Episode #14: Kids and Screens, Pondering Digital Tech From a Few Angles- Part One

Our conversation … (listen to Part Two here) Screen time is a big topic. The world has become increasingly digital and parents are trying to make caring and thoughtful decisions amidst many sources of advice, often contrary to one another. This is the first part of our conversation, thinking through and pondering our own experiences and we would love you to join us! We were thrilled to be joined at the “table” by Missy Willis of the podcast and blog Let ‘em Go Barefoot. Missy is a long-time unschooling parent, a former special education teacher and now the co-author of Life Unschooled, A Guide to Living and Learning Without School. She has a wealth of experience and wisdom that she humbly and helpfully shares. Enjoy!    We Discuss: How this conversation is a learning opportunity for all of us  The “shift” that has happened in a relatively short time in relation to concerns about screens/digital tech and the growing  sources of information and opinion, often contrary to one another.  How “unlimited screens” are often associated with radical unschooling, but not that many years ago, families of various kinds seem to have been less rule-oriented in relation to technology  That it’s okay to be wondering and thinking through how things are working for our families  How using something as a treat, reward or seeing it as a “forbidden fruit” can create a sort of a drive toward it  Joining our children – taking the opportunity to try out being in their world and seeing more of what they’re into  We can let our child know we need a bit of time to understand better before making a decision, reflect a bit more, be honest that we don’t always have the answers – in this way we show humility  How having some really open time and space to do something is the only real way  for kids to learn more about themselves and the limits and conditions that work for them  The potential loss of connection with older generations when kids dive more deeply into technology  An abundance mindset rather than a scarcity one, allowing children to really be generous and flexible in sharing common devices or making some compromises to their time.  How communicating and problem-solving together rather than having a standard rule not only takes more effort and leads to developing greater skill for the parent, but for the child too.  Grace. Remembering that we are all trying our best, working together and navigating things as we can    Resources: Letemgobarefoot Instagram  Game On! : Missy Willis, Let ‘ Em Go Barefoot What Worries Me About Fortnite (and 9 Reasons Not to Limit Children’s ‘Screentime.’ : Hayley, Taking a Kinder Path * Photo by Missy Willis