How to stay connected, curious, and engaged with your teen or tween in the digital age—without the drama
Do you really know what your tween or teen is up to? Texting? Facebook? Instagram? Snapchat. My guess is no. And it’s not because you aren’t trying. It’s just that you don’t know what it is that you need to know. Your kids are digital natives and you, moms and dads, are the immigrants. It’s a new world and you came to it late. Our kids were born into it.
As a busy mom of two teen girls, I know what it’s like. I’m trying to keep up, too. I’m committed to helping other parents navigate the online world of tweens and teens. Aft all, here at BodiMojo, we are creating a wellness app for kids. It’s my social responsibility to empower parents on the best uses of technology and how to manage it on the home front.
When I speak with parents I ask a simple question:
“Do you know your son’s or daughter’s twitter handle or Instagram name?”
Nine out of 10 do not. That’s about 90%. The odds are you fall into the majority of moms and dads who don’t know or don’t realize what they are up to.
And if you are in the 10% minority group of digitally savvy moms and dads, I bet you feel a bit nervous about what, and with whom, your teens is “chatting”.
There’s a lot to know. I can imagine that you feel nothing short of horror when you hear the news about cyberbullying or texting taking a terrible turn into sexting or dating abuse. We often hear about the most extreme cases and it’s heartbreaking. But you think: “That would never happen with my kid.” “My teen would never do such a mean thing.” And that is true for most.
But guess what? Short of teen tragedies that may seem otherworldly to you, risky aspects of digital life can keep parents up at night. It’s replaced sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It tops the parent list of anxiety and dread. (Parents totally overestimate danger when it comes to their kids.)
It doesn’t need to be. I say, “Handing your kid a smartphone is like handing them the keys to a car—without a roadmap.”
This e-book will help you get a grip on what’s going on with your tweens and teens. Technology (and smartphones) aren’t inherently bad. It’s all about how we use them and in this case–teach our children to use them. Both you and your kids can have a “roadmap” for being a smartphone-friendly family.
The e-book will help you:
- Understand the digital landscape our kids navigate;
- Understand signs of adolescent emotional vulnerability that may put her at risk;
- Be aware of your teen’s level of attachment to his or her smartphone (or other gadgets) and how this may influence adolescent development and affect her health and wellness;
- Learn simple tips about setting up privacy settings and creating clear expectations for responsible use of social media;
- How to avoid the digital drama by building a solid foundation for communication.
What’s in it for you?
- Your Guide to a Smartphone Friendly Family – e-book
- 8 Rules of the Road – tip sheet to serve as your family roadmap
- Discussion Guide for Parents and Teens – checklist for negotiating drama-free technology conversations
Sign up below to receive your free e-book and tip sheets!
I’m Tara Cousineau, PhD, clinical psychologist and self-esteem expert. I’m also founder of BodiMojo, Inc., and our mission is to teach kids about mindfulness, kindness, social and emotional learning, stress resilience through the technology tools they use every day. I wrote this e-book with Tami Rogers, a mom of 2 college kids and award-winning writer and parent blogger, who’s been through it already. We know what can be helpful and harmful when it comes to digital playgrounds.
Trust me. You can discover what your teen is up to without being a cop. And you can build a strong and trusting relationship with your son or daughter. Your kids won’t reveal everything – don’t expect them to – but you all can feel confident that you have each other’s best interests at heart: safety, independence, respect and responsibility.
You might be thinking, well I have already talked with my son or daughter about rules and have a family policy in place. I say, good for you. You may be in the 10%. But I ask: How often to you talk with your kids about social media and smartphones and when is the last time you checked in on their digital conversations? Too busy, right?
This e-book is definitely for you if you are ready to:
- Drop the digital drama at home or in your teens’ social networks
- Stop feeling anxious that you can’t keep up with your teens
- Become a savvy mom or dad by understanding technology – the good and bad.
What are you waiting for?
Download your copy today and feel more in control and confident in managing your teens connection in the online world. You’ll also receive a weekly parenting tip, A Mojo Minute.
I can help you feel more assured. You don’t have to toe the line alone. There are many moms and dads just like you with the very same concerns. You’ll come away with more confidence and with practical tools in hand to help your daughter be safe and responsible without giving up her BFFs.
Sign up below to receive your free copy!
You can boost your technology savvy with your tweens and teens. Just know that a few simple guidelines you’ll learn from this resource, can go a long way to feel reassured.
“When Dr. Tara posed the question ‘What are your daughters’ twitter handles. Their Instagram names?’ I have to say I couldn’t answer the question. I wasn’t the only mom either, but it made me realize that I need to pay more attention, which is hard to do with three teens. I’m inspired to be much more proactive. I simply need to take the time and consistently check in.” – Nancy, mom of 3 teenagers
