Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
A podcast for parents regarding the health and wellness of their children.
What does it really mean to parent with data—and how do you do it without losing your mind?
Let’s unpack the power and pitfalls of data-driven parenting in a world full of misinformation and clickbait. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by studies, headlines, or trying to “do it right,” this episode will bring clarity, nuance, and a whole lot of reassurance.
Today, I’m joined by Emily Oster, an economist and NYT best-selling author, to discuss:
To connect with Emily Oster follow her on Instagram @profemilyoster and check out all her resources at parentdata.org
00:00 – Introduction to Emily Oster
02:49 – How Emily Got Started in Parenting Data
04:16 – The Promise and Limits of Data-Driven Parenting
07:02 – Sleep, Solids, and the Complexity of Parenting Choices
08:08 – Honesty About Data Limitations
09:02 – When the Data Doesn’t Exist
10:09 – Media Panic & Screen Time Headlines
11:27 – Building Data Literacy as a Parent
13:32 – The Rise of Pseudoscience & Misinformation
14:55 – How to Tell If a Study Is Legitimate
16:28 – Parasite Cleanses & Misused Studies
19:03 – Competing With Clickbait
22:27 – Vaccine Conversations & Honest Health Communication
24:25 – The Hope for a Nuanced Future
27:01 – How to Stay Informed Without Overwhelm
29:00 – Parenting as a Process of Figuring It Out
30:08 – What Really Feels Overwhelming
33:08 – Trusting Lived Experience Over Data Alone
34:12 – The Search for Certainty vs. Embracing the Mess
35:48 – You’re Not Going to Mess Up Your Kid
37:59 – Closing & Where to Find Emily
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Need help? We’ve got you covered.
All information presented on this blog, my Instagram, and my podcast is for educational purposes and should not be taken as personal medical advice. These platforms are to educate and should not replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider who is evaluating a patient.
It is the responsibility of the guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer or hospitals I may be affiliated with.
