As busy moms juggling the responsibilities of kids, partners, and everything else life throws our way, we often look for ways to make life easier, more enjoyable, and fulfilling for our families and ourselves. One way we’ve found inspiration is through TED talks. Here’s a list of some of our favorite family-focused talks that offer fresh ideas and motivation. I’ll keep updating it with our new favorites!
These talks might not appeal to everyone in the family, but there’s something valuable in each one. They’ll inspire, motivate, inform, and entertain you—definitely a worthwhile use of your time!
While I can’t guarantee that all these talks are completely kid-friendly, I trust you’ll judge what’s appropriate for your family.
Sir Ken Robinson discusses how education should nurture all children’s interests, not just focus on subjects like math and language arts. He emphasizes the importance of creative thinking through the integration of various subjects. This talk is both inspiring and entertaining, blending humor with insightful ideas about nurturing children’s interests.
Annie Paul shares the fascinating ways that babies learn even before they’re born. She highlights how a prenatal diet can shape a baby’s metabolism and other functions for life after birth. Pregnancy is an opportunity for moms to focus on their health, which in turn benefits their baby’s development. This talk is a great reminder of the impact our lifestyle has on future generations.
Karen Thompson Walker shares a compelling perspective on fear, suggesting we read our fears like stories to make better decisions. This talk is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs. Walker’s engaging storytelling captivates the audience from start to finish.
Irene Mora speaks on the challenging topic of women balancing successful careers with motherhood. She argues that having both a demanding career and a fulfilling family life is possible, as illustrated by her own mother’s experience. Whether a mom is happy at home or driven to work, Mora offers insights on how these roles can harmoniously coexist.
Laura Vanderkam challenges conventional time management advice with her ideas on time as an elastic concept. Instead of trying to save time on daily tasks, she suggests focusing on what matters most. Her ideas can help busy moms, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to manage their time better.
Simon Sinek delves into what makes great leaders stand out. Whether in innovative businesses or cultural movements, effective leaders think and communicate differently. Sinek’s talk is a great resource for kids and adults pondering what makes a good leader in life and business.
Anders Hansen reveals the profound impact exercise has on our health and brain function, including stress management. He explains why our brains are still wired for the levels of physical activity seen in our ancestors, making this talk a compelling encouragement for embracing exercise at any age.
Adam Carroll narrates an intriguing story about a real Monopoly game played with real money to explain financial abstraction. He raises important questions about kids learning financial responsibility in a digital era. This talk is both entertaining and essential for parents in today’s digital landscape.
Arthur Benjamin presents math in an exciting way by solving complex equations faster than a calculator. His energetic and funny approach makes math engaging, especially for kids interested in the subject, though it’s enjoyable for anyone.
Heather Chauvin challenges moms with the question: “How far can you go on an empty tank?” She urges moms to take care of themselves and pursue happiness, not just survival. Many of us feel stuck in survival mode, but this talk may inspire a shift towards prioritizing our well-being.
I’d love to expand this list—what are some of your favorite family-friendly TED talks? I’m always eager for more inspiration!
