ParentData with Emily Oster

Join Professor Steve Levitt, a behavioral economist and co-author of Freakonomics, as he shares his parenting struggles and late-night Googling adventures. He recounts a harrowing tale of discovering a worm in his child's poop, leading to an anxiety-filled pediatric visit. Levitt discusses the inherent frustrations of medical misdiagnoses, the quirks of online health advice, and the vital role of self-advocacy in navigating parenting fears. His blend of humor and candidness makes for an engaging exploration of the parenting journey.

Midwives are having a bit of a moment. Of course, that moment is not at all new. For a very, very long time, — hundreds, possibly thousands, of years — midwives, or people who were effectively midwives, were delivering all babies. Even when “doctor” became a more formal job, births were still nearly always attended by midwives. At some point, though, especially in the U.S., that changed. Midwifery attendance went way, way down, although it's starting to see an uptick. And it's because the data supports that there are benefits to having a midwife rather than having a doctor at birth, that spontaneous vaginal birth — birth without a vacuum or forceps — increases in the care of a midwife. Cesarean sections decrease, and so do episiotomies.Today on ParentData, we're joined by Ann Ledbetter, a certified nurse-midwife, to help us understand why. We talk about differences and similarities between midwives and OBs and doulas, epidurals, home births, and the difference between health care in the U.S. and elsewhere. And we also take time to talk about the holistic process of birth and how cool it is. Subscribe to ParentData.org for free access to new articles every week on data-driven pregnancy and parenting.ParentData is generously supported by: Honeycomb Skylight (Use code PARENTDATA for 15% off your Calendar purchase!) StrollerCoaster podcast Whole Foods Market

Gymnast and Olympic gold-medalist Shawn Johnson describes the panic of international emergencies, advocating for your children in French, and why she hopes her kids never become gymnasts themselves.Subscribe to ParentData.org for free access to new articles every week on data-driven pregnancy and parenting.

Emily Oster, a renowned expert on pregnancy and parenting, takes center stage to celebrate a year of insightful discussions. She answers community questions with wit and knowledge, creating an interactive game-show vibe. Topics include navigating the back-to-school transition, the growing trend of non-intervention births, and managing health challenges during pregnancy. Oster also touches on the dynamics of parenting five-year-old boys, emphasizing teamwork and the importance of open dialogue about discomfort and risk in children's development.

Caitlin Murray, a social media influencer known for her parenting insights, dives into the relatable worries parents face. She humorously examines the fear of rare childhood illnesses and acknowledges the absurdity of late-night googling about them. Caitlin explores reframing anxiety, using improbable scenarios like meteor strikes to shift perspectives. The conversation captures the challenges of family communication and how humor can help navigate the chaotic world of parenting.

In this discussion, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of *The Anxious Generation*, tackles the hot-button issue of smartphones and their effects on youth mental health. He critiques the rush to blame phones for rising depression rates among teens, especially girls. The conversation dives into the decline of free play and its correlation with mental health issues. Haidt also emphasizes the need for rigorous research to differentiate between correlation and causation regarding technology's impact, urging parents to reconsider their approaches to smartphone use.

Chelsea Sodaro, a champion triathlete and mother, shares her journey of balancing competitive sports with parenting. She humorously discusses the absurd anxieties new parents face, particularly around trivial choices like baby wipes. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as they debate the necessity of wipe warmers and share potty training triumphs. Chelsea also touches on the emotional connections kids have with potty training and the importance of making sports fun for children, showcasing the lighter side of parenting in the midst of chaos.

Jessica Grose, a New York Times journalist, shares insights from her survey on parents' concerns over kids' screen time. Dr. Michael Rich, a pediatrician and digital wellness expert, advocates for mentoring children in their use of technology. They discuss the importance of modeling healthy screen habits and promoting open conversations. The conversation also covers the balance of technology in education, the value of engaging with children's media interests, and the need for responsible digital interactions to foster well-being and social development.

Dr. Flo Rosen, a former pediatrician turned grandma influencer, shares her wisdom on modern parenting. She discusses the challenges parents face today, especially vaccine hesitancy and sleep training issues. Dr. Rosen also highlights the unique bond between generations, emphasizing the role of supportive grandparents. With a humorous take on the anxieties of parenting in the digital age, she addresses how misinformation complicates decisions for families. Her insights provide a warm reminder that every child's journey is unique and filled with love.

Jessica Grose, a New York Times reporter focusing on education and parenting, dives deep into the role of screens in children's lives. She shares insights from her recent survey on kids' screen usage, sparking a discussion about the balance between digital tools and classroom distractions. The conversation touches on concerns about attention spans and social skills affected by technology. Grose emphasizes the importance of preparing educators for effective tech integration, exploring the need for collaborative solutions with parents for better outcomes.