The Balanced Family
The Balanced Family podcast is a heartfelt talk about building a family in a polarized, stressed-out world. Ben and Jessica Lagrone, former teachers and parents of three, share their experiences and insights in a way that's relatable, entertaining, and inspiring. They're all about being intentional and talking about the stuff that matters. It’s the perfect blend of deep yet down-to-earth - like sitting down with good friends you can laugh with but also talk about the important things. Pull up a seat and listen in as they try to find more balance in their marriage, parenting, and perspectives.
The Balanced Family
15 Old School Parenting: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Pt. 1)
What did old-school parenting get right—and what are we missing today because of it?
In Part 1 of this conversation, we take a deep dive into the values that shaped past generations: discipline, grit, respect, and good old-fashioned hard work. We talk about how kids used to be expected to pull their weight, take risks, and build resilience—and how those expectations helped shape character and achievement.
But here’s the tension:
The American Dream used to be built on hustle. Now, it often feels like it’s built on avoiding trauma and chasing personal fulfillment. Have we lost something in the shift?
In this episode, we cover:
- Why structure, boundaries, and consequences created safer, more grounded kids
- How grit and responsibility were once non-negotiables
- The role of respect and authority in shaping community
- What’s changed in how we view work, purpose, and success
- The danger of either romanticizing the past or thinking we’ve outgrown it
This is a conversation about values, not just parenting styles—and why many of us are still wrestling with which traditions to hold onto and which to leave behind.
Part 2 drops next week—we’ll dive into the bad and the ugly side of old-school parenting. Don’t miss it!
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