BE KIND, REWIND, & UNPLUG - Parenting in the Moment

Treehouse Storyteller

BE KIND, REWIND, & UNPLUG

Parenting in the Moment

• Today we will talk about some hard things, some BIG problems, but most importantly, some BEAUTIFUL solutions.
• My desire for you as parents is to walk out of this space feeling encouraged and equipped to tackle some of these problems.
• We will focus on problems relating to the technology generation and the way in which we can do our part to steer the direction of our next generation.

We will explore technology as a useful tool, a constant distraction, and also something that can be harmful to our health.

• Computers, Phones, + Tablets can be useful! They can connect & keep us together They can be tools for learning and sharing ideas They can help us explore new information They can save some time and increase productivity when used appropriately. They can give direction when we are lost They can rescue us. They can call for help!
• Computers, Phones, + Tablets can be distracting! Distracting in school and at work Notification can overwhelm our thoughts and prevent productivity We can get greatly sidetracked. They can cost us time and decrease productivity when used inappropriately. We can become overly reliant on them. They can pull us away from real life. They can distract us when driving or doing a task that requires our attention.
• Computers, Phones, + Tablets can be harmful! The harsh screen light can harm our eyes. Games and social media scrolling can become addictive. We can get stuck sitting indoors and become less active. We can accidentally see harmful or inappropriate images. We can become addicted to the dopamine. We can harm our in person relationships. We can experience cyber bullying or worse.

Then we explore the wonderful solutions and preventatives to the big problems!

• Getting outside can:
  • Increase activity levels Expand creative play Help us explore new things and understand the way our world and nature operates. Fresh air and light can reduce cortisol levels. Reduces muscle tensions Reduce stress and anxiety improve our mood give active children time to exert energy
• Getting outside first thing in the morning:
  • We are diurnal species We are made to experience activity in the daylight and rest during the night/darkness. Exposing our retinas to early light for even 20 minutes first thing in the morning is super beneficial to our hormone levels. Morning light actually increases the production of cortisol which ignites your energy for the day. Doing so then helps promote the production of melatonin come night time for sleep!
• Setting healthy screen time limits:
  • by setting time frames you can go on screens Reduce notifications Create a ‘home station’ for your phone/tablet Offer other activities first Close out tabs and apps when not using Set alarms or time limits on devices Let your device lose battery power Leave phones inside when you go outdoors Activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ during family time No phones at dinner rule!
• Parenting in the moment:
  • Have engaging conversations 1 on 1 Set your phone down and look in their eyes! Plan activities with family and stick to them! Show your kids that they are a priority Make the most of your time together Make a jar to remind you of your days left Award with positive reinforcement tasks and accomplishments off screens Visit my blog for more ideas! at thetreehousestoryteller.com

Resources!!!!

FIND THE SCREEN FREE MENU HERE!

https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ - Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich, M.E.d

https://drdunckley.com - Reset your child’s brain by Victoria L. Dunckley, MD

https://thetreehousestoryteller.com/ - Farm to Film by Hannah Miles Pierrou

PROJECTS:

• Make a bean jar of each day you have left with your kids.
• Create an art space in your home that allows kids to create, build, and make a mess freely to use their creativity off of screens.
• Go outside and use ONLY natural materials to create a game or fun space to play. I.e. slay the dragon with sticks and stones, or build a fairy garden!