Kids don’t need to watch the news to feel it. They hear things at school, catch clips online, overhear adult conversations, and suddenly you’re getting hit with questions at the dinner table like: “Is our family safe?” or “Why are people doing that?”

In Season 2, Episode 7 of The SocialDad Podcast, James sits down with Eric for a calm, practical conversation about helping kids process heavy headlines in an age-appropriate way. They cover how to respond when your child brings up topics like immigration enforcement and detention in the U.S. (ICE), the “Epstein files” chatter kids may overhear, and war abroad. You’ll get simple scripts, “pocket phrases” you can use on the spot, and a clear approach for keeping the conversation open without overwhelming your child.

They also dig into the tech side of it all: how algorithms and short-form video can amplify fear, what trends are shaping social media right now, a quick Apple update, and a few genuinely hopeful stories to end on a better note.

If this episode helps, you can support the show by leaving a review, sharing it with another parent, or visiting BuyMeaCoffee.com/SocialDad.

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

Today we’re saying the quiet parent thoughts out loud. 🙃

From “Dads aren’t babysitters” to “your kid doesn’t need a perfect childhood, they need a soft place to fall apart,” we’re running through a whole slate of spicy-but-kind hot takes about modern parenting.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why “back in my day…” advice doesn’t always work for kids growing up with iPads and group chats

• The difference between gentle parenting and zero boundaries

• Toddler meltdowns, public judgment, and what our reactions are teaching our kids

• Screens as survival tools vs screens as babysitters

• Red flags in kids’ products and “smart” toys

• The pressure to be a “content creator” parent while staying sane and keeping your kids’ privacy intact

If you’ve ever reheated the same coffee three times and questioned everything you’re doing as a parent, you’re in the right place.