What did old-school parenting get right—and what are we missing today because of it?

In Part 1 of this conversation, we take a deep dive into the values that shaped past generations: discipline, grit, respect, and good old-fashioned hard work. We talk about how kids used to be expected to pull their weight, take risks, and build resilience—and how those expectations helped shape character and achievement.

But here’s the tension:

The American Dream used to be built on hustle. Now, it often feels like it’s built on avoiding trauma and chasing personal fulfillment. Have we lost something in the shift?

In this episode, we cover:
- Why structure, boundaries, and consequences created safer, more grounded kids
- How grit and responsibility were once non-negotiables
- The role of respect and authority in shaping community
- What’s changed in how we view work, purpose, and success
- The danger of either romanticizing the past or thinking we’ve outgrown it

This is a conversation about values, not just parenting styles—and why many of us are still wrestling with which traditions to hold onto and which to leave behind.

Part 2 drops next week—we’ll dive into the bad and the ugly side of old-school parenting. Don’t miss it!

Text us your thoughts

Support the show

Become an informed, inspired, and confident parent through our courses, live events, and vibrant online community: https://www.balancedfamilies.com/

Start a FREE Trial by May 11 to enter our $1,000 Mother's Day Giveaway!