What does it actually mean to be a good parent in 2026?

In this episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by TV and radio journalist Sarah Harris to unpack some of the biggest parenting trends shaping family life right now — from smartphones and social media to AI tutors, raw milk and the growing push to simply let kids be kids.

Sarah shares the reality of parenting her two boys, including how many of her strongest opinions about parenting changed once she actually became a mum. Sean and Sarah explore whether banning smartphones and social media really protects children, how parents can help kids navigate an increasingly digital world, and whether AI could become a valuable educational tool or another source of dependence. They also tackle the pressures facing modern parents: overscheduling, mum guilt, the pressure to buy more, and the challenge of giving kids freedom while keeping them safe.

From the rise of “Sephora kids” and Labubu blind boxes to the dangers of 'sharenting', it's an honest and often surprising conversation about what our kids really need — and what parents might need to let go of.

Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.

LINKS :
Catch Sarah Harris with Ricki-Lee & Tim on Nova 96.9 weekdays 6-9am
You can also hear Sarah with Ricki-Lee & Tim weeknights from 6pm on Nova across Australia
Follow Sarah (@whatsarahsnapped) on Instagram

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:
Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:
Host: Sean Szeps
Guest: Sarah Harris
Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content

What does it actually mean to be a good parent in 2026?
In this episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by TV and radio journalist Sarah Harris to unpack some of the biggest parenting trends shaping family life right now &mdash; from smartphones and social media to AI tutors, raw milk and the growing push to simply let kids be kids.
Sarah shares the reality of parenting her two boys, including how many of her strongest opinions about parenting changed once she actually became a mum. Sean and Sarah explore whether banning smartphones and social media really protects children, how parents can help kids navigate an increasingly digital world, and whether AI could become a valuable educational tool or another source of dependence.&nbsp;They also tackle the pressures facing modern parents: overscheduling, mum guilt, the pressure to buy more, and the challenge of giving kids freedom while keeping them safe.
From the rise of &ldquo;Sephora kids&rdquo; and Labubu blind boxes to the dangers of 'sharenting', it's an honest and often surprising conversation about what our kids really need &mdash; and what parents might need to let go of.
Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post.
LINKS :
<ul>
<li>Catch Sarah Harris with <a href="https://novafm.com.au/show/ricki-lee-and-tim">Ricki-Lee &amp; Tim on Nova 96.9</a> weekdays 6-9am</li>
<li>You can also hear Sarah with <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/ricki-lee-and-tim/ac4612dc-07e1-4e2c-85d8-3f5df06ff936">Ricki-Lee &amp; Tim</a> weeknights from 6pm on Nova across Australia</li>
<li>Follow Sarah (@whatsarahsnapped) on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whatsarahsnapped">Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:
<ul>
<li>Watch The Parenting Police on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@seanszeps">YouTube</a></li>
<li>Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seanszeps">Instagram</a></li>
<li>Like Sean on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSeanSzeps/">Facebook</a></li>
</ul>
CREDITS:
<ul>
<li>Host: Sean Szeps</li>
<li>Guest: Sarah Harris</li>
<li>Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes</li>
<li>Audio Producer: Adrian Walton</li>
<li>Theme song co-written and produced by <a href="https://www.joshpyke.com/">Josh Pyke</a></li>
<li>Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden</li>
<li>Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert</li>
<li>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a> on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content</li>
</ul>

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money.

Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up. 

Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**. 

"We're here to protect and serve… your sanity."

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money.
Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up.&nbsp;
Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**.&nbsp;
"We're here to protect and serve&hellip; your sanity."

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money.

The Parenting Police

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money. 

Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up. 

Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**. 

"We're here to protect and serve… your sanity."

The Parenting Police is a new podcast where Sean Szeps investigates the constant flood of toys, shows, trends and advice thrown at modern families and decides what's worth your time and money.&nbsp;
Each week, a celebrity parent helps Sean review the latest toys and fads to see if they stack up.&nbsp;
Genuinely useful advice, always a little silly, and never any bullsh**.&nbsp;
"We're here to protect and serve&hellip; your sanity."

Sarah Harris on Modern Parenting: Navigating AI, Smartphones & 'Sharenting'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/635c52a5-40d4-45e8-a2af-b4c4017ee30c/transcript