Emily Oster, a New York Times bestselling author and economics professor, dives deep into pressing public health issues like the measles outbreak and vaccine hesitance. She reveals how misinformation complicates vaccination efforts and stresses the importance of rebuilding trust in health messaging post-COVID. Transitioning to parenting, Emily discusses the pitfalls of overprotectiveness, the illusion of control, and the benefits of granting kids more independence. Her insights challenge conventional views on parenting and self-care, emphasizing balance and partnership.
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insights INSIGHT
Measles Resurgence
The US declared measles eradicated in 2000, but it has resurged due to decreasing vaccination rates.
The current Texas outbreak is the largest in recent years, with the first measles death in a decade.
insights INSIGHT
Vaccine Misinformation
The spread of misinformation about vaccines, often by seemingly credible figures online, is concerning.
Even small drops in vaccination rates for highly contagious diseases like measles can have significant consequences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Misinformation Example
A recent example of measles misinformation involves flawed research on a pseudo-scientific journal linking vaccines to autism.
This misinformation, amplified on social media and even in Congress, erodes public trust in scientific authority.
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A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
Emily Oster
In 'Cribsheet', Emily Oster applies her economic perspective to the challenges of early parenting. The book debunks myths and conventional wisdom by analyzing research and scientific studies on various parenting issues such as breastfeeding, circumcision, sleep training, and childcare. Oster emphasizes that there is often no single 'right' answer and that decisions should be based on a combination of data and what works best for each family's unique circumstances. The book aims to empower parents with a decision framework, helping them navigate the complexities of parenting with a calm and informed approach.
Expecting better
Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know
Emily Oster
In *Expecting Better*, Emily Oster, an award-winning economist, evaluates the data behind conventional pregnancy rules and discovers that many are misguided or flat-out wrong. The book explains everything from the real effects of caffeine and alcohol to the surprising dangers of gardening, aiming to empower pregnant women to make their own informed decisions and enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy. It is organized into sections covering conception, each trimester, and labor and delivery, making it accessible and practical for pregnant women.
The Unexpected
Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications
Nathan Fox, MD
Emily Oster
This book, part of The ParentData Series, addresses the often-unspoken complications that can arise during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, hyperemesis gravidarum, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. Emily Oster and Dr. Nathan Fox provide readers with data on the recurrence and treatments for these conditions, as well as road maps for productive conversations with healthcare providers. The book aims to bridge the knowledge gap and make difficult conversations about pregnancy complications more manageable, ensuring that readers feel less alone and more empowered to make informed decisions[1][3][5].
The Family Firm
Emily Oster
In 'The Family Firm', Emily Oster uses her background as an economist and business school professor to provide a framework for parents to make informed decisions about their children's education, health, extracurricular activities, and independence. The book introduces the 'Family Firm Toolbox', which includes the 'Four F's': Framing the Question, Fact-Finding, Final Decision, and Follow-Up. Oster emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to family decision-making, drawing parallels between managing a business and managing a family. The book covers various topics such as choosing the right school, encouraging a healthy diet, and navigating day-to-day family logistics, all with a focus on reducing stress and making better decisions[2][3][5].
Free Range Parenting
Lenore Skenazy
1-2-3 magic
Thomas W. Phelan
1-2-3 Magic offers a straightforward approach to discipline by using a counting system to stop unwanted behaviors and encourage good ones. The book helps parents establish routines, strengthen their relationship with their children, and maintain a calm demeanor during disciplinary situations. It has been widely acclaimed for its effectiveness and simplicity.
Ravi sits down with Emily Oster, New York Times bestselling author, professor of economics at Brown University, and founder and CEO of ParentData, to discuss the measles outbreak in Texas, the rise of vaccine hesitance, and the growing influence of misinformation on public health. They also break down the failures of COVID-19 messaging and the lasting consequences for experts now struggling to regain the public’s trust.
Emily and Ravi then turn to parenting and explore the illusion of control, the dangers of overprotective parenting, and why kids thrive with more independence. Emily also shares her insights on what it means to be a great parent—and whether having kids is the right choice for everyone.
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