These days, technology makes it easy to avoid thinking, just ask google!

It makes it easy to not ask a friend for help, just watch a youtube video!

It makes it easy to not become a capable, creative problem solving human.

In our home we consider ourselves technology minimalists, my friend Trey calls it Tech Veganism.

But what about the way technology can keep our kids safer, right?! Isn’t my kid safer with a smart watch or phone with them all the time?

Our answer is NO (and we know that this perspective is likely not shared by a majority of people).

We don’t think our kids are any safer with technology. In fact we think that our kids will build real skills and capability by not always having access to technology when they are kids.

How will they do this?

Without technology at their beck and call they will have to think.

They will get to learn how to read other humans body language.

They will get to creatively solve a problem.

They will learn how to orient themselves using landmarks and natural features like the sun.

And each time they creatively solve a problem and think something through and get themselves into a better position they will build capability and confidence.

When you feel capable, and you know you can face challenges because you have evidence that you’ve overcome difficult things before, you don’t panic when life throws you a curve ball. Or when you get lost on the ski slope and need to figure out how to get back to your parents.

Jonathan Haidt in his book, The Anxious Generation has done the research and has data to show that our kids are actually safer in the real world than on the internet.

If you’re curious or offended by what you’ve read so far let me invite you to listen to the podcast where we cover everything from screen time to social media.

We’ll also share stories of how we intentionally are building and prioritizing our kids capabilities.

We can’t wait to hear from you whether you agree, disagree or think we’re crazy!

Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]

Here’s where you can find us online:

Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/

https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/

Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com

Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com