Family Meetings: A Great Way to Balance Technology in Modern Life

In today’s digital age, where smartphones, tablets, and computers are integral to our daily routines, balancing technology use within the family can be challenging. Family meetings offer an excellent opportunity to address this issue, fostering better communication and ensuring that technology serves as a tool for connection rather than a source of division. The Importance […]
High Stakes: The Alarming Connection Between Slot Machines and Smartphone Addiction In Kids!

Remember slot machines? They were designed to answer your every action with a visual, auditory, tactile feedback buzz. A ping when you inserted a coin. A ka-chunk when you pulled the lever. A flash of coloured lights when you released it. The initial engagement with a slot machine begins with the simple act of inserting […]
Is It Time To Put Your Phone In Jail?

I was asked by the Sun News UK newspaper to write 5 quirky and unexpected tips parents can use to wean their kids off their phones: 📲Create a “Phone Jail” for Family Time: Place all phones in a decorative box or “jail” during meals or family activities. This creates a fun and visible reminder to […]
Embracing Radical Optimism: Delaying Smartphones Until 14 for Kid’s Mental Health & Well-Being

I was listening to Dua Lipa’s new album ‘Radical Optimism’ on Spotify & the title got me thinking about Radical Optimism – as I guess I have approached life pretty much like this all my life but didn’t know it had a title‼️ So I thought I’d add my take on how Radical Optimism […]
The Horse Has Bolted: My Child Has a Smartphone! Now What?

Managing a child’s smartphone use can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to ensure your child’s safety and well-being even if they have a smartphone already! Set Clear Rules and Expectations: Establish clear guidelines for smartphone usage, including when and where it’s appropriate to use the device, as well as time […]
I Love My Smartphone – Don’t You?

Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, offering a multitude of benefits that enhance communication, productivity, entertainment, and convenience. Here’s just a few ways they have transformed our lives which I love: Communication: Smartphones revolutionised communication by allowing people to stay connected regardless of their location. With features like calls, texts, emails, […]
‘Digital Pacifiers’: A Modern Comfort or A Huge Concern?

Using smartphones as ‘digital pacifiers’ or ‘dummies’ is an increasing phenomenon in our modern society, where smartphones serve as soothing tools for both toddlers and teens. While the term ‘pacifier’ or ‘dummy’ traditionally refers to a rubber object designed to calm babies by satisfying their innate sucking reflex, the concept has evolved in the digital […]
Building Confidence in Saying ‘No’ to Smartphones until Aged 14 – Tips & SCRIPTS for Parents

97% of 12-year-olds in Britain have a smartphone ‼️📱 You may have seen or heard the campaign that’s gone viral (in a good way‼️) by Daisy Greenwell who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, outlining her worries about the expectation that children in year 5 and 6 at Primary School will be given smartphones, mostly […]
Parental Phubbing – Are You Present or Just in the Room?

The Phubbing Epidemic I learnt a new word this morning‼️ The word “phubber” is used to describe a person who pays too much attention to their smartphone! Phubbing, a contraction of the words “phone snubbing,” is the act of ignoring a person you’re with in favour of using your mobile phone! Who knew? 🤷♀️ Are […]