The world has changed so much, but the tenets of timeless parenting haven't changed one bit.

Our culture tends to treat childhood like a race. But the push to meet academic benchmarks at younger and younger ages is counterproductive to how a child's brain naturally develops. And when parents overschedule their children because they're afraid they'll be left behind, they may be robbing them of the downtime they need to thrive.

On today's show world-renowned child psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff dive into how to raise healthy, happy children without burning out -- and without relying on the latest "educational" gadgets.

Here's a preview:

[5:15] Smart phones, AI, oh my: The fundamental needs of children haven't changed, even if technology has

[15:00] How to ignore the very-real temptation to get our kids "ahead"

[19:45] Unrealistic expectations characterize much of the "academic" toys on the market. Here's how to spot them

[25:00] The research is clear: Kids need more downtime. Extracurriculars aren't downtime!

[34:00] Your new parenting mantra: "Reflect, Resist, Recenter"

Resources mentioned:

• Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
• Trouble in Toyland 2025: A.I. bots and toxics present hidden dangers (via PIRG)
• Kathy and Roberta on Instagram
• Book clubs are scheduled!

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