Parenting Reminders You’ll Need in 2026

·26 min·2 clips

Dr. Aliza Pressman reveals how a child's developing brain borrows from an adult's nervous system to learn self-regulation.

The episode begins with sponsor ads for CarGurus and Shopify. Ryan Holiday introduces the weekend edition of The Daily Dad podcast, noting he sometimes talks with guests or his wife Samantha. He mentions being congested from a cold. Holiday introduces two segments from 2025. The first features Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist and author of 'The Five Principles of Parenting.' They discuss self-regulation and co-regulation, where a parent's nervous system helps a child's developing brain learn to manage emotions. Pressman uses an analogy of disarming a home alarm system to illustrate self-regulation. She emphasizes the importance of micro-moments for reflection in busy parenting lives. The second segment features General Stanley McChrystal, author of a book on character. McChrystal argues that being a good father requires overall good character, not just being kind to one's own children. He critiques the idea of celebrating fathers who are otherwise 'dirtbags.' They explore the question 'What are children for?' and the responsibilities of parenthood. McChrystal shares a personal story about not arguing with his son over a punk rock phase, which helped maintain their relationship. Holiday reflects on common parental frustrations, like spilling food in the car, and how they often damage relationships over trivial matters. He shares an anecdote about a taxi driver who embraced his son's heavy metal interest. The episode ends with Holiday promoting his new Daily Dad journal and encouraging listeners to share the podcast.

As heard by us

A parenting reset built from car shopping, quick reflection, and practical family logistics.

The episode begins with a complaint about car shopping, then quickly gives that frustration a practical frame: a dirt road, two kids, a dog, ranch equipment, a small camper trailer, and a long commute.

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Why you'd press play

You get a parenting reset that starts with a quick pause and ends with a blunt reminder to think ahead for the people who depend on you.

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