How do you handle tech in your house?

If tech is a power struggle in your family, you are not alone.

We didn’t grow up with devices, so how could we possibly know the right way to set boundaries?

We are aware of the negative effects of excessive use of mobile devices and social media.

We worry about the long-term impact on our kids.

Psychologist and author, Jean Twenge, notes, “the way teens spend their time outside of school fundamentally changed in 2012,” when social media became so popular.

The CDC report shows anxiety, depression, and loneliness sharply increased at the same time.

Unfortunately, devices and social media apps aren’t going to magically disappear, so what can we do as parents to not freak out?

Here are a few suggestions to reduce the tension: 

Recognize that sometimes your teen is using their phone as a tool to look up homework assignments, work on a group project, or connect with a friend. 

Other times they use it for entertainment or because of a desire to fit in.

The key here is to help them find a balance.

Have a conversation about usage so that they discover the drawbacks and benefits for themselves.

Ask them how they feel after being on apps or games for hours: energized, confident, and happy, or drained, frustrated, and down on themselves?

Share how easy it is for you to get sucked down the rabbit hole of scrolling so that they don’t feel like anything is wrong with them.

Keep the conversation about the importance of being healthy and taking care of your mind, your body, and who you are inside.

Ask how they feel when they spend time outdoors, hang out with friends in person, and get enough sleep.

Ask how much time they think is healthy to spend on their devices.

How would they like to make sure they stick to that time?

Offer to do this as a family because doing hard things always feel easier together.

Listen. There isn’t one perfect solution that works for every family.

What ideas do you have to reduce the power struggle?

♥️ Jeanine

P.S. For more strategies on topics that cause problems in your family, watch my class, No More Battles with Your Teen.

And if you would like my personal help, book a call HERE, and let’s talk. It feels good to share what is heavy on your heart and hopeful to know there are solutions.