Unfortunately this simple question doesn’t have a simple answer.
In this episode Billy and Joy discussed the critical milestones your kids should reach before getting a phone and the markers you’ll need to notice and, as necessary, discuss with your kids during the Pre-Phone Season.
Now it’s time for you to have your own discussion. These questions should get you started!
TALK ABOUT THIS:
LINKS:
RESOURCES FROM TRANSIT STUDENTS (North Point Community Church):
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS:
In the last episode we introduced the idea of evaluating digital maturity through a three-part filter - WHEN/HOW MUCH/WHY.
Keep those categories in mind as you listen to episode four. Then get ready to talk strategy! The discussion questions below should prompt you to share how to practically apply those filters in our families. However, you should use this time to get at the best ideas and to consider where you might need to make some changes!
TALK ABOUT THIS:
LINK:
BOOK: The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.
by Andy Crouch
The primary role of a parent is to raise our kids into mature adults. This includes people who know how to do their own laundry, work, pay a few bills, recycle and maybe even get their own place to live!
However, in the age of constant electronic connection, parents have a new item in their job description: raising digitally mature adults.
Where do you begin? How do you know that maturity actually exists? Listen to this episode as a prompt for the discussion questions below.
TALK ABOUT THIS:
LINK:
BOOK: Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour
When parents discuss technology, they frequently have negative opinions.
Finding the threats to safety, attitudes, and relationships is an easy exercise, but what about the good? Are we worried about something innocuous? Or is technology going to ruin our families?
After you listen to this episode, have a candid discussion to assess if you’re overly concerned OR if you need to pay closer attention to what’s happening with these devices.
TALK ABOUT THIS:
LINK:
BOOK: The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.
by Andy Crouch
Remember life before smartphones? Do you ever wish we could go back to those days?
Chances are your kids won’t ever distinguish between being on or off line because life will simply be online all the time. So since our digital devices are here to stay, how do we manage the impact on our lives? How do we navigate the tension when our kids seem obsessed with screens and parents might be a wee bit addicted too?
Listen to episode one then have a candid conversation about managing the tension tech brings.
TALK ABOUT THIS:
LINK:
BOOK: Right Click: Parenting Your Teenager In A Digital Media World
by Dr. Kara Powell, Art Bamford, Brad M Griffin
Have you ever wondered how you’re doing as a parent? What do your kids think about the way you handle the family? If you want some insightful comments, ask them! In this episode we’ll discuss how to solicit feedback from the people who experience your highs and lows first hand.
Talk About This:
Although this week was all about questions, we still think there are a few things you should process with your spouse.
Discuss the answers you got from your kids and what you learned. Did any of the answers surprise you?
Are there things you need to change in light of your kid's answers?
What would you do differently the next time you plan an "awkward" session?
Related Links:
Episode #11 – The Awkward Date Night
Also remember:
Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!
Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com
Thanks for being awesome!
Have you ever noticed how your spouse is different from you? Have you ever been irritated by the difference? Maybe you’ve been able to move past the difference and ended up in a really happy place. What accounts for the spread between irritation and celebration? That’s the discussion on this episode!
Talk About This:
Evaluate what season are you in?
Is your spouse in the same season?
What are the differences that need to be celebrated?
What obstacles are preventing you from moving to season 4 or 5 (Appreciation/Celebration)
Related Links:
Episode #60 – What To Do When Your Spouse Annoys
Episode #107 – Understanding Personality Types
Also remember:
Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!
Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com
Thanks for being awesome!
If you have kids middle school age or younger today’s episode gives you some bite-sized thoughts to digest. Consider it a little encouragement for walking through the season of raging hormones, emotional tsunamis, and one-word answers.
Talk About This:
Which resonate with you most?
Which are you already doing?
Which will be hardest for you to implement?
Which do you want to try?
Related Links:
Episode 8 - Is this Really Just a Stage?
Episode 73 - Enjoying the Middle School Years
Also remember:
Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!
Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com
Thanks for being awesome!