TED: For parents, happiness is a very high bar | Jennifer Senior

The video explores the complexities of modern parenting, highlighting the anxiety and confusion parents face today. It discusses historical shifts in parenting roles, the pursuit of happiness for children, and the challenges of balancing new family roles. The speaker suggests focusing on raising productive and moral children rather than solely aiming for happiness, emphasizing the need for new norms in parenting.

What is the main reason the speaker sees anxiety instead of help when looking at parenting books?

• The books are too colorful.

• The books are outdated.

• The books offer conflicting advice.

• The books are too expensive.

How did the role of children change during the Progressive Era?

• Children started working more in factories.

• Children began to earn more money for their families.

• Children were sent to work overseas.

• Children were recognized as having rights and child labor was banned.

What is one of the main challenges of modern parenting according to the speaker?

• Too much free time for children.

• Lack of access to educational resources.

• Over-reliance on technology.

• Pressure to prepare children for every possible future.

What does the speaker imply about the role of extracurricular activities in modern parenting?

• They are a waste of time.

• They are the new form of work for children.

• They are only for wealthy families.

• They are unnecessary for children's development.

What does the speaker suggest is a reason for parenthood feeling like a crisis today?

• Parents have too much free time.

• Parents are not interested in their children's education.

• There are no clear norms for parenting roles.

• Children are more independent.

Which country is mentioned as having no paid maternity leave policy along with the United States?

• Papua New Guinea

• Sweden

• Germany

• Canada

What is the one goal upon which all parents can agree, according to the speaker?

• Children's education

• Children's independence

• Children's wealth

• Children's happiness

Why does the speaker believe focusing solely on children's happiness is problematic?

• It places an unfair burden on both parents and children.

• It is too easy to achieve.

• It is not supported by research.

• It is not a popular goal.

What does the speaker suggest as a more virtuous goal than happiness for children?

• Focusing on children's wealth

• Focusing on children's productivity and morality

• Focusing on children's independence

• Focusing on children's education

What does the speaker suggest is a better approach to parenting in the absence of new scripts?

• Following the latest parenting trends

• Ignoring societal expectations

• Focusing solely on academic success

• Relying on traditional values like decency and work ethic