Modern Parenting Turns Kids Into Achievements

Emily Oster argues today’s pressure comes from achievement culture, where parents try to optimize children like another success metric they can win.

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Episode notes

Parenting today feels like navigating endless advice while quietly wondering if you’re doing any of it right.

Jay sits down with bestselling author and economist Emily Oster to unpack one of the most overwhelming journeys many people will ever face: becoming a parent. In a world filled with endless advice, social media pressure, and conflicting research, parenting can start to feel like a test you’re constantly failing. Emily offers a refreshing, data-driven perspective that helps parents cut through the noise, separating real evidence from the myths that fuel unnecessary anxiety. From pregnancy and fertility to sleep training and screen time, this conversation reveals what truly matters and what parents can finally let go of.

Together, Jay and Emily challenge many of the parenting beliefs we’ve accepted without question. They explore why modern parents feel so overwhelmed by information and expectations, when the data actually shows there are many “right” ways to raise a child. Emily breaks down how correlation is often mistaken for causation in parenting advice and how that misunderstanding quietly drives guilt, fear, and comparison. Whether it’s breastfeeding versus formula, screen time, sleep training, or developmental milestones, Emily encourages parents to move away from perfection and toward confident, thoughtful decision-making.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to Stop Overthinking Parenting Decisions

How to Decide What Parenting Advice to Ignore

How to Choose the Sleep Strategy That Works for Your Family

How to Raise Kids with a Growth Mindset

How to Plan Parenting Decisions Before Problems Arise

How to Let Go of the Pressure to Parent Perfectly

Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially in a world filled with endless advice, opinions, and expectations. The truth is, raising a child isn’t about getting every small decision perfectly right, it’s about showing up with love, care, and intention, day after day.

Emily’s book, Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know, offers guidance through pregnancy and motherhood. Grab a copy now.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:39 Why Does Parenting Feel Harder Today?

04:06 What the Data Really Says About Parenting

05:24 Don’t Trust This Fertility Advice!

07:56 What Affects Sperm Health