ParentData with Emily Oster

Comedian and NPR mainstay Ophira Eisenberg wrestles with changing her kid’s school, and how to clean slime.Subscribe to ParentData.org for free access to new articles every week on data-driven pregnancy and parenting.

Dr. Mathilde Ross, a psychiatrist, discusses teenage mental health crisis and overreaction by parents. She emphasizes the importance of granting independence to teens, balancing parental involvement, and fostering children's autonomy. The podcast challenges alarmist attitudes and highlights critical mental health issues.

Have you ever panic-Googled a parenting question late at night? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us turn to that little search bar whenever fear or confusion strikes. On these ParentData mini-episodes, starting today, you’ll hear from some familiar names about the questions keeping them up at night, and how data can help.First up: actress Claire Holt and the difference between night terrors and nightmares (hopefully not about vampires).

Toddler and preschooler sleep consultant Jessica Berk joins to discuss strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits in older kids, including transitioning out of cribs, setting boundaries, and addressing common challenges like nighttime disturbances. The importance of consistent bedtime routines for children's well-being and tips for handling sleep issues are also explored, emphasizing the need for personalized solutions and effective strategies for parents and kids.

Book launch alert! We’re so proud to announce that “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is hitting the shelves April 30! Today on ParentData, Emily’s co-author, OB/GYN Dr. Nate Fox, returns to discuss the process of co-writing between two self-professed people-who-hate-group-projects, as well as how to have conversations with your doctor about pregnancy risks - and even just the whole idea of risk itself. Pick up a copy of “The Unexpected” wherever books are sold. And subscribe to ParentData.org for free access to new articles every week on data-driven pregnancy and parenting.

Hiring a doula for your birth is, quite simply, a great idea. They’re non-clinical, cost-effective, and, as many mothers will attest, one of the most valuable parts of the experience - a value that is supported by data. The decision to have one should be pretty easy. But actually crafting policy that captures that value is hard. Today on ParentData, we’re welcoming New York State Senator Samra Brouk, who is doing just that. Senator Brouk spearheaded an effort in New York to get doula services covered by Medicaid (which they now are, as of January 2024!). She explains her love of data, why doulas are important for maternal health - especially for Black women - and how to convince your older, perhaps non-doula-using colleagues that these issues matter. Subscribe to ParentData.org for free access to new articles every week on data-driven pregnancy and parenting.

Dr. Becky and Emily Oster discuss the impact of Abigail Shrier's book 'Bad Therapy' on parenting, emphasizing the need for authority while maintaining a same-team approach with kids. They explore the balance between empathy and boundaries, empowering parents in child therapy, and navigating family dynamics. The podcast highlights the importance of fostering independence and resilience in children for their growth and confidence.

Author Jennifer Traig discusses the evolution of parenting trends throughout history, from ancient Rome to Dr. Spock. Topics include contrasting parenting practices, historical feeding methods, and the influence of figures like Martin Luther Emmett Holt and John Bratas Watson. The podcast showcases the cyclical nature of parenting fads and emphasizes the diversity in parenting styles across different time periods.

The podcast explores the importance of community in raising children, especially after the pandemic. Rabbi Sharon Brous talks about finding your people, whether through faith or not, who show up for you in both good and bad times. It emphasizes the power of authentic connections and the impact of loneliness on mental health.

Dr. Gillian Goddard, a women's health expert, discusses birth control post-reproductive years. Topics include hormones, IUDs, and surgeries. Explore risks, benefits, and trade-offs of contraception options in the long-term.