Ep 7. Extreme Parenting

Our America with Lisa Ling season 2 episode 7 explores the concept of Extreme Parenting and the lengths some parents will go to ensure their children's success. Lisa Ling visits with families who are pushing their children beyond traditional expectations and societal norms.

First, she meets a family who is committed to raising their two daughters as professional tennis players. The girls, ages 12 and 14, have been homeschooled and devoted much of their lives to the sport. The family spends thousands of dollars on training, coaching, and travel expenses to tournaments across the country. Lisa observes a grueling four-hour practice where the girls are pushed to their physical and mental limits. She also speaks with the parents about the sacrifices they have made and the pressure they feel to succeed.

Next, Lisa meets a mother who has chosen to raise her son gender-neutral. The child, named Storm, is not referred to by gender and is given the freedom to choose their own clothing and activities without societal expectations. Lisa explores how this unconventional approach is affecting Storm's development and how the family navigates the challenges of a world that often defines gender roles.

Lisa then ventures to a high-pressure academic environment where parents will do anything to secure their children's success. She meets with parents who have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure their child is enrolled in an elite preschool. The parents describe the pressure they feel to give their children every advantage, including test prep and private tutors. Lisa also speaks with experts in child psychology to discuss how this extreme approach can affect children's development and emotional well-being.

In the final segment, Lisa meets a family who has chosen to raise their children off the grid. The family lives in a self-sustaining community where they grow their food, make their own clothes, and only use technology for emergencies. Lisa explores the benefits of this lifestyle but also delves into the challenges of providing education and preparing children for a world that is highly dependent on technology.

Throughout the episode, Lisa challenges the extreme parenting methods and asks whether they come at a cost to the children's well-being and development. She speaks with experts in child psychology and education to better understand the potential impacts of extreme parenting and to offer alternative approaches.

Overall, this episode of Our America with Lisa Ling provides a thought-provoking exploration of parenting and the extreme lengths some parents will go to ensure their children's success.