The Nuance of Parenting

Are we all just intensive parenting? Have we overcorrected?

Hi friends! This week's episode is all about parenting.. an incredibly nuanced topic that sparked so much conversation we had to split the recording into two parts. We explore why modern parenting feels more overwhelming than ever, the impossible standards parents face, and how we might find a more balanced approach in a culture obsessed with perfection.

Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that parenting discussions can quickly become heated or trigger defensiveness. I certainly don't have anything figured out, and we're simply sharing thoughts we've been exploring. But parenting is a space where nuance is absolutely needed, and we ask for your grace as we explore these ideas—even if you don't completely agree with us, which is more than okay. Different perspectives make these conversations richer and more valuable for everyone. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Most social media posts offer simplified narratives that miss the complex reality parents navigate daily. Below we're diving into the highlights from the episode. To read this entire post, upgrade your subscription.

The Paradox of Modern Parenting

Something I've noticed both as a therapist and as a new mother is that parenting today exists in a strange paradox. We have more information than ever before, but this insane amount knowledge often leads to greater anxiety. During our conversation, Sam observed that we're essentially paranoid to the point of paralysis… there are so many options and approaches, with everyone claiming their way is the only right way.

This paralysis is real. When I became a parent, I thought I'd be immune to this anxiety as therapist. Yet I still found (and find) myself frozen at times, overwhelmed by competing advice and the fear of making a mistake that will harm my daughter. Also, if you want to hear more about my thoughts about parenting, I have a whole other substack dedicated to it!

When Parenting Becomes Public Sport

The way we talk about parenting online has created an impossible bind for modern parents. Consider the case of the parenting influencers, Matt and Abby, and who faced massive backlash after sharing that they'd used a makeshift baby monitor while dining elsewhere on a cruise ship while their toddlers slept in the cabin. The internet erupted in judgment, and the couple later backpedaled completely.