In this episode of A Parenting is a Joke Snack, host Ophira Eisenberg talks with Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist, author, and host of The Gist, for a thoughtful conversation about parenting teens and the importance of quality time with kids. As a father of two teenage sons in New York City, Mike offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of raising teens in a fast-paced urban environment. He shares insights on how quality time with kids changes as they grow older, with a focus on meaningful moments like family meals, hanging out at home, and engaging in deeper conversations.

They discuss how parenting strategies evolve over time, from managing curfews and boundaries to complex topics like toxic masculinity and politics. Mike sheds light on how today’s teens are processing these issues and how they engage with the world around them, offering a glimpse into the modern teenage experience. The conversation also covers the impact of the city environment on family life, where subway rides replace driving and moments of connection can be fleeting but valuable.

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