The Progressive Parent: Harnessing the Power of Science and Social Justice to Raise Awesome Kids

by Kavin Senapathy

Overview

An evidence-based, social justice–minded exploration of modern parenting, from an award-winning science journalist and cofounder of SciMoms

How can we raise happy, well-adjusted kids today amid so much injustice and uncertainty? This is the question at the heart of the progressive parent’s dilemma. Fortunately, award-winning science journalist Kavin Senapathy has the answers.

In this lively, accessible exploration of modern parenting, Senapathy guides readers through the complex cultural, environmental, economic and political issues facing all families today. Equipped with practical tips and research-driven advice for parents of kids from infancy to early teens, she helps readers build a more fulfilling relationship with their children and themselves by addressing pressing questions such as:

• Is formula feeding okay?
• What is “natural parenting”?
• How much screen time is too much screen time?
• How do I help my children navigate questions around race and gender identity?

Informed by her experiences as a nonbinary parent of color, and filled with a science journalist’s hard-won wisdom, The Progressive Parent is an essential read for any parent or parent-to-be who believes that the values of science, truth, equity and justice should be applied not only individually, but collectively.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780369736239
Publisher:	Hanover Square Press
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Sold by:	HARLEQUIN
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Kavin Senapathy (she/they) is an award-winning science journalist covering parenting, health, and social justice. A sought-after analyst and speaker, Senapathy’s writing has appeared in Slate, SELF, The Daily Beast, Salon, SciShow, Forbes, and more.

Editorial Reviews

07/15/2024

Senapathy, a science journalist and parent of two, presents an underwhelming exploration of how left-leaning parents can raise their children in ways that reflect their values. Senapathy is at their best when examining how social inequities taint traditional parenting guidance. For instance, they contend that breastfeeding’s benefits are often overstated because scientific research on the subject fails to account for the fact that breastfeeding study participants are usually wealthier and better able to afford quality healthcare than their formula-using peers, making it appear that their children’s superior health outcomes are due to breastfeeding when in actuality they reflect breastfeeding parents’ greater resources. Unfortunately, most of the book is devoted to lengthy defenses of progressive stances, crowding out the scant parenting advice. A chapter on race thoroughly debunks the notion that it has any biological basis, but suggestions to “take any opportunity to undermine race in our parenting” and “share power by setting an example” are too vague to be helpful. Parenting barely factors into Senapathy’s measured discussion of nuclear energy’s benefits and condemnation of corporate greenwashing, which concludes with familiar recommendations to recycle and eat less meat. There’s disappointingly little practical guidance, and progressive readers likely already agree with the positions Senapathy spends most of the volume defending. Despite good intentions, this falls short. Agent: Chris Bucci, Aevitas Creative Management. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"Raising children in today's world has never been more confusing. The Progressive Parent addresses and dissects myths surrounding parenting kids of all ages while giving us space to ask the questions we should be asking. The practical advice it offered has made me a better parent."—Kate Swenson, author of Forever Boy

“Senapathy distills the moral pith of today’s issues and applies progressive values to parenting practices that will encourage the well-being of every child.”—Booklist

“[A]n excellent resource.”—Motherhood Moment


"This is the new gold standard for progressive parents who want to raise their kids with core values of empathy and reason. Using their own parenting experiences as a springboard, Senapathy blasts a brain-sized hole through the muzzy white noise of a capitalistic industry that targets parental fears. She applies a scientific eye to such disparate topics as breastfeeding, race, body image, climate change, and chemicals. A free-thinking progressive, she is unafraid to follow the facts, even if they clash with the stance of supposedly progressive and scientific institutions."—Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, author of If It Sounds Like a Quack

From the Publisher

Raising children in today’s world has never been more confusing. The Progressive Parent addresses and dissects myths surrounding parenting kids of all ages while giving us space to ask the questions we should be asking."

author of Forever Boy Kate Swenson