Helping Kids Understand Mindful and Mindless Screen Time

This post defines mindful and mindless screen time, and offers ways to help kids become more aware of their own screen behaviors. My teen daughter takes a break from TikTok over the summer. This is no easy task, given that staying up-to-date on trends means staying current on what is happening on social media forContinueContinue reading “Helping Kids Understand Mindful and Mindless Screen Time”

Back-to-School and Friendships

It’s back-to-school time, and that means back to friendships, too. For many kids, the return to school and their social worlds is a mix of excitement and worry. Kids may wonder if their friendships will be the same. They may be frustrated with some of their classmates. Or they may feel distraught because their friend isContinueContinue reading “Back-to-School and Friendships”

Helpful Tips for Family Tech Agreements

Thinking about creating a family tech agreement and looking for tips? A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and gaming consoles are used in your home. Besides establishing boundaries for screens, these agreements encourage families to come together and discuss healthy technology use. A familyContinueContinue reading “Helpful Tips for Family Tech Agreements”

5 Surprising Statistics About Kids and Screens

The technology train has left the station and reshaped childhood in the process. The following statistics illustrate the influence of screens and tech on kids’ daily lives. It’s important to note that not all of the statistics are negative. Depending on its use, technology has positive, neutral, and negative effects on kids’ and families’ lives. ContinueContinue reading “5 Surprising Statistics About Kids and Screens”

5 Ways to Foster Healthy Digital Habits in Kids

Let’s face it, tech companies do not have the best interests of our kids and teens in mind. On top of that, laws to protect kids online cannot get through congress. This leaves it to parents and caregivers to help kids learn to stay safe and build healthy digital habits.  So, where do families start?ContinueContinue reading “5 Ways to Foster Healthy Digital Habits in Kids”

The Friendship Pyramid

This article describes The Friendship Pyramid from BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends). The Pyramid explores the dynamics of friendship and is a helpful framework for kids, families, and schools. The definition of the word “friend” varies from person to person. Maybe it describes the people you spend time with or go to for support.ContinueContinue reading “The Friendship Pyramid”

Three Truths About Kids’ Friendships

Whether you are a child, teenager, or adult, friendships can sometimes get tricky. This article shares three friendship truths to guide kids as they head back to school. Our social lives are constantly evolving, especially during childhood and adolescence. Some changes are positive, like making new friends. Others are challenging, such as dealing with conflict,ContinueContinue reading “Three Truths About Kids’ Friendships”