Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

I am joined with Chris McKenna.

Chris is the founder of Protect Young Eyes. Protect Young Eyes is a nonprofit that goes around the country educating schools, churches, and other nonprofits on the dangers of the digital age’s impact on children. They are also a movement, aiming to empower parents that “delay is the way” and schools should be phone free zones. 

Growing up was already difficult but adding social media on top of it, and it is no surprise our teens are battling insecurity, anxiety, depression, confusion, and addictions. As parents, we have to approach these delicate situations with empathy and curiosity, not criticism. It is not us versus them, it is us helping build and lift them up. Chris and I talk about ways we can do that and its never too late to get started. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Chris and Protect Your Eyes through Instagram and their website.  

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 *We want to train our kids to be thinkers, not followers. On social media, it's a lot of following and keeping up with the trends. 

*We can try to censor the world as much as possible for our kids but it won't make a difference if they can't become filters themselves. Once they are out of our protective care, how will they protect themselves? We have to teach them why it is so important and give them the tools to do it. 

*Best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time is this afternoon. If you feel like you're too late, you aren't. There is still hope and you can still take charge of your household and protect your child. 

REMEMBER:

*There is a difference between reacting and responding. As parents, we need to respond not react.

*The teenage years of development have high levels of social sensitivity. These are also critical years for brain development that leads into their adulthood. 

*We should be building bridges of trust with our kids and not shy away from the awkward conversations. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org