Good Parenting in the Digital Age
Parenting today can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. Start by thinking about what good parenting has always meant: building strong, trusting relationships. When kids feel safe talking to you, they’re more likely to listen.
Just like you talk with them about driving, drinking, drugs, and sex, make sure to talk about what they’re seeing online and how to handle it.
Here are some tips to help strengthen that connection.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship in the Digital Age
Let them know they’re enough. Remind your child often that they are loved just as they are—no likes or filters needed.
Be present and listen. Create a “No Trouble Bubble” - a space for honest conversations, without judgment.
Talk about tricky situations. Make a list together of online situations that are too big to handle alone. Assure them that they can count on you. No matter what!
Name trusted adults. Identify who your child can turn to if they need help.
Follow and share. Stay connected—follow your teen on social media and swap memes or posts.
Be curious. Show real interest in what your child enjoys online—games, creators, trends, and all.
Find your village. Reach out to other parents, share tips, and support each other.
Know you can say no. You’re the parent. It’s okay to set boundaries that protect your child’s well-being.
Build Resilience: Help Kids (and Yourself) Handle Discomfort
Discomfort, boredom, and frustration are a natural part of growing up—and avoiding them can create bigger problems down the road.
Here’s how to help your child (and yourself) build tolerance and confidence:
Allow discomfort. Learn to sit with your own discomfort when your child is upset. It’s how they grow.
Drop the guilt. Parenting is hard. Do your best, then try again tomorrow.
Say no to short-term fixes. Avoid using screens to calm, distract, or entertain.
Respond with empathy—not rescue. Support your child without always stepping in.
Encourage boredom. It fuels creativity and builds problem-solving skills.
Promote face-to-face connection. Require in-person conversations and eye contact.
Teach healthy coping skills. Let kids know: “Discomfort now can lead to strength later.”
Foster independence. Let them try, fail, and figure things out.
Assign real responsibilities. Chores and jobs build competence—and cut screen time.
Limit avoidance-tech. Don’t let screens become a crutch for escaping tough moments.
Let them struggle and bounce back. This is how resilience is built.
Take control of the tech. Turn off WiFi, unplug, or remove devices when needed. Some kids need you to be the physical boundary.
Create a Family Media Plan That Reflects Your Values
A strong media plan helps you stay connected as a family—and avoid daily battles over screens. It’s just good parenting! Here's how to build one that works:
Start with your values. Use your family’s values to guide media rules and decisions.
Involve your kids. Get their input to build buy-in—but remember, you're the parent.
Keep it simple. Clear, short plans are easier to stick to.
Set consequences (with flexibility). Be consistent but willing to adjust when needed.
Treat it as a living document. Revisit and update your plan as your kids grow.
Protect sleep. Power down 1–2 hours before bed and keep devices out of bedrooms.
Prioritize people. Create a "People Come First" rule—at home, in the car, at the bus stop.
Create tech-free zones. Keep devices out of sight during meals and homework.
Celebrate screen-free moments. Use them to reconnect and recharge.
Encourage real-world problem solving. Let kids take safe risks and navigate challenges without turning to screens.
