1985 Parenting, Sturdy Pilots & The AI Scam Targeting Our Parents
Mon Nov 24 2025
Why "Gentle Parenting" is out, "Sturdy Leadership" is in, and how to stop your parents from getting scammed by AI.
This week, the parenting pendulum is swinging back.
We look at the mom who went viral for raising her kids like it’s 1985—no Xbox, no shoes, and definitely no guilt about serving carrots for dinner. Plus, why Dr. Becky Kennedy says it’s time to stop being "gentle" and start being a "sturdy pilot" when our kids hit turbulence.
It’s a heavy week for news, too. We discuss the reality for families with trans kids right now, and the heartbreaking vigil in Sault Ste. Marie for fathers fighting to see their children.
Finally, we talk about the other people we take care of: our parents. The world shrinks as you get older, and loneliness is a killer. We look at:
AI Companions: Why robot friends like ElliQ aren't as dystopian as they sound.
Mental Health: How Total Life is getting seniors into therapy without the stigma.
The Grandparent Scam: AI voice cloning is terrifyingly good. We explain how it works and the one "safe word" trick that stops it cold.
Tech Support: Why you should stop fixing their printer and send them to a "Today at Apple" session instead.
Links & Resources:
Total Life - Therapy for Seniors
Today at Apple Sessions
Newsweek: The Mom Parenting Like It's 1985
SooToday: Equal Parenting Vigil
Find more at SocialDad.ca
More
Why "Gentle Parenting" is out, "Sturdy Leadership" is in, and how to stop your parents from getting scammed by AI. This week, the parenting pendulum is swinging back. We look at the mom who went viral for raising her kids like it’s 1985—no Xbox, no shoes, and definitely no guilt about serving carrots for dinner. Plus, why Dr. Becky Kennedy says it’s time to stop being "gentle" and start being a "sturdy pilot" when our kids hit turbulence. It’s a heavy week for news, too. We discuss the reality for families with trans kids right now, and the heartbreaking vigil in Sault Ste. Marie for fathers fighting to see their children. Finally, we talk about the other people we take care of: our parents. The world shrinks as you get older, and loneliness is a killer. We look at: AI Companions: Why robot friends like ElliQ aren't as dystopian as they sound. Mental Health: How Total Life is getting seniors into therapy without the stigma. The Grandparent Scam: AI voice cloning is terrifyingly good. We explain how it works and the one "safe word" trick that stops it cold. Tech Support: Why you should stop fixing their printer and send them to a "Today at Apple" session instead. Links & Resources: Total Life - Therapy for Seniors Today at Apple Sessions Newsweek: The Mom Parenting Like It's 1985 SooToday: Equal Parenting Vigil Find more at SocialDad.ca