Science podcasts instead of bedtime stories: How academia influences parenting and vice versa

Science podcasts instead of bedtime stories: How academia influences parenting and vice versa  - by Roohi Ghosh

Recently, my son, Kabir, has developed a new habit—listening to science podcasts in bed instead of a bedtime story. This got me thinking: while this behavior may not necessarily be typical of children of all academic parents, is there a connection between academia and the way those of us in academic careers approach parenting? Does experience in academia shape how we raise curious, intellectually engaged children? Conversely, how does the experience of parenting influence our scholarly work and perspectives? What are the challenges and opportunities that arise at the intersection of academia and parenting? 

The Intersection: How It Feels for the Child 

Academic professionals are trained to dig deeply into questions, uncover evidence, and construct thorough explanations. It’s no surprise that this mindset often seeps into our parenting. When our children ask why, the response is rarely a simple answer—it’s often an enthusiastic deep dive, complete with examples, explanations, and even the occasional impromptu experiment. 

For children, this can be a tremendous gift. They grow up in an environment that fosters questioning, exploration, and a lifelong love of learning. Every leaf, star, or historical event becomes a potential springboard for discovery. 

However, this approach requires balance. This same approach can fuel curiosity and also overwhelm. A simple question about why the sky is blue might turn into a detailed lecture on atmospheric particles and the physics of light refraction. This can unintentionally create an environment of high expectations.  

This may not always be the case though. Academicians themselves have witnessed failure, negative results, or even harsh peer review comments. Who better than them to set the standard high for displaying resilience? Just by watching and observing, children will become resilient, more accepting of failure, and more ready to pick themselves up and start again. This can help children grow up with a healthier attitude toward mistakes. 

On the other hand, in their efforts to prioritize intellectual development, academic parents might inadvertently overlook other essential aspects of parenting, such as emotional bonding, play, or simply being present without the urge to teach.  

Learning to listen and engage without always needing to explain is a skill that academic parents often need to cultivate consciously. Another skill that they develop with time is the ability to explain complex ideas to children simply. This not only benefits the child but also sharpens the parent’s ability to communicate their research clearly—an invaluable skill for academic writing and research outreach. 
 
In the end, it’s about balance—how to fuel imagination but not overwhelm, how to bring in lessons from parenting into academia and vice versa. When done well, we’re not just raising curious minds but inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers. I can’t wait to see the remarkable ideas they bring to life!