ReConnect

I’ve spoken to thousands of kids over the years and I always ask them the same question, “what signals does your body give you when you’ve had enough screen time?“ The crazy thing is that every school I go to, no matter the demographic or the location, I get the same exact answers!

My take away? Our bodies are incredible machines – and they’re trying to communicate with us all the time. Bodies aren’t made to sit in front of a screen for so long and they will let you know it.

Becoming mindful and aware of the signals, your body sends you is a powerful way to regulate how much time you spend online. It works for kids and it works for adults.

Try it out- lmk what you think.

The consensus is in elementary school kids cannot handle group chats!

for parents who have younger kids, I highly recommend getting ahead of this. Gather the parents in your child’s grade and try to come up with a plan for avoid avoiding group chats through elementary school. It’s gonna save you a lot of grief.

For parents who already have kids in big group chats it’s time to step in and mentor. Open calm and honest conversation conversations with your child about what goes on in group chats will help them to be more mindful. Make sure they understand that:

👉 everything you say in a chat can be screenshot and re-shared

👉 if you wouldn’t say something to somebody’s face, you definitely shouldn’t put it in writing.

👉 if you see drama starting up stay clear. The more involved you get the worse it will be.

👉 consider leaving the huge group and creating a smaller chat just with your closest friends

Younger kids could still communicate with friends through FaceTime, or video chat, one on one texts, through your device with their friends and family, or a good old fashion landline! There’s even a new landline may just for kids called the tin can ( .kids )

If you’re looking for more Indus advice on this topic, check out the link in my bio to my trending topics page, and just search up group chats!

Leave a comment below to let me know how you’ve handled group chats in your home. And be sure to share this post with someone who needs the support. 👇👇👇

If you’re in a constant state of fear and anxiety about your child’s screen time that is no way for you to be living!

It’s understandable, given all the terrifying headlines that you would be worried. We are all worried, but rest assured I’ve met with thousands of kids and I’ve watched them grow and become media savvy and curious and smart as they get older.

The tech industry must be regulated, but in the meantime, our kids don’t need terrified parents who act only as screen time police. 👇

What they really need is an ally and a mentor - once you step in as an ally to your child, you start to form connections and bonds around Screen Time. Your presence there makes them safer and gives them a place to go when they are struggling.🥰

If you’re ready to make a pivot like this visit my website or check out the link in my bio for resources to help you get there.

In the meantime, leave a comment below and let me know how it’s going for you – what is making you most anxious? Where have you been able to pivot? 💬👇

Boredom is necessary for our thoughts and ideas to flourish. That said, forcing boredom for extended periods of time is not the path towards a healthier relationship to your phone!

To really change a bad scrolling habit you can’t just rely on willpower or blocking apps - you need to strategically fill the void that the scroll has been filling for you.

If we want to change a screen habit we need to start with DOABLE shifts that Don’t ASK TOO MUCH, but DELIVER IN A BIG WAY.

I encourage you to think about two kinds of moments in which screens creep in - Big open blocks of time and small pockets of time through out the day. Approach the scroll differently in each given circumstance:

✨ Big blocks of empty time: You want to break up the long stretches of screen time with immersive activities. Replace scrolling with activities like drawing, music, cooking, creative projects, workouts, crafts, writing , redecorating your room or building something over time etc.

✨ Small pockets of time: You want to stop picking up the phone every time you feel bored or uncomfortable in a public place. For this I recommend simple, low-effort alternatives, but JOYFUL activities like a puzzle or crossword book, sketchpad, a journal, a fidget, magazines, a Kindle or book, an mp3 music player

🤔What are some steps you can take this week to fill the scrolling void? Comment below 👇

Want a more in depth guide from me? Follow the link in my bio to my website for the full article ; )

The guide you didn’t know you needed! 🙌🙌🙌
For all you parents out there who want to leave your kids with the grandparents, but dread the screen time overload- this is for you. 👇👇👇

Grandparents need some guidance and some fun ideas for who to do screen time for their grandkids in SAFE, AGE APPROPRIATE and BALANCED ways.

I have a whole list of great activities, games and creative fun that the kids and grandparents can engage in together.

👆Download yours for FREE at the link in my bio and share with anyone who might need a hand in this department! 🫠🫶🙌