This week is National Media Literacy Week - I know it doesn’t sound very sexy or festive or exciting, but it’s actually a really big deal and I’m going to tell you why! By teaching our kids to become critical thinkers, creators and skeptics when it comes to media, we give them an invaluable skill that will protect them and help them to make sound choices online as they get older. Read on to get some easy tips for starting these conversations with your kiddos!
If there is one wonderful thing that our devices have given us it’s access to moving, funny and educational audio stories. Podcasts can inspire us, spark fascinating conversation and offer an entertaining alternative to staring at a screen. And guess what? It’s all FREE! Check out this list of my favorites for kids of all ages.
Read MoreSummer means more freedom, less school work and more fun. But I certainly don’t want to throw all the family rules out the window and during the school year our screen time limit keeps things running pretty smoothly. So how do I maintain our family rules and values around device use while still allowing them a summertime “win?”
Read MoreYou guys asked for it so here it is. My big list of books FOR KIDS about online safety, managing online drama, pornography, video games and tons of other subjects that you can read with your kids or simply gift to them. Spanning age 4 up to 18 this list will hopefully offer a little something for everyone and is a great way to get difficult conversations going through reading - one of my very favorite offline activities!
Read MoreWhen was the last time you truly unplugged? Left your phone at home for the day, stayed off the laptop, went a whole day with your kids off of devices? If you’re like me it’s probably been a while! This weekend is National Day of Unplugging. A chance to take a break from our devices - sound daunting? Don’t worry - I’ve got some tips for you to make it fun and meaningful for you and your family.
Read MoreAndrew’s family had always kept an eye on the kids’ screen use when they were little, but when he was given an XBox at 12 years old, things started to change. In this interview you will hear Andrew’s account of how gaming addiction took over his life at the cost of everything else that was important to him, and how he finally found his way out.
Read MoreSocial media, though barely more than a decade old, has evolved to play a huge role in our lives personally, culturally and politically. The question is how can we manage the addictive pull and questionable content so as to enjoy and maintain a healthy relationship to it? Whether for yourself or your kid, here are some important tips to get you started…
Read MoreThis week many schools across the country will celebrate Digital Citizenship Week, this week is particularly meaningful to me not just an a Digital Media Educator, but as a mom. A year ago, with the support of a group of volunteer parents I spearheaded an effort to bring Digital Citizenship to my children’s elementary school. You can do the same, and here are some simple steps to get you started…
Read More
