What a wonderful resource for parents - particularly the more anxious of us. Kavin Senapathy’s approach to raising children, in a world full of information and misinformation, is enlightening.

I could have sworn Senapathy was talking directly to me. Their candor leant to an intimate and comfortable writing style, allowing the reader to relate to them without a sense of competition or judgement. Resources for parents, especially first time parents, can be intimidating, and cause people to have a knee-jerk reaction to the information. This book, however, feels like a conversation with the author.

While the language and tone of this book are extremely accessible, there is no lack of research, perspective, or helpful information. Senapathy presents information, then parses out how we, as a society & scientific community got there, providing important nuance for individual decision making.

As the title suggests, this book speaks to the left-leaning, "progressive" parent (which I do identify as). However, I truly believe that there is invaluable information for all parents, among these pages.

If you were a fan of Emily Oster’s “Expecting Better,” then you will love this book!

Lots of information on various topics but probably not what I was looking for right now. Might be more useful to go back to if I need to read more about a specific topic.

This is a thought-provoking take on parenting with a strong focus on research and social justice. This book wants you to question our assumptions about parenting and pretty much society. You need to be in the right frame of mind to pick something like this up! This is a very well-researched piece; it potentially could be considered too academic - if the target audience is time-poor parents of young children, then the format may need a rethink. In the end, it is a very informative parenting guide that dives deep into progressive issues that parents need to be prepared for, so it absolutely serves its educational purpose.

"The Progressive Parent" by Kavin Senapathy is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly blends rigorous research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to challenge and guide parents through the maze of modern parenting. Senapathy, known for her thoughtful and analytic approach to contentious issues, delivers a book that is both a manifesto for progressive parenting and a hands-on guide filled with strategies for navigating the complex landscape of raising children today.

From the outset, Senapathy makes it clear that this is not your average parenting book. She dives deep into the societal, cultural, and scientific contexts that shape our beliefs and practices around parenting, urging readers to question the status quo and consider a more evidence-based, compassionate approach. Her writing is both accessible and engaging, making complex topics understandable and relevant to parents from all walks of life.

What sets "The Progressive Parent" apart is Senapathy's ability to marry the personal with the scientific. She shares stories from her own parenting journey, exposing vulnerabilities and triumphs alike, which not only humanizes the narrative but also provides readers with real-world applications of the principles she espouses. These anecdotes serve to illustrate the challenges and rewards of adopting a progressive parenting stance, making the book not only informative but also deeply relatable.

A central tenet of "The Progressive Parent" is the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness, both in children and parents. Senapathy provides readers with tools to cultivate these skills within their families, emphasizing the value of questioning, learning, and growing together. Her approach is inclusive and non-judgmental, acknowledging the diversity of family structures, beliefs, and values, and offering guidance that is adaptable to various contexts and needs.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its focus on the intersection of parenting and social justice. Senapathy does not shy away from tackling how issues of race, gender, class, and environment intersect with and influence parenting practices. She offers thoughtful commentary on how progressive parenting can contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world, encouraging parents to instill values of empathy, inclusivity, and activism in their children.

"The Progressive Parent" is also a treasure trove of resources, from recommendations on further reading to organizations and online platforms that support progressive parenting. Senapathy has meticulously curated these resources, providing a valuable toolkit for parents eager to dive deeper into specific topics or seek support and community.

In conclusion, "The Progressive Parent" by Kavin Senapathy is a vital and timely contribution to the parenting discourse. It challenges, educates, and inspires, offering a fresh perspective on parenting that is rooted in love, science, and a deep commitment to creating a better world. Whether you're a new parent grappling with the enormity of your new role or a seasoned caregiver looking to inject more mindfulness and progressiveness into your parenting, Senapathy's book is an indispensable guide that will illuminate, support, and empower you on your parenting journey.

This book had a lot of science based research and contains a lot of information. Unfortunately, it wasn't really an easy read for me. It didn't flow as good as I liked and didn't keep my attention as I wish it had.

Format wise, the bolding of key questions was important, but I found myself wishing the format included more charts, diagrams, and varied ways of presenting information. Some of the information can be dense, and it is challenging to find what you are looking for. However, the content is valuable, researched well, and provides a guide for caregivers looking to push themselves.