The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne #96: Social Obesity (updated)
Jun 16, 2020
They discuss the idea of 'social obesity' and how too many shallow activities overload children. Short, scattered social time is compared to empty-calorie food for relationships. Fewer, better-planned interactions are shown to boost anticipation, investment, and real problem-solving skills. Practical guidance is offered to prevent social overstuffing so kids can absorb and benefit from social life.
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Social Obesity As A Concept
- Children today suffer from "social obesity": too many shallow social engagements that overwhelm them.
- Like empty calories, plentiful but low-nutrition social events leave children wanting more and unable to absorb meaning.
Kids Need Time To Digest Social Experiences
- Rapid back-to-back social events prevent children from processing or "digesting" their experiences.
- Without time to absorb one interaction, children arrive at the next engagement emotionally overloaded and less nourished.
Behavior As A Sign Of Overload
- Overloaded children often show challenging behavior because they expel what they cannot process.
- Emotional overflow from too many engagements can appear as antsy, stubborn, or sullen behavior.
