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In today’s digital world, managing children’s screen time can be a battleground. For Emma, a devoted mother of two teenagers, the constant battle over device usage was more than just a frustration—it was a source of deep-seated anger. Every day, Emma felt overwhelmed by the feeling that her kids were more attached to their screens than to each other or to her. The digital jungle was consuming their lives, and Emma was struggling to find her way through it.
Emma’s frustration wasn’t just about the screen time; it was about feeling disconnected from her children and powerless in her own home. She worried about their social development, their academic performance, and the impact of constant device use on their relationships. Every attempt to set boundaries seemed to backfire, leaving her feeling more isolated and angry.
When Emma reached out to me, she was at her wit’s end. Her anger had become a constant companion, influencing how she interacted with her children and affecting her overall well-being. That’s when we introduced the Deep-Seated Anger Release process—a transformative journey designed to help parents like Emma address and release deeply held emotions.
In our initial sessions, Emma reflected on her frustrations with her children’s device use and how it had been building over time. We explored how her anger was more than just about screens; it was tied to feelings of being unheard and unappreciated. Emma’s anger had been bubbling under the surface, and it was manifesting in heated arguments and strained relationships.
The breakthrough came when we delved into the physical release aspect of the Deep-Seated Anger Release process. Emma was guided through an exercise where she used a pillow to channel and release her frustrations. With each punch and scream into the pillow, Emma was able to express the raw emotions she had been holding in—emotions about feeling disconnected, helpless, and unheard.
“It was like I was finally giving myself permission to be angry,” Emma said afterward. “I didn’t realise how much I was holding back until I let it all out. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
Following this emotional release, we worked on crafting a new approach to handling her children’s device use. Emma was encouraged to communicate her feelings to her children openly and honestly, without the baggage of suppressed anger clouding her messages. We developed strategies for setting boundaries that respected both her needs and her children’s autonomy, fostering a healthier dialogue about screen time.
The results were transformative. Emma noticed a shift in her interactions with her children. By addressing her anger and approaching the issue from a place of calm, she was able to have more productive conversations about screen time. Her children, in turn, were more receptive to her concerns and more willing to negotiate their device use.
Emma’s relationship with her children improved, and she felt a renewed sense of empowerment in her role as a mum. “I’m no longer just reacting out of frustration,” she shared. “I’m able to set boundaries with a clear mind and a balanced mindset. My kids and I have a better understanding of each other, and it feels like we’re finally working together.”
Emma’s journey from frustration to empowerment is a powerful reminder of the impact that acknowledging and releasing deep-seated anger can have. By addressing her emotions and approaching her challenges with a new perspective, she transformed her family dynamic and regained control over her own well-being.
Emma is not alone – I get hundreds of emails along the same lines every week.
The hum of notifications, the glow of screens at dinner, and the sound of yet another YouTube video playing in the background. For many parents, the constant presence of devices in their children’s lives is a source of frustration, guilt, and, at times, outright anger. It’s not just about the time spent in front of a screen—it’s about the feeling of losing control in the digital jungle that our families now navigate daily.
Parents anger isn’t irrational. It’s fuelled by the fear that screens are dominating theuir children’s time, attention, and even their relationships. These emotions can quickly build into feelings of helplessness, making it seem as though the family is being swallowed by the relentless pull of technology.
But there is a way out of this jungle.
Regaining control doesn’t come from simply banning devices or harsh punishments. Instead, it requires a thoughtful approach—one that starts with you. Asking key questions can help to understand the root of the problem and guide the family back to a healthy balance with technology.
Anger is a complex emotion, often masking deeper concerns. Is the frustration about technology use stemming from a fear of missing out on real family connections? Is it a concern about their mental health, safety, or future productivity? Identifying the true source of the anger can lead to more constructive conversations with your children.
Children learn by observing their parents. If they see us glued to our phones, checking emails at dinner, or using screens to decompress after a long day, they will follow suit. Reflecting on your own habits can help you identify areas where you can lead by example. Are there moments where you, too, could put down the phone and engage in more meaningful interactions?
It’s easy to default to commands like “Get off your phone!” or “Stop playing that game!” when we’re frustrated, but these statements often provoke defensiveness rather than cooperation. Instead, think about how you frame discussions about screen time. Could you shift to a more empathetic tone? For example, saying, “I miss spending time with you” can open a dialogue that makes children more receptive to adjusting their device habits.
Setting clear, agreed-upon limits around device use can relieve a lot of tension. Involving your children in these decisions gives them a sense of control and responsibility. Ask yourself, Have I tried sitting down with them to establish screen-free times or zones in the house? Whether it’s no phones at dinner or screen-free Sundays, creating a routine helps the entire family stick to healthier habits.
Children gravitate towards screens when they feel there’s nothing else to do. Rather than focusing solely on restricting screen time, think about what you can introduce to replace it. Ask yourself, Am I providing opportunities for my kids to engage in activities that interest them? Whether it’s family board games, outdoor adventures, or art projects, offering alternatives can help fill the void left by screens.
It’s important to understand that not all screen time is created equal. Watching educational videos, coding, or chatting with friends is very different from mindlessly scrolling through social media. Before assuming the worst, take the time to ask your children about what they enjoy doing online. This will give you a better understanding of how they use technology and help you guide them towards more productive and enriching activities.
While it’s essential to set boundaries, too much control can lead to rebellion. Ask yourself, Am I fostering trust and open communication about device use, or am I being overly restrictive? Building trust means having regular, non-judgmental conversations about screen habits, listening to their concerns, and being open to compromise.
Every family is different, and the goal shouldn’t be to eliminate screens altogether, but to create a healthy relationship with them. Reflect on what a balanced digital life looks like for your family. Does it mean more face-to-face interactions, shared screen time with purposeful content, or clearer boundaries around when and where devices can be used? Having a vision in mind helps guide decisions and keeps the focus on what matters most—connection, well-being, and family harmony.
The digital jungle can feel overwhelming, but it’s not impassable. With self-reflection and mindful conversations, mothers can regain control, not through anger or frustration, but by empowering themselves and their children to make better choices together. Technology doesn’t have to be the enemy. It can be just another tool in the complex, ever-evolving landscape of family life—one that can either isolate or bring us closer together, depending on how we choose to navigate it.
By asking these questions, you can turn your frustration into a more intentional and constructive approach, ensuring that devices serve the family, rather than dominate it.
Are you struggling with similar frustrations in your own life?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your children’s device use or any other issue, and you find yourself stuck in cycles of anger and frustration, I’m here to help. The Deep-Seated Anger Release process can guide you through releasing those hidden emotions and help you approach your challenges with a renewed sense of empowerment and clarity.
Reach out today to start your journey toward a more balanced, peaceful, and connected family life. You deserve to express your emotions freely and to create the harmony you envision for your home.
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