Parenting Like It’s 1996 in a 2026 World

In this solo episode, I reflect on how parenting has changed since the 90s, and not always for the better. This episode is not about going backward or rejecting progress. It is about blending what we know now about emotions and development with what used to work well, giving kids space, time, and trust to grow.

I explore how constant comparison, nonstop information, overscheduling, and screens have shifted parenting toward fear and control, often leaving parents exhausted and kids overwhelmed. I share why boredom matters, why independence is built in small moments, and how parenting feels lighter when it is guided by values instead of perfection.

In this episode, I talk about:

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Why independence is a skill kids build through small, age-appropriate freedoms

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Why bullying feels heavier now, and how protecting home as a safe space matters

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How overscheduling crowds out confidence, creativity, and rest

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Why boredom is not a problem, but a skill kids need to practice

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A values-based approach to screens, using them intentionally instead of automatically

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Why errands, car rides, and everyday moments are real opportunities for growth

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Why doing less can help both kids and parents feel calmer and more confident

00:00 Parenting Like It’s 1996
01:39 The Park Moment and Independence
02:56 Fear, Comparison, and Information Overload
05:45 Overscheduling and the Loss of Boredom
07:16 Screens Then vs Screens Now
11:15 Why Boredom Builds Confidence
13:00 Kids Belong in the Real World
13:58 What Parenting Has Improved
16:09 The Permission to Do Less
17:12 Letting Go of Perfect Parenting

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