Raising Parents with Emily Oster

Emily Oster, a Brown University economics professor and author known for her data-driven approach to parenting, joins Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code. Together, they tackle the intricacies of midlife, from managing household and career pressures to navigating perimenopause. Their upbeat conversation also addresses the need for open communication about health and intimacy, while sharing humorous takes on aging aches. They advocate for pursuing personal goals and embracing simplicity, making midlife a meaningful journey.

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and father of five, and Bryan Caplan, an economics professor and author, dive into the shifting landscape of parenthood. They discuss how historical factors have influenced current fertility rates, revealing a global decline in births. The conversation challenges the stereotypes around parenting, weighing societal norms against personal choice. They also highlight the economic implications of fewer children and reflect on the pressures parents face today. Ultimately, they question the personal and societal values tied to family planning.

Melissa Kearney, an Economics professor and author of "The Two-Parent Privilege," joins Abby McCloskey, a seasoned policy advisor, and Philip Cohen, a sociology professor, to discuss the evolving role of marriage in America. They explore how marriage trends correlate with family structure and economic inequality. The conversation highlights that while two-parent families often provide advantages, the quality of parenting is crucial. They also delve into how government policies can impact family dynamics and suggest the need for systemic reforms to support diverse family models.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explores the detrimental effects of smartphones on children’s mental health, linking excessive usage to anxiety and depression. Johann Hari discusses focus issues, suggesting that constant phone interruptions contribute to cognitive decline. Ben Halpert advocates for online safety education, while Hannah Ortele pushes for delayed smartphone adoption to enhance childhood development. The conversation challenges parents to rethink their approaches and consider healthier technology relationships for their kids.

Richard Reeves, a writer and scholar focused on boys' education, joins psychoanalyst Erica Komisar, journalist Hanna Rosin, and author Christine Emba to discuss the alarming educational decline of boys. They explore the behavioral challenges boys face in a system tailored for girls, the implications of economic shifts on male roles, and the pressing need for positive male role models. Topics also include redefining masculinity, the impact of fewer male teachers, and the broader societal consequences of these trends.

In this engaging discussion, child psychiatrist Sami Timimi explores the surge in ADHD diagnoses, while journalist Abigail Shrier critiques the impact of achievement culture on mental health. Dr. Gabrielle Carlson offers insights on the complexities of children's mental health, and psychoanalyst Erica Komisar highlights the importance of attentive parenting. Journalist Jennifer Wallace warns against the consequences of overmedicating our youth, questioning whether we are pathologizing normal childhood experiences. Together, they challenge the current mental health landscape for children.

Robert Davis, a health policy expert and author of "Supersized Lies," and Pamela Druckerman, an American journalist in France and author of "Bringing Up Bébé," dive into the alarming rise of childhood obesity. They discuss the recent approval of weight-loss drugs for kids and the mixed messages surrounding nutrition. The conversation contrasts American and French approaches to feeding children, highlighting the importance of whole foods. The episode advocates for open discussions about body image and nutrition, urging a cultural shift towards healthier eating habits.

Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist known for her connection-driven parenting approach, joins Hal Chaffee, a father and blogger, and journalist Abigail Shrier, author of "Bad Therapy," to discuss the evolving landscape of child discipline. They explore whether gentle parenting has swung too far, potentially leading to permissiveness. The guests debate the efficacy of spanking compared to contemporary methods and reflect on how societal shifts impact parenting strategies, emphasizing emotional understanding versus traditional discipline techniques.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, discusses the alarming decline in children's independence, linking it to rising mental health issues. Tim Carney, author of 'Family Unfriendly,' highlights how contemporary culture complicates parenting, emphasizing traditional values. Lenore Skenazy, a proponent of free-range parenting, advocates for unsupervised play and its benefits. Together, they explore the consequences of over-parenting, the importance of fostering autonomy, and how societal fears have shaped modern parenting, revealing that embracing independence may enhance kids' well-being.

Delve into the complexities of modern parenting, tackling common potty training pitfalls and providing dietary tips for infants. Explore the importance of informed choices amidst societal pressures, focusing on issues like childhood obesity and the effects of social media on young minds. Discover the evolving roles of parents in today's world and get valuable expert insights to navigate these challenges with confidence.