I want to write about the dreaded ‘f’ word that’s causing angst in many families. Fortnite! (Not that word!) In the last couple months, I’ve been inundated with questions from parents both online and during my Parent Seminars about the game Fortnite. There have been numerous blog posts written … [Read more...]
Response to 60 Minutes Episode: Toddler Tech Addition?
The 60 Minutes episode called Screen Addicts has caused much concern amongst parents and early childhood educators. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMnkbmT8qAM I’ve been inundated with parents of young children asking me to share my insights so I thought this blog post would answer some of … [Read more...]
How to prevent children from becoming addicted to Minecraft
Young children addicted to Minecraft. It’s a reality facing many families today. Perhaps you’re experiencing it first-hand with your own children as you attempt to pry the gaming consoles from their hands, or ask them to log off the computer and complete techno-tantrums … [Read more...]
Is My Child Addicted to Minecraft?
“My child’s addicted to Minecraft.” It’s a common complaint I hear from worried parents, who’ve “lost” their child to Minecraft, a digital, block world. For some children, Minecraft becomes a complete obsession. It’s all they want to do when they’re awake. It’s all they … [Read more...]
Unplug Your Child… Please
This post has been brewing for a couple of months now. It's sat in my drafts folder and I've deliberated about posting it. But now I'm feeling brave enough to say, "Unplug your child...please." Why've I been so tentative? To be completely honest, I don't want to sound like a … [Read more...]
10 Reasons Why Handheld Games do NOT Need to be Banned
A recent blog post has caused much concern amongst parents and teachers alike in recent days. I have fielded a couple of media calls about this controversial post and have also had friends and worried parents asking me about some of the claims in the blog post. So I thought I should respond to the … [Read more...]
Five things most parents don’t know about kids and technology
Parenting is difficult. It always has been. Oprah Winfrey once said, “It is the toughest job in the world!” (When I am up feeding at 3am each morning I tend to agree). Parenting in the digital age…well that adds a whole new layer of complexities. Did you … [Read more...]
What are Your Digital Resolutions?
I know, I know…you have probably been bombarded recently by blogs, Facebook status updates and emails of people declaring their New Year Resolutions. Loose weight, get fit, drink green smoothies, eat raw food, spend more time with the kids, get more sleep… Sound familiar? I am going to share some of … [Read more...]
Three ‘Tantrum-Proof’ Ways to Get Kids to Switch off the TV
Confession… my three year-old son watches TV. I know. Shock horror. Many people (incorrectly) assume that as a children’s media researcher I would ban TV viewing. Pfft! If I did that we would never eat a meal, I would struggle to feed my newborn baby and my home office would be destroyed every time … [Read more...]
Are Our Digital Devices Causing Sleep Disorders?
There has been an explosion in the adoption of portable media devices like tablets, smartphones and gaming consoles. There are some concerns that their over-use may lead to an increase in children’s (and adults’) sleep disorders. One of the chief concerns rests with the light that radiates from … [Read more...]