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How to win the Battle between Parents, Kids, and Tech Here's 5 strategies to help you raise kids in a digital world. Then…… When I was middle school and high school aged, we had several phones in the home. The most frequently used one was in the kitchen, mounted to the wall with a long cord. From time to time, you would have to unplug the cord and straighten it out from the coiling and twining as a result of using it so frequently.  Mom would do dishes, cook, and tidy up, while talking on the phone with [...]

Screenagers: A review from Moxie Finally, after three years of patiently waiting, I had the opportunity to see Dr. Delaney Ruston’s Screenagers Movie.  The film didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. However, the documentary is peppered with a gaggle of experts in the child wellness industry.  Authors, psychologists, and brain experts emerge throughout the film offering statistics and solutions to help kids navigate the digital world. Same story, different era The movie begins with Dr. Ruston and her daughter, Tessa. Dr. Ruston asks, “Why should I give you a smartphone?” [...]

The scientific data on how screen time effects the brain? Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Read this article and watch this video very, very closely.  Many supporters of the Learn With Moxie mission checked in with me last night to ensure I would be tuned into 60 Minutes.  Suffice to say, I felt nauseous as the segment concluded.  This may come as a surprise to you. While most folks tuning in, found this to be fascinating research or were impressed by this groundbreaking study, I was left feeling heavy hearted and concerned. I understand we [...]

Parents and children LOVE Learn With Moxie Programs! Why kids need communication skills? Recently, we held a three week holiday camp focused on communication skills with children.  The ages ranged from 5 to 10 years old.  Interestingly, we gained valuable insight. The Future Leaders need our programs. Most importantly, the Learn With Moxie mission strives to get children to engage. We want them to master good communication skills, hone in on social skills, make use of good eye contact, and improve listening skills. The more time children spend in a screen world, the less practiced they are in [...]

Are more apps the REAL solution to help us manage our app addictions?  Scrambling for solutions I get it.  Companies are scrambling to offer solutions to our tech addiction epidemic.  Internet Addiction Disorder or Internet Gaming Disorder is officially classified within the DSM 5 guidelines. Why not offer apps to help us with apps? Apps to help us with screen addiction?  Cringe worthy journalism There are a few things about this recent article that made me cringe.  The least of which is how thin the article is, coming from someone [...]

 Are Smartphones Weapons of Mass Destruction? Dangers associated with technology Several weeks ago, I had an image in my mind. A disturbing visual that wouldn't go away.  Often, I correlate technology with dangers. Scientific research has confirmed developmental delays, devastation, and death.  Sadly, even death. Admittedly, I often think of the cyber-negatives before I think about the cyber-positives. I attribute that method of thinking to my concern for our children. Science and Observation Willingly, I spend an incredible amount of time researching studies, reading articles, and reviewing data.  As a result, I continue to crusade for our youth. [...]

 Parents want technology in school. But, what kind and how much? Technology opportunities Many parents come to me with articles they've read, questions they have about minimizing screen time and how to get their child more verbally engaged.  Frequently, they want to know my opinion about technology in the school environment.   We are all familiar with STEM, STEAM and if you are a school of religion, STREAM.  As a parent, I love that we are implementing these things into our curriculum. We really do want technology in schools, despite the fact that we battle it so frequently in our [...]

KMOX radio interview with John Hancock and Michael Kelley KMOX radio interview with John Hancock and Michael Kelley  ( begin clip at 19:10) Check out Gia's interview with KMOX radio personalities, John Hancock and Michael Kelley. A fabulous discussion regarding the digital landscape children inhabit. In this segment, stories and concerns are shared about the future leaders. Are children being hijacked by technology? Have kids been robbed of communication skills with the modern advances given to them?  Find out more in this riveting dialogue with Hancock and Kelley. View More Start [...]

iPotty? Yes, you read that right  The iPotty has been on the market since 2013 and this is the first I'm learning of the product. Briliantly designed to "give parents all the help they can get to keep those little tushes on the potty long enough to be taught to do their business." Prior to pulling all technology in my home, I can recall my children completely sucked into their devices. I don't think they even got up to use the restroom.  Additionally, they had zero requests to eat or drink anything.  Had I let them go long [...]