Season 1 Ep. 26 - Modern Parenthood - with Mariel and Josh

In this episode, Mariel and Josh dive into the multifaceted journey of parenting, exploring the challenges and transformations that come with the role. They emphasize the critical importance of allowing children to face challenges and hardships to develop resilience and anti-fragility. By sharing personal experiences and insights, they highlight how overprotection can hinder a child's ability to navigate the world, stressing that some adversity is necessary for growth.

The discussion also touches on the impact of emotional disregulation, particularly in individuals who have faced grief at a young age. Mariel and Josh explore the balance parents must strike between caring for their children and granting them autonomy, especially during adolescence. They delve into the significance of understanding and adapting to children’s developmental stages to foster healthy, connected relationships.

A major theme in the conversation is the necessity for parents to maintain their own identities and interests outside of their parenting roles. Mariel shares her experiences balancing work with the Mental Health Foundation and being a mother, discussing the value of being fully present with her child while pursuing her career. Josh and Mariel agree on the importance of demonstrating to children that they are not the sole focus of a parent's life, which in turn helps children develop independence.

The pair also discuss the importance of allowing children to take risks and learn through experiences, referencing the book "The Anxious Generation," which explores the shift from play-based to screen-based childhood and its impact on mental health. They debate the need for children to engage in unsupervised play to develop social and emotional skills, while balancing the potential dangers of the modern digital world.

Mariel and Josh emphasize the significance of learning through trial and error in parenting. They encourage parents to seek support from other parents and professionals, highlighting the value of community and shared experiences. They also introduce a future initiative to create a video reel of parents sharing their struggles and learnings anonymously, fostering a supportive and understanding community.

Join Mariel and Josh as they navigate the complexities of parenting in a rapidly changing world, offering valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for fostering resilience, maintaining balance, and promoting healthy emotional development in children.