Why do parents turn their kids into influencers?

Why do parents turn their kids into influencers?

From This Is Uncomfortable by Marketplace

April 9, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode explores the phenomenon of family influencers and the implications of sharing children's lives online for financial gain.

Would you share your children’s most intimate moments on social media if it meant you could make millions? Family influencers are building businesses around their kids, sharing everything from toddler meltdowns to puberty talks. For some families, that income is a lifeline. But it also raises difficult questions about privacy, money and parenthood. Reema talks with journalist Fortesa Latifi about her new book, “ Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online. ” Plus, we want to hear from you: as child care costs keep rising, have you or your partner considered becoming a stay-at-home parent? If so, what kind of financial factors are going into that decision? Let us know by calling 347-RING-TIU or emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok !

People in this episode

Host: Reema

Guest: Fortesa Latifi

Topics covered

  • family influencers
  • social media
  • childhood privacy
  • financial decisions
  • parenthood

Keywords

  • influencers
  • children
  • social media
  • privacy
  • parenting
  • financial decisions
  • child care costs

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online

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