"Every generation of parents believes they are fixing the mistakes of the last. But in trying to eliminate discomfort, boredom, and failure, some modern parenting trends may be creating new problems instead. What feels like protection can quietly turn into control. What feels like support can slide into avoidance. And what feels like kindness can, over time, undermine resilience."
"One thing I recommend to parents and family members, as a former pre-kindergarten literacy teacher, is to tell children what you're doing on your phone or laptop. For example, say, 'I'm reading a news article,' then read part of it out loud as appropriate. Or, 'I'm writing a message to your Aunt Katie. Let's see what she writes back. What do you want to write to her?' If you're scrolling through videos, tell them what you're watching: 'I am watching a recipe video about how to cook lasagna. Do you want to see it?' Then ask them to name the ingredients while you watch together. The guilt around phones is reasonable, but phones are tools for connecting with the wider universe. Kids cannot visually tell that you are reading something the way they can with a newspaper, so narrating helps. It invites questions, eases guilt, and sparks curiosity."
Modern parenting that seeks to eliminate discomfort, boredom, and failure can create new emotional problems for children. Protective actions can morph into controlling behaviors, supportive moves can become avoidance, and repeated kindness can weaken resilience. Publicly sharing children's lives online erases privacy and exposes them to long-term consequences. Thoughtful phone use narrated to children can transform screens into educational tools, reduce parental guilt, and spark curiosity. Teachers, parents, and former children observe recurring patterns that raise concern about future emotional outcomes and the capacity to address those consequences effectively.
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