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A new approach to screen time đź‘€
The case for talking behind your kids’ backs
Hi, everyone. Do you see how we’ve sent you this newsletter every Wednesday afternoon? Chock full of tips and insight to make parenting teens less chaotic? Very demure, very mindful. IYKYK.
And if you really know, you can forward this to a parent friend who’s also in the trenches.
Parents Need to Put Down Their Phones, Too
Newsflash: It’s not just kids who need to cut down on screen time.
According to a Pew Research Study, 68% of parents admitted that they are often distracted by their phones when they are with their kids. While we admire the honesty…yikes! That’s a staggeringly high number.
We’re all guilty, though. And while it’s an understandable pitfall of the modern world, it’s also on us to do better. This so-called “technoference” is linked to “higher levels of parent-child conflict and lower levels of parental emotional support and warmth.” Definitely not what we want.
So how do we follow our own advice and put down the dang phones?
Set a screen time limit. And actually stick to it! Don’t just swipe the notification away to watch another TikTok of an elaborate recipe you’ll never make (guilty).
No phones at the table. There’s no reason to scroll while you’re enjoying a meal with your family.
Embrace the “Do Not Disturb” function. Maybe not all the time but at least when you’re with your kids.
Screens down, eyes up. We got this!
11 Could Be Your Lucky Number
What’s your favorite age for kids so far? Believe it or not, we’re with this mom, who’s making the case for the middle school years. 11, to be specific.
Hear us out: We know the bad reputation middle schoolers get—hormones and “mom you’re embarrassing me” and doom & gloom. But that’s not all those years entail. It’s also the time when, as this mom put it, “uninhibited happiness” sets in for your kids. They often start to realize how great life can be! Their sense of humor is really becoming something to behold. They’re learning the value of hard work and perseverance. And for the most part, the temper tantrums are over.
Regardless what peak or valley you’re in as a parent, remember that bliss is probably just around the corner. Because there’s something special about every phase for our kids. 💗
What’s your favorite age (so far!) as a parent? |
Talking Behind Your Child’s Back Could Be a Good Thing
Okay, this is sort of a trick. But it’s for a good cause, we promise!
One mom shared how she pretends to talk on the phone about her kids when she knows they’re listening…but it’s all good stuff they’re eavesdropping on! This clever mom explains that it makes a huge difference for her kids to “overhear” her saying positive things about them—that they are kind, helpful, well-behaved, etc. It reinforces good behavior and fosters strong self-esteem.
Praise, when appropriate and relevant, is incredibly effective for kids. Not to get too “after-school special” on you guys but is there anything more relatable than seeking your parents’ approval? One little moment of positive affirmation could make a world of difference for your child. And that will always be worth it!
As parents, sometimes we forget that our kids won’t be kids forever. They’ll spend most of their lives as adults. And how we parent them as children makes a huge impact on who they’ll be when they’re all grown up. So today, the perfect resources that talk about just that…growing up.
On the pod this week, we talked to Julie Lythcott-Haims, a speaker, activist and author of multiple best-sellers including How To Raise An Adult and Your Turn: How to Be An Adult.
Certified parent coach Kim Muench shares some helpful times on how to maintain a strong relationship with our adult children.
Six habits to help you navigate a difficult relationship with your child as an adult.
Friendly reminder that, barring emergencies, never cancel a girls night! Blowing off steam is good for everyone, kids included. Take it from us!
Love y’all!