E11: The Anxious Generation (aka the clock episode)

Welcome to the 11th episode of Four Old College Friends. We're old college friends, now in our 40s, getting together to talk about life.

This episode was recorded on Friday, September 6, 2024. After not recording for a few months, we spend the first 7 minutes catching up about back to school, then we talk about how technology is affecting our kids' mental health, how worried we should be when we send our kids out into the world, and we wrap up with some intentions for the school year.

We're excited to feature music from Chic Bangs. Visit https://chicbangs.com/ to learn more.

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Show Notes:

00:30 How is everyone doing with the kids back in school? Jessica has 2 girls in elementary school, 2nd and 4th grade. Lauren moved from downtown Philly to the Jersey suburbs and oldest started high school in the suburbs while her younger one is finishing middle school in the city. Deanna's oldest started college at our alma mater (We Are!) with her younger in middle school. Adrienne's oldest started college at a PSU rival with two younger ones at home

05:45 What team do you cheer for when your kid goes to a rival of your old school?

07:30 We talk about schools and technology, including cell phone bans, the specific policies our schools are implementing. and our feelings about them. What technology does your school provide - chromebooks, macbooks, PCs, and do you have to pay for them? There are too many distractions in the classroom

15:00 The Anxious Generation by Jonathon Haidt

16:20 - Giving kids freedom and independence. Jessica sends her kid out with a clock! If your 4th grader goes out without a phone and has an emergency… are you more or less inclined to give her a phone in the future? Is the world safe or dangerous? When do kids become independent?

23:45 Prepping for the apocalypse. Call Cosette or Alex.

27:20 Ending with one question: what are your goals for the school year? Lauren's is to survive. Deanna's is to play more pickleball and be present in the moments. Jessica wants to work more. And Adrienne wants to push independence in school work and spend quality time with Cici.

33:00 Going out with Chic Bangs's song Focus. Enjoy!