Childhood, Interrupted

Raising Kids During a Pandemic

By: Sanjay Gupta MD

Narrated by: Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Length: 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this evocative, personal piece, Dr. Sanjay Gupta reflects on his life as a parent during this unprecedented time. He shares his fears and questions about raising his three young daughters amid our current public health crisis - and gives listeners a candid glimpse into how he’s navigating the pandemic at home. The neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent helps parents think about this time from the perspective he knows best: the workings of the brain. Equal parts essay, advice, and reassurance, Gupta reminds us that despite the relentless challenges of growing up during a pandemic, the kids will be all right. 

©2020 Sanjay Gupta, MD (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC

COVID parenting is hard, but you’re not alone

Compared to last month’s Audible freebies, I’m thankful these are more positive and reassuring. As an attorney and single mom, I thought normal parenting (and let’s face it, just normal adulting) was hard. But, after months of social distancing and toilet paper scavenger hunts, as I attempt to navigate the first week of online schooling with five boys, I am stressed out, worn out, and feeling alone. I have always found Dr. Gupta to be uplifting and easy to listen to on National Public Radio. This was a quick shot in the arm, boosting my immunity, improving my mood, and reminding me I’m still part of the herd. This may be more placebo than COVID cure, but I appreciate it, nonetheless. We’ve got this humans!

More empathy than answers

Although Dr. Gupta does have some advice here, he offers very few actual answers. Ever the scientist, his answer to our most common questions is 'we don't know.'

What he does provide is commiseration, compassion, and hope. The pandemic is obviously not a good thing, but we can find good in it. Stress, isolation, and uncertainty is higher (for kids and for ourselves) but we also have the opportunity to spend far more time with those closest to us. Until things return to normal, whatever that might come to mean, we have an unprecedented amount of time with family.

Who knows... maybe we'll grow up to be the first generation of old people ever to not say: I wish I'd spent less time at work and more time with my kids.

Best Audible Original!

This is just 46 minutes long but it is time very well spent! I learned a lot. I felt more positive & empowered in this vulnerable time. I plan on listening to this one at least 1 or 2 more times. It is excellent!!! Thank you, Dr. Gupta!

Thank You Dr. Sanjay Gupta

I have followed Dr. Sanjay Gupta since February & I highly recommend every audio recording of him to everyone. As a woman with PTSD, ASD, and ADD; I can personally testify to his advice.

Quick & Reflective

A quick listen of the current situation in a calming tone. The reflection of his childhood, the lack of crisis or problems that existed in the world is a bit rosy. However, I do think this oversight helps demonstrate the point that many children will get through this pandemic and forget some or much of the stress we are currently enduring. A good reminder to continue be thoughtful and look for ways to support one another. I appreciate the measured and thoughtful reflection.

Not all Bad

The news focuses on the negitve in our world. Dr Gupta puts the virus in perspective. He brings up way his family deveoped normalcy during the pandemic. Thoughout history children persevere.

Childhood, Interupted

Dr Gupta did an awesome job on this! His love for his family and all of humanity came through! I feel more hopeful after listening, and I hope others will too! Thank you, Dr. Gupta 😊

Dad's, Dad's, Dad's,

From the very beginning, this tiny book has example after example of reasons we NEEED dad's in the home. Several examples he gave regarding the routines his family sticks to are things we only see when fathers are in the home. I fully expected to dislike this book because I was expecting a bunch of MSM talking points and the blame game to be in full swing. What I got was a husband/dad figuring things out with his family. Can we get some more of that these days?

An Honest, Yet Positive Perspective

This honest, yet positive perspective on parenting through the pandemic was a refreshing transition away from the "doom and gloom" reporting heard elsewhere. While there aren't as many clear answers and guidance as I'd hoped for -- mainly because they simply don't yet exist in this new parenting context -- Dr. Gupta provides excellent questions that parents can ask themselves as they make decisions for their families. Being aware of some of the insights offered in this audiobook will be helpful.

Insight and ignorance

The author is insightful and compassionate, but needs to do more brain research on the effects of excess use of computers and cell phones. The brain actually becomes imbalanced and people become less capable of compassion when interaction is limited and electronica Use is increased. This can have very serious implications when babies, for example, are given cell phones.