why there’s no better time to redesign the workplace for women [Next Question with Katie Couric]

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