In today’s world, many of the traditional rites of passage that once guided children into adulthood have quietly disappeared. As social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, explains in The Anxious Generation, modern secular societies have largely abandoned these community milestones – rituals that once involved separation from childhood, a meaningful transition, and a celebratory re-entry as a […]
WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform that has transformed the way in which we communicate. Its user-friendly interface and instant communication features have made it a must-have for nearly all of us. The connectivity it offers is especially valuable for expats who want to keep in touch with loved ones and friends back home. With
This week, I had one of those parenting moments I won’t forget. And let me preface this by saying: I’m not completely naïve when it comes to tech. I have a pretty decent understanding of digital risks, and I like to think I’ve put solid boundaries in place at home. Which is exactly why I’m
A friend recently challenged me on something I hadn’t thought too deeply about previously: the growing habit of tracking our children’s whereabouts using geolocation tools. While I have strong views on the harms of smartphones and social media for children, tracking had felt, until now at least, like a relatively harmless safety feature. I hadn’t
While using devices can be entertaining, it is essential that we help children and teens take a break from screens, especially when they’re spending time with friends. A no device policy on playdates isn’t about rejecting technology altogether; it’s about setting limits to create opportunities for kids to connect in more meaningful ways. In today’s
Renowned social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, has recently shifted his focus. Having previously focused on the impact of technology on young people’s mental health, he now cautions that we may have been overlooking something even more foundational: attention. He admits he may have “grossly underestimated” just how much children’s ability to
One second. That’s all it takes – one swipe to a viral TikTok or an offbeat YouTube Short, and your child sees something they can’t unsee. At home, we do our best to keep screen time safe. We set boundaries, filter content, and stay in the loop. But what about when our kids head out
You don’t need to delete all your apps or escape to the mountains to find peace. What you need are tiny tech-free moments — intentional pauses that reconnect you to yourself and your surroundings. 1. The First 15 Minutes of the Day Before checking your phone, give yourself 15 uninterrupted minutes. Stretch. Breathe. Make coffee.
