Was there ever really a “golden age”?
In this honest and nostalgic episode, Peta explores how our memories of the past — especially the 1990s — reveal what we’ve lost and what we still long for.
Through stories of her own childhood, reflections on modern parenting, and insights from The Collapse of Parenting by Dr. Leonard Sax and For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, she examines what’s happening to families today.
What’s changed between the childhoods of independence, scraped knees, and neighbourhood adventures — and the over-scheduled, screen-filled, anxiety-ridden parenting of today?
And most importantly — what does Scripture, psychology, and timeless wisdom all agree on about raising strong, joyful, respectful children?
✨ We Talk About:
Why nostalgia is misleading — every era has its darkness (Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self).
The 1990s childhood: independence, freedom, community — and what we can reclaim from it.
How gentle parenting became the dominant modern ideal — and where it goes wrong.
The difference between authoritarian, permissive, gentle, and authoritative parenting.
Why authoritative parenting is the gold standard for confidence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
Dr. Leonard Sax’s research on how soft parenting erodes self-control and respect.
The power of family dinners and everyday rituals in shaping character.
The biblical model of discipline — love with structure, grace with guidance.
Charlotte Mason’s wisdom on raising “whole persons” — children as souls, not projects.
How culture, technology, and feminism have reshaped parenting expectations.
The balance of warmth and authority: “I lead you with love and structure.”
Why “even if you don’t homeschool, you homeschool.”
How formation happens through atmosphere, example, and the spiritual life of the home.
🧩 Key Ideas
Every age has its problems — but our task is to respond faithfully, not romantically.
Children thrive on both connection and correction.
“When parents don’t insist on respect, children don’t learn it.” — Dr. Leonard Sax
Gentle parenting without structure breeds insecurity.
Authoritative parenting blends love, warmth, and clear leadership.
True education forms souls who love truth, beauty, and God.
📖 Scriptures Mentioned
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” — Hebrews 12:11
“Train up a child in the way he should go.” — Proverbs 22:6
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” — Proverbs 1:8–9
📚 Books Mentioned
The Collapse of Parenting — Dr. Leonard Sax
For the Children’s Sake — Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self — Carl R. Trueman
Philosophy of Education — Charlotte Mason
💡 Takeaways
Don’t idealize the past — redeem the present.
Warmth and boundaries are not opposites; they’re both love.
Respect, resilience, and faith are formed in the everyday atmosphere of the home.
“Children are born persons” — and parents are called to guide, not control.
Whether you home school or not, you home school.
🙏 Closing Reflection
“Every age has its dangers. The task of the Christian parent is not to whine about the moment we live in, but to understand it — and respond faithfully.”
❤️ For Listeners
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