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Episode 4 – It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?

January 21, 2026

Featuring: Becky Ford

Summary

Remember when parents didn’t coordinate playdates like military operations? Parenting a five-year-old is hard. Parenting a five-year-old as a Gen Xer surrounded by millennial parents is… an experience. In this episode, I sit down with another Gen Xer who’s raising a five-year-old among millennial parents. We unpack how freedom became a liability, technology became a third parent, and why letting kids roam—even a little—now feels like a radical act.

Takeaways

  • Parenting has evolved significantly from the Gen X era to now
  • Technology and social media have changed how parents monitor their children.
  • Participation trophies are a controversial topic among parents.
  • There’s a balance between giving children independence and ensuring their safety.
  • Gen X parents often reflect on their own upbringing when raising their children.
  • Modern parenting involves more communication and involvement.
  • The concept of ‘helicopter parenting’ is more prevalent today.
  • Parents today have more resources but also face more societal pressure.
  • The role of schools in parenting has changed over the years.
  • There’s a debate on the impact of modern parenting trends on children’s resilience.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Parenting Evolution

Overview of how parenting has changed from the Gen X era to today.

00:05:00 Technology and Social Media’s Impact

Discussion on how technology and social media have transformed parenting practices.

00:10:00 Participation Trophies Debate

Exploration of the controversial topic of participation trophies and their impact on children.

00:15:00 Balancing Independence and Safety

Insights into how parents balance giving children independence while ensuring their safety.

00:20:00 Gen X vs. Millennial Parenting

Comparative analysis of parenting styles between Gen X and millennial parents.

00:25:00 The Rise of Helicopter Parenting

Examination of the increase in helicopter parenting and its effects.

00:30:00 The Role of Schools in Today’s Parenting

Discussion on how the role of schools in parenting has evolved over the years.

00:35:00 Resilience and Modern Parenting

Debate on the impact of modern parenting trends on children’s resilience.

Keywords

parenting, Gen X, millennials, participation trophies, technology, social media, independence, safety, supervision, freedom