In this episode, we’ll dive into the ever-evolving world of online trends and challenges and discuss how to protect your child from potential dangers lurking in the digital realm. Let’s explore practical tips and strategies to keep your kids safe online.
Understand Online Trends and Challenges
Parents often lag behind in knowing the latest online trends and challenges. Addressing online dangers with children is crucial in today’s digital landscape. However, online trends and challenges gain traction due to their accessibility and potential for a wider audience.
Why Kids Engage in Online Trends and Challenges
Kids create online challenges out of boredom or to gain followers on social media. They may not always consider the impact of their ideas on others. The volume of potentially dangerous activities online has increased in recent years.
Parental Actions to Protect Your Children
Getting to know your child’s perspective and how they process the online world is essential. One way we can do this is by using current news stories as conversation starters about online safety. And encouraging open dialogue about trends and risky behaviors without pressuring your child to name names. Of course, building trust is key to effectively getting your child to open up.
Key Topics to Discuss with Your Child
Digital Footprint Awareness: Help your teens understand the lasting impact of their online actions.
Online Privacy: Teach them the importance of privacy settings and strong passwords.
Cyberbullying Awareness: Discuss reporting procedures and the importance of anonymity.
Critical Thinking: Equip your child with the ability to assess online content critically.
Responsible Online Behavior: Emphasize kindness and respect in online interactions.
Parental Guidelines for Ensuring Online Safety
Know your child’s online activities, websites, and social media accounts.
Keep devices in communal areas to monitor usage.
Regularly review credit card and phone bills for unauthorized charges.
Explore online protection measures at schools and friends’ homes.
Helping Your Child Avoid Online Trends and Challenges
By staying informed, fostering open communication, and setting boundaries, parents can help protect their children from the risks associated with online trends and challenges. Remember, the key is to create a safe digital environment while nurturing trust and understanding in your parent-child relationship.
When should I give my child a smartphone? What is the perfect age? Some parents want to wait until the later teen years, while others think the tween years are better. Is there a right age?
Most parents have doubts about when their child should have a phone. They also, have different ideas of what is appropriate for their child. Here’s the truth: There is no one perfect age when a child should get a smartphone. There are pros and cons to consider before making such an important decision.
What Some Experts Recommend
Prior to the pandemic, the recommended age was when the child entered the eighth grade. And that might be a good age for some of your children. However, now the suggested age is between 10-14, or during middle school, which is the perfect age because kids are still very connected to their parents. They rely on their parents to shuttle them around, which makes teaching a child proper smartphone usage easier.
Also, research indicates most children have already had access to a smartphone by middle school. So, parents need to have smartphone conversations early to establish guidelines and family rules before unacceptable habits get formed.
Since some recommend giving a child a smartphone, how should we decide what is best for our child?
Why Kids Need a Smartphone: Factors to Consider for Safety and Independence
Living in separate households or gaining independence during the middle school years, there are valid reasons why children may require a smartphone at a younger age. Providing a means for them to stay connected fosters a sense of security and peace of mind.
Increased independence: As kids grow and become involved in work, sports, and travel, a smartphone grants them the freedom to coordinate plans, stay connected with peers, and navigate their schedules more efficiently.
Enhanced Safety: With children spending more time alone at home or engaging in various activities, a smartphone allows them to reach out during emergencies or moments of distress, alleviating anxiety and ensuring their well-being.
As parents, it is crucial to evaluate both the necessity and preparedness of your child before providing them with a phone. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes their safety and development.
Smartphone Readiness: Key Factors to Consider
When contemplating whether to give a child a smartphone, it is important to assess their readiness based on several essential markers:
Displays Good Judgment: Observing sound decision-making skills and responsible behavior in other aspects of their life indicates the level of maturity needed for smartphone usage.
Trustworthy and Open Communication: A child who can be relied upon to approach you with problems and admit their mistakes demonstrates a level of trustworthiness necessary for responsibly handling a smartphone.
Adherence to Rules: Willingness to agree to and follow established rules regarding device usage, including time limits and appropriate content, showcases their ability to exercise self-discipline and respect boundaries.
Deciding to grant a child a smartphone should be done thoughtfully and with prayerful consideration. It is acceptable to wait until you see signs of maturity and feel a sense of peace about the decision.
Signs that Indicate a Child Might Not Be Ready for a Smartphone
It is important to consider various factors before deciding whether a child is ready for a smartphone. Here are some signs that indicate a child might not be ready:
Your own readiness: If you, as a parent, feel hesitant or unprepared to introduce a smartphone to your child, it may be a sign that they are not ready.
False pressure: If there is a sense of external pressure, such as peer or societal influence, to provide a phone to your child, it may not be the right time.
Lacking social decision-making ability: Children who have not yet developed the necessary skills to make responsible decisions in social contexts may not be prepared for the challenges and distractions that come with owning a smartphone.
Age considerations: There are many psychologists who suggest that children under the age of 14 may not be ready to navigate the potential distractions and temptations associated with smartphones.
Ultimately, every child is different, and determining their readiness for a smartphone requires careful consideration of their individual maturity, responsibility, and ability to handle the device’s potential impact on their well-being and development. And to consider the impact on your relationship.
What Should You Do Before Buying A Smartphone
Deciding whether a child is ready for a smartphone is just the initial consideration. Prior to purchasing a device, it is essential to ensure both you and your child are fully prepared for what lies ahead. This requires preparation and maintaining ongoing communication, encompassing the following steps:
Establishing mutual agreement on ground rules, including designated screen-free times.
Configuring parental controls and carefully selecting suitable apps.
Engaging in open conversations about potential online content they may encounter.
Familiarizing yourselves with digital etiquette and safety guidelines.
Formulating a written agreement that outlines the responsibilities and expectations associated with smartphone usage.
Do not succumb to external pressure when it comes to granting your child a phone. As the parent, you possess the insight to determine what your child genuinely needs and what aligns with your family’s values. Remember, you have the authority to establish and modify rules and guidelines as necessary to ensure a positive and safe digital environment for your child. A device is a tool. It’s up to you to know when your child is ready for a smartphone.
Are you raising interdependent, independent, or co-dependent children? What you decide can have a huge impact on your children. Lori Wildenberg and I discuss why we need to raise interdependent children and how it can reduce their anxiety while increasing family connectedness.
As a mother of four adult children and a licensed parent and family educator, Lori shares her unique perspective on what is happening to families and how parents can reduce their children’s anxiety throughout the parenting journey.
Independent Children
Throughout our years, Lori and I have come across numerous experts who promote the idea of cultivating independence in children. They argue that it equips them with the confidence to navigate the world successfully. While this notion holds some truth, it falls short when considering the significance of maintaining familial connections after leaving home. In fostering independence, there is a risk of inadvertently instilling a belief that an individual can thrive without the support of others.
Co-dependent Children
Conversely, certain parents display an extreme level of protectiveness towards their children, refraining from making decisions independently due to apprehension of making a mistake. This co-dependency often leads to a diminished sense of confidence.
Interdependent Children
Interdependency plays a vital role in our lives. It encompasses relying on others for moral, emotional, and spiritual support. When a child has a strong bond with their parents, this connection often continues even after they leave home. It’s not driven by obligation or guilt, but rather by the reassurance of knowing that someone will be there for them as they navigate the world around them.
Find a Balance
We want our children to be able to make decisions on their own. We don’t want them to be insecure and completely rely on us. That’s why we must consider how we raise our children.
When you focus on raising interdependent children, you can reduce your child’s anxiety and strengthen family connectedness.
About Lori Wildenberg
Helping families build relationships that last a lifetime is Lori Wildenberg’s passion. Lori, a licensed parent and family educator, is a national speaker and award-winning author or coauthor of six parenting books listed below. The Wildenberg home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Lori is Mom to four, Mom-in-Love to three, and Mimi to four. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom (her hubby) and their growing family!
My guest, Zan Tyler, shares how parents can make homeschooling easier and strengthen relationships using a few simple activities your children will enjoy.
As a veteran homeschool mom, Zan Tyler believes parents can make homeschooling easier by adding a few simple activities to motivate children on their homeschool journey.
What can we do to make learning fun while making homeschooling easy? Zan shares three ideas and some sage advice I’m sure you will enjoy.
Embracing God’s Call
Embracing God’s call isn’t always easy, but Zan’s story is filled with defining moments where she witnessed God’s hand guiding her through the process. Through these experiences, she realized that her purpose is to support and encourage homeschool moms like enjoy the adventure.
Making Homeschooling Easier
Zan understands the challenges of homeschooling and wants to help you make your homeschool days more enjoyable. Here are a few tips she shared:
Break up the school week by designating a special day that your kids can look forward to.
Focus on the unique gifts that homeschooling offers, such as the flexibility of time, the ability to explore new ideas, and the spontaneity it allows.
Look for serving opportunities that you and your children can do together. Engaging in service activities strengthens the bond between you and your kids.
Plan mid-week outings or activities outside the house to bring excitement and variety to your homeschool routine.
Encourage your family members to embrace their individual strengths and find meaningful ways to redeem each day.
Building Strong Relationships
Zan emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within your homeschooling journey. She quotes Mother Teresa, who said, “If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family.”
Here are some practical tips to making homeschooling easier
Love each other well by intentionally investing time and effort into nurturing your relationships.
Take the time to truly understand and get to know your children, their unique motivations, and learning styles.
Give yourself grace as you navigate the homeschooling journey. Remember, it’s all new, and mistakes are part of the learning process.
Learn to incorporate your faith into your daily homeschool routine, allowing God to guide you every step of the way.
We must trust in God’s leading to help make homeschooling easier
By implementing these practical tips and embracing the lessons shared in this episode, you can make homeschool easier and more fulfilling while strengthening the bond within your family.
Trust in God’s plan, cherish your relationships and enjoy the adventure of homeschooling. Together, we can strengthen today’s families and create a brighter future.
About Zan Tyler
Zan Tyler’s homeschool journey began in 1984 when homeschooling was illegal, and she was threatened with jail. For eight years, she and other families battled for homeschool freedom and established landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina. In 1990, she founded the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) and served as its president for ten years.
Zan loves to empower parents as they answer their God-given calling to homeschool. She is an inspirational speaker and author. For sixteen years, Zan worked with Christian publishers developing homeschool curriculum and resources. She is now a consultant with BJU Press Homeschool. Zan’s greatest privilege in life was homeschooling their three children through high school. Zan is the host of the Zan Tyler Podcast, sponsored by BJU Press Homeschool. Join Zan and a special guest each week for real encouragement, engaging stories, and practical wisdom for surviving and thriving on the homeschool journey.
Get ready for a few tears with this episode! I finally convinced my podcast editor to join me on the show. It’s part thank you and part farewell as she moves on to what God has for her in this next season of her life. Amanda and I have known each other for over 10 years, worked together in several ways over the years, and have become great friends over that time. She helped me launch the Equipped To Be Podcast and do a lot of other technical stuff behind the scenes with the support of her husband Josh and their company The Pelsers Media. After battling chronic illness for many years and overcoming through much prayer, research, and the use of homeopathy, she has now launched Rooted Homeopathy, LLC to help other moms find wellness breakthroughs and care for their families in a natural, Biblical way by using homeopathy.
Disclaimer: Amanda is not a doctor or licensed medical professional. Nothing stated is meant to diagnose or treat disease. Amanda is educating you on the specialized area of homeopathic remedies and their possible uses for wellness support.
In this episode Amanda and I discuss:
Background on how we met and our friendship
Amanda’s health journey story through chronic health issues to find diagnoses
What is medical “gaslighting”?
How Amanda found homeopathy and used it to regain her wellness
How do faith, the Bible, and homeopathy intersect?
Being content to use education and experiences for discipling her children if for nothing else
The road to starting Rooted Homeopathy
How God gives us gifts and talents to use for His glory
Wellness consults and study groups offered at Rooted Homeopathy
Encouragement to take charge of your own health
I hope you found encouragement and hope in Amanda’s story and testimony!
About Amanda Pelser
Amanda Pelser is a wife, mom of four boys, RVer, and aspiring homesteader. Amanda’s journey to natural and alternative health education began with poor experiences with allopathic/conventional medicine. She had to take responsibility for her own health when doctors failed her. She’s tackled her own autoimmune conditions and the acute and chronic wellness care of her own family using homeopathy.
Desiring to learn more and serve others with this knowledge, Amanda obtained her PHom and is a Certified Practical Homeopath through the Academy of Practical Homeopathy®. She has also completed Lotus Wellness Cottage Certifications (the program established by the late Dr. Robin Murphy) in Home Use Home Homeopathy (H.Hom) and a certificate in Planetary Bioenergetics. Always a student, she is currently pursuing the C.Hom and I.Hom certifications at Lotus. She now offers personalized wellness consults for acute and chronic concerns and teaches others how to use homeopathy through Rooted Homeopathy.
Amanda also has a BA in Bible and MA in Old Testament Studies and is uniquely equipped to address the intersection of faith and the use of homeopathy. As a homeschooling mom of over 13 years, she also has a passion for teaching homeopathy and natural wellness to kids.
I want to introduce you to Tina Yeager. She’s a mental health professional, coach, speaker, and podcaster. In this episode, she helps me tackle some tough topics that are affecting families these days. There’s so much tension, anxiety, and depression affecting our kids and it just continues to trend upwards. She helps us understand how to help our kids find identity in Christ in this crazy world.
In this episode Tina and I discuss:
How we are being systematically distracted from connecting with one another and the priority of the urgent.
How screens are dehumanizing our kids and leading to violent behavior.
How kids are looking for acceptance and approval and that must come first from God.
How parents can handle their own stresses and still keep a watchful eye on their kids.
Learning to put the important first over the urgent and make connections with your kids.
Making time to connect with God and letting the Holy Spirit be the manager of your time.
How to overcome developmental and academic delays caused by the disruptions of the last few years.
How the best things you can do are free and not extravagant.
The need for firm safety guidelines for your kids so they are not bullied or manipulated.
Instilling the understanding of finding identity in Christ in your kids
I hope you’ve been encouraged and equipped by these thoughts and tips from Tina. As you start a new school year with your kids, I challenge you to help your kids find identity in Christ and to work towards building solid relationships with them.
About Tina Yeager
Award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and life coach, Tina also hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and publishes Inkspirations Online, a weekly devotional for writers. She has won over thirty writing awards, including a 2020 Golden Scroll Award and 2013 FCWC Writer of the Year. Her fiction and nonfiction strive to clarify how we might relate better to others, to ourselves, and to God. Licensed as a counselor since 2005, she has over twenty years of experience teaching parenting to at-risk families, writing skills, communications, inner healing, and spiritual growth. She has counseled and taught adults, teens, and children in academic, clinical, and faith-based settings. Tina enjoys working with diverse populations and has practiced in community mental health settings and private practice since 2000. She specializes in ADHD, stress management, purpose definition, abuse recovery, and esteem-building, and currently runs an online life coaching practice, Divine Encouragement, LLC. Yeager holds a BA in creative writing and an MA in counseling. Yeager serves on the steering committee of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, as director of traditional groups with Word Weavers International, and as an active member of the Christian Authors Network and Christian Women in Media Association. Her courses on Subdue Stress and Anxiety, Psyched Characters and Kindle your Creative Spark are available online. Though currently a life coach, author, speaker, and podcast host, Yeager is also familiar with shame’s oppression at a personal level. Tina wrestled with isolation from peers, body image, and low self-esteem issues, even trending into eating disordered behavior. The Lord sustained Tina through a desert-like journey of character transformation, training, and effort.
