Every generation has had its distinct parenting challenges, and in response to those challenges, novel parenting styles and philosophies and mantras have been touted as the antidote to those challenges. In my book, three of today’s distinct parenting challenges are covid, social media and climate change, and very few parents seem to be coping all that well, understandably.

Having kids isn’t just about the kids. It’s about signing up to be a Parent, and an active participant in Parenting culture, which to me, looks pretty savage and downright miserable most of the time. The words “competitive sport” come to mind. I fully believe people can love their kids and simultaneously hate the role of Parent.

In this episode, I explore why covid, social media and climate change make 2021 an especially sucky time to be a parent, and make me more grateful than ever to live kidfree.