Guiding Kids Through Tech Saturation
Have you ever caught yourself staring at your phone only to look up and realize an hour has raced by along with your toddler who was trying to show you their latest masterpiece in crayon? If so, you’re not alone.
Technology has a funny way of slipping into our day-to-day rhythms until it practically becomes a fifth member of the family. But maybe there’s a deeper reason why all those apps, memes, and endless scrolling grab our attention so easily. Dr. Kathy suggests that our struggles with tech often reveal bigger heart issues—like self-centeredness or impatience—things we’ve wrestled with as humans long before smartphones entered the scene.
Let’s chat about this in a way that feels hopeful rather than heavy. We don’t want to wag a finger at you. Instead, think of this as a gentle reminder that technology isn’t evil, nor is it the boss of you or your family. The real question is: what’s going on in our hearts that draws us so strongly to tech—and what does that mean for us as parents?
Technology and Our Hearts
We live in a world that moves incredibly fast, and technology meets us at every corner with cute videos, status updates, and messages that promise to make our day easier or more fun. But sometimes, behind that quick-fix convenience, there might be a self-focused drive lurking—like when we hit “refresh” on Instagram to see if we’ve gotten more likes, or when we expect our favorite streaming show to load instantly or else. Those “I want it now” feelings? They’re not new. We’ve had them since the dawn of time. It’s just that technology can magnify them.
For some of us, seeing the big picture and getting all the details in a neat row is deeply satisfying. Others might crave spontaneity and freedom, preferring to test out interesting solutions to help our families form healthier habits. Still, some of us love connecting with others and deeply empathizing when technology causes relational friction. And there are also those of us who get a thrill out of discussing the theory behind how tech shapes our worldviews. No matter which style resonates most with you, we can all agree that when it comes to family life, we’d rather use our gadgets to build deeper bonds instead of letting them build walls.
Why This Matters for Our Kids
Kids look to us to figure out how to balance technology and real life. If they see us zoning out during dinnertime or snapping at slow internet speeds, they’ll pick up on those patterns. Our little ones need to know that their worth isn’t tied to the number of “hearts” they get on social media, and that it’s possible to handle frustration or boredom without diving into yet another YouTube marathon.
What’s more, if we only focus on the tools and forget the heart behind them, we might miss the chance to teach our kids about deeper truths—like patience, gratitude, and caring for others. When we help them see that our struggles with technology point us back to our need for a Savior, we offer them real hope rather than just another list of do’s and don’ts. It’s about inviting them on a journey toward healthier boundaries, genuine self-worth, and a faith that helps us navigate the digital age.
The Good News
Here’s the encouraging part: noticing our own habits (and yes, even the ways we might struggle with self-centeredness or entitlement) can be the first step toward real growth. We can remind our kids (and ourselves) that we’re designed for relationships—first with God, then with one another. Technology can enhance those connections when used wisely or weaken them when we forget what truly matters. Thankfully, we don’t have to figure it all out alone. We have a God who loves to guide us, and a community that supports us—even if that community sometimes meets on Zoom!
Three Simple Steps to Engage Your Kids on This Topic
Start with Curiosity
Ask open-ended questions: “What do you love most about playing that game?” Show genuine interest, and you’ll get a peek into their world and heart.Share Your Struggles
Kids relate when we’re honest about our own challenges. Admitting the addiction of technology with your teen helps them see you’re in the battle, too, and taking active steps together can be empowering to overcome the lure of those glowing rectangles.Set a Family Challenge
Create a fun family goal—like “Tech-Free Tuesdays” or “No-Phone Dinner Hour.” Make it a game by tracking everyone’s progress. Celebrate small successes along the way with ice cream or a dance party, and talk about how it feels to unplug as you unwind before bedtime.
Connecting with Your Kids Using the 8 Great Smarts
Dr. Kathy teaches that everyone has unique “smarts” that help them learn, connect, and grow. Here are some family-friendly ideas to support each one:
Word Smart
Talk or journal together about what’s happening in your hearts when screens are tempting.
Encourage your kids to write a short story or poem about a day without technology.
Logic Smart
Discuss cause and effect: “When we spend too much time on screens, what happens to our mood?”
Invite them to track their daily screen time and see if there’s a pattern in their energy or attitude.
Picture Smart
Draw or paint a picture of an imaginary place where people use technology in healthy ways.
Encourage them to design a fun poster that reminds the family of your tech boundaries.
Music Smart
Make a silly song about putting phones away during dinner.
Listen to uplifting music together instead of scrolling for entertainment.
Body Smart
Take a tech break and head outside for a quick family walk or game of tag.
Challenge each other to a “dance freeze” whenever someone catches the family scrolling too long.
Nature Smart
Go on a nature scavenger hunt, leaving all devices behind. When you get home, challenge your family to remember patterns you saw in the leaves, ground, houses, animals, etc.
Compare how you feel after exploring the outdoors with how you feel after an hour of screen time.
People Smart
Schedule a playdate or family gathering where everyone commits to minimal phone use.
Role-play scenarios that help your kids practice talking face-to-face instead of texting.
Self Smart
Encourage quiet time for reflection or prayer about the deeper heart issues behind screen habits.
Let them keep a personal journal of their feelings, fears, and successes with technology.
Remember, a little openness, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of love go a long way toward helping our families navigate the digital world. As you keep the conversation alive and gently point your kids (and yourself) to the bigger story of redemption and grace, you’ll discover that even in this tech-driven age, the best connection is still heart-to-heart.