On this episode of 'Other People's Parenting' hosted by mother daughter duo Karen Quinn (New York Times best selling author of The Ivy Chronicles , founder of Habit Coach and Testing Mom) and Schuyler Hurwitz (amateur parent) - we cover Jonathan Haidts popular and controversial book about the dangers of social media on the developing brain.

The focus of this episode is "The Anxious Generation," which highlights the alarming rise in mental health issues among Gen Z. We explain the author's argument that this demographic's heightened anxiety can be attributed to two primary factors: the overprotectiveness of parents and the pervasive influence of smartphones that tether children to digital interactions, inhibiting their engagement in play-based childhood experiences. Throughout our discussion, we reflect on the detrimental impact of constant connectivity and social media on children's development, particularly in relation to their attention spans and emotional well-being. We explore practical recommendations for parents seeking to mitigate these challenges by fostering healthier environments for their children. We emphasize the necessity of encouraging real-world interactions and the cultivation of resilience in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Outline:

The Anxious Generation

1. Overview – 4 parts
2. How childhood has changed and mental illness (depression, anxiety, self-harm) has risen because of 2 trends –
3. Over-protection in the real world – kids used to play freely after school/weekends – learned to socialize, problem solve, make friends
4. Under-protection in the virtual world
5. The harms that have resulted from new phone-based childhoods (beginning in 1990) – kids getting smart phones with access to the internet, constant notifications, social media, online video gaming
6. What to do to reverse the damage
7. How to work together to fix the problem
8. Part 2 – the decline of play-based childhoods
9. In-person play is critical to childhood development – without it, children will be socially, cognitively, emotionally impaired – need free play with kids of many ages where there is some physical risk teaches children to look after themselves, handle emotions, take turns, resolve conflicts, socialize. (“Play based childhood”)
10. As language develops in the first 5 years of life, cultural/social learning develops at ages 9 – 15 and this learning window closes at puberty.
11. If they get a smartphone at 10-11, they’re getting socialized into Instagram, tik tok, games instead of through real life friendships and experiences. They learn what’s desired / how to talk, behave, emote by posts that get...

On this episode of 'Other People's Parenting' hosted by mother daughter duo Karen Quinn (New York Times best selling author of The Ivy Chronicles , founder of Habit Coach and Testing Mom) and Schuyler Hurwitz (amateur parent) - we learn how the French teach their kids to enjoy, appreciate, and be adventurous about food!

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the examination of "French Kids Eat Everything," a parenting book authored by Karen Le Billon, which explains the French methods in instilling healthy eating habits in children from a young age. We delve into the cultural contrasts between French and North American approaches to food, particularly noting how French children are encouraged to embrace a varied diet without the fussiness commonly observed among their American counterparts. The discussion highlights the significance of structured meal times and the philosophical ideas that govern the French relationship with food, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to appreciate nourishment rather than using it as an emotional crutch. Throughout the episode, we share personal anecdotes and reflections on parenting practices, illustrating the challenges and triumphs experienced while attempting to foster healthier eating habits. Ultimately, we advocate for the principles outlined in the book as valuable insights for any parent seeking to cultivate a positive relationship between their children and food.

12:20 The comedian who said this was Ronnie Cheng.

26:20 The story about kids pecking food off the floor happened in this book- not Bringing Up Bèbè.

Takeaways:

1. In the podcast episode, we explore the principles outlined in the book 'French Kids Eat Everything,' which emphasizes teaching children to embrace a diverse range of food from an early age.
2. The author discusses the contrasting approaches between American and French parenting regarding food, highlighting the belief that exposure to different foods fosters healthier eating habits.
3. Central to the discussion is the idea that French children are encouraged to accept new foods through repeated exposure, often requiring as many as fifteen attempts before acceptance.
4. The podcast delves into the cultural significance of meal times in France, where eating is regarded as a ceremonial event, fostering a deeper appreciation for food and social interaction.
5. Listeners learn that French parents typically maintain structured meal times, which helps children develop a healthy relationship with food, reducing impulsive eating behaviors.
6. The episode concludes with a recommendation for parents to adopt some of these French principles to cultivate healthier eating habits in their own children, emphasizing the importance of variety and exposure.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. testingmom.com

Companies mentioned in this episode: