134: Parenting in the Digital World: What to Do When Your Kid Is Begging for a Phone with Adam Ferguson

What if the phone could wait—but childhood couldn’t?In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I’m joined by Adam Ferguson, author of The Things You Have to Do Before I Buy You a Phone, a playful and practical guide for raising capable kids in a screen-saturated world. Adam shares why technology has quietly replaced so many coming-of-age experiences and how parents can bring them back without guilt, pressure, or perfection.This conversation isn’t about banning screens. It’s about giving kids the chance to build independence, curiosity, confidence, and grit before a phone enters the picture. From letting kids wrestle with boredom to teaching real-life skills, Adam walks us through what “core childhood” looks like today and how families can make it work in real life.In this episode, we talk about:Why kids are getting phones earlier than ever and what they’re missing because of itThe surprising benefits of boredom and unstructured timeWhat “core childhood” really meansHow the book’s 50 challenges help kids build confidence and independenceAn open conversation about the realities of parenting in a smart phone worldThe long-term impact these experiences have on kidsWhy the phone can wait, but memories can’tWhether your child is years away from a phone or already asking daily, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, empowered, and excited to slow things down and savor childhood.Connect with Adam Ferguson:Get his book: https://amzn.to/49ZDRLg📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓  FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.