Picky Eating, Sleep Training & Potty Training: Parenting Myths Debunked w/ Professor Emily Oster

In this episode of the Raising Good Humans podcast, Dr. Aliza Pressman interviews economist Emily Oster, founder of ParentData.org, to debunk common parenting myths and anxieties. They discuss the misconception that rushing children causes lifelong anxiety, the pressure to perfectly rotate toys, and the debate around praise, emphasizing the importance of parental mental health and realistic expectations. Oster provides data-driven insights on toddler behavior, including hitting and picky eating, and addresses concerns about sleep training and co-sleeping, advocating for decisions that work best for individual families without undue stress. The conversation also covers the nuances of rewards in habit formation, sibling relationships, and practical advice for parents to filter information and reduce panic.