Being a parent can be a tough job. There’s no guidebook, no rulebook, no nothing. And in a world where the only constant seems to be change, it’s no wonder that sometimes we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and downright lost.
But fear not, my friends, because there’s a resource out there that can help you navigate the choppy waters of parenthood. I’m talking about TED Talks. That’s right, those little nuggets of wisdom that we all know and love.
In case you missed it, there’s an article making the rounds – 8 TED Talks Every Parent Should Watch Now. And let me tell you, these talks are gold. But there is much more wisdom out there that can help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.
So, in the interest of helping you become the best parent you can be, I am excited to share the sequel to that must-read article: 8 MORE TED Talks Every Parent Needs to Watch NOW.
Let’s jump straight in.
1. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown:
This talk explores the importance of vulnerability in forming connections with others and building empathy. As parents, being vulnerable with our children can help strengthen our relationships and create a more supportive family environment. When we model vulnerability for our children, we help them to become the confident, courageous, and resilient people that we all want them to be.
I’ve got one of Brene’s books on my reading list this year. So excited to read it.
2. “5 Parenting Tips for Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant Kids” by Tameka Montgomery:
Do you want to raise children who step outside their comfort zones and unlock their inner potential? Mother of three boys and business owner Tameka Montgomery believes it all starts with helping them develop a resilient mindset. In her inspirational TED Talk, she makes a case for cultivating an entrepreneurial outlook early in life. She shares five strategies for encouraging young minds to embrace opportunities and become problem solvers, no matter their path.
Her book Beyond The Lemonade Stand definitely goes on my reading list.
3. “To raise brave girls, encourage adventure” by Caroline Paul:
In this TED talk, Caroline Paul has an important message for parents – if you want to raise brave, confident and competent girls, you must encourage them to be adventurous and take risks. She shares her own experiences as a firefighter, paraglider, and all-around adventurer and discusses how these experiences helped her develop a strong character. Paul believes that we need to teach girls that they can do anything they set their minds to and that they should not be afraid to take risks.
Caroline is the author of two inspirational books for girls: The Gutsy Girl: Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure, and You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World.
4. “5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do” by Gever Tulley:
In this amazing TED talk, Gever Tulley debunks classic myths of childhood safety and argues that the most effective way to keep children safe is to give them a little taste of danger. As a self-described “tinkerer” and “experimenter,” he believes that we need to give our kids the freedom to explore and learn from their mistakes. His list of 5 “dangerous” things we should all let our kids do made me laugh – and think – a lot.
Tulley’s book 50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do) – you guessed it – goes on my reading list!
5. “Every Kid Needs a Champion” by Rita Pierson:
Every child needs a champion. Someone who will see their spark and help them light the world on fire. That’s what Rita Pierson believed. She was a teacher for over 40 years and dedicated her life to helping kids reach their full potential.
In her absolutely fantastic TED Talk, Pierson shares her philosophy on teaching and why believing in every child is so important. She tells stories of the students who inspired her and challenges us to be champions for all kids. Pierson’s talk is a powerful reminder that every child matters.
6. “Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection” by Reshma Saujani:
Reshma Saujani is the Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a national non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.
In her TED Talk, Saujani discusses the pressure that girls often face to be perfect and how this can prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their passions. She offers advice on how parents can encourage their daughters to be brave and take on challenges, even if they don’t feel confident or ready.
Oh yes. Saujani is also the author of Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More and Live Bolder. On my list!
7. “Rethinking Challenging Kids – Where There’s a Skill There’s a Way,” Dr J. Stuart Ablon:
“Kids do well when they can.” That’s the message from Dr J. Stuart Ablon, the Director of Think:Kids program in the Department of Psychiatry at MGH and an expert in child and adolescent mental health.
In this TED talk, Ablon shares his revolutionary approach to helping children with challenging behavour. Instead of punishment and consequences, Ablon advocates for a skill-building approach that helps children learn the skills they need to manage their behaviour (Collaborative Problem Solving, or CPS for short). Through engaging storytelling and practical examples, Ablon illustrates how this approach can transform the lives of kids with challenging behaviour and their families.
He is the author of Changeable, which is on my reading list together with his ex-colleague Dr Ross Greene’s bestseller The Explosive Child.
8. “Child Temperament: How We Start to Become Ourselves” by David Rettew:
This TED talk is brilliant, and I strongly recommend it to EVERY parent.
Here, David Rettew discusses how our children’s temperament shapes their personalities and behaviours and how we can tailor our parenting approach to help them thrive.
This talk made me think a lot, and I’m definitely getting David Rettew’s book Child Temperament for a deep dive into the science of temperament.
So there you have it. 8 MORE TED Talks every parent needs to watch NOW. Trust me, these talks are worth the time investment. They’ll leave you feeling inspired, informed, and better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way as a parent. And your kids will thank you for it (eventually).
Loads of love,
Irina
