Ok. So parenting is draining. Whether you are helping your third teenager through those confusing years, or are in the fourth trimester with your first little one, it’s all tough. I hear you loud and clear.
You know what you need? A little cerebral inspiration. And probably some coffee, but one thing at a time. If you aren’t familiar with Ted Talks, they are videos of lectures, stories, and demonstrations from the annual Ted conference held each year. Top members of their fields speak about what they are passionate about, whether it is oceanography, 3D printing, social justice, or even, yes, parenting. You can find a talk on almost anything you are interested in, but be careful, you will spend your little one’s whole nap time watching videos on the crazy way babies process logic instead of doing the laundry as planned (eh the clothes can wait).
I have compiled one playlist and two separate videos should inject some inspiration into your parenting.
Advice to Help You Be a Great Parent
All ten videos on this playlist are gold. Bruce Feiler discusses his idea to apply the principles of agile software programming to family life for better flexibility, communication, and education—including kids picking their own punishments. Gever Tulley lays out five dangerous things you should be letting your child do and explains how this can positively impact their abilities and self-confidence. In a personal favorite, Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman from Babble.com talk candidly, and hilariously, about parenting taboos and why we should be talking about them.
The Key to Success? Grit
Back when I taught eleventh grade English, I showed this video on the first day of school every year and it always made an impact. Angela Lee Duckworth discusses her research on the one attribute that stands out when looking at success—grit. Turns out, having grit is more important than having a higher IQ. Students who persevere through obstacles and apply new knowledge to problems are more likely to succeed in whatever they try to do. Higher self-esteem, a more positive attitude, and better reaction to change? Sign my kid up for that!
Don’t Eat the Marshmallow!
Ok, you know I had to sneak a super cute video in here somehow! Joachim de Posada shares the classic marshmallow experiment to test delayed gratification and how it acts as a predictor for the child’s success in the future. Not only informative and a great reminder to help our kids stretch their patience, there are some adorable clips of kids fighting the urge to snatch that marshmallow!
Bookmark these links and the next time you have a spare few minutes (I know you’re laughing, but just keep it in mind), take a look at one of these videos or explore the dozens of topics on the Ted website. Remember that even if you don’t agree with everything these speakers say, there is always something to roll around in your head and give you a fresh perspective on this whole parenting thing. Who knows, you may just end up completely addicted to these videos and finding yourself talking about teeny tiny rocket powered robots to your toddler. Not that I do that, of course.
