Learn with Heather B

Is your child asking for a phone? There's no one size fits all for this! Everyone has their reasons for whether they want their child to have a phone or not. No matter which side of the fence you sit, it's something that requires a lot of responsibility when it does happen, which means the child should be a part of the conversation! This tool is for your child to take! It's a great way to have them reflect on their current behaviors and habits, and see if they are ready for a phone! Now, you can put some of the responsibility in their hands and start a conversation!
Link in bio!

In the fast-paced digital world, it's easy to make mistakes when it comes to fostering digital wellness in our kids. But fear not! By being mindful and proactive, we can steer clear of these missteps and pave the way for raising tech-savvy kids the right way.
Misstep #1: Neglecting Digital Well-being Education
Equipping our kids with knowledge about digital well-being, online safety, and responsible technology use is essential.
Misstep #2: Dismissing the Importance of Balance
Striking a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities is key. Encourage your kids to engage in hobbies, sports, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Misstep #3: Ignoring the Need for Parental Involvement
Active parental involvement is crucial in guiding our kids' digital journey. Stay up to date with the latest apps, platforms, and trends.
Misstep #4: Overlooking Emotional Well-being
Digital wellness encompasses more than just physical safety. It's equally important to nurture our kids' emotional well-being in the digital realm. Encourage healthy online relationships, promote empathy, and teach them to recognize and manage the impact of digital interactions on their mental health.
Misstep #5: Neglecting Personal Connection and Mindfulness
In the age of digital connectivity, let's not forget the power of genuine personal connections. Encourage face-to-face interactions, practice mindful technology use as a family, and create device-free zones and times to foster meaningful connections and presence in the present moment.
Let's learn from these missteps and pave the way for raising tech-savvy kids who navigate the digital world with confidence, empathy, and resilience. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below and let's support each other on this incredible journey of digital parenting!

I was surprised how many adults I spoke with recently, didn’t know what FOMO meant. For those who don’t know, it’s the Fear of Missing Out. This happens when scrolling through socials and anxiety appears over the fact that you’re viewing an event happening elsewhere, often with friends, and you’re not a part of it.

It even happens with comparison, as we view other people’s trips, new hauls (shopping) and other seemingly exciting events. BTW, these may not be day to day reality for that person.

Many teens and adults start questioning their own lives and overall happiness, second guessing even. It’s natural to do. No one likes being left out of those “good feelings” and experiences others are having.

We need to be aware of two things:

1) You’re feelings are real, and need to be expressed and heard. Thank you for sharing them with us. We’re not discrediting them, it’s just a new era for us.

2) We need to work
On the life skill of resilience. Not just for FOMO, but for the anything in your life that gets complicated. Resilience includes strategies to help you basically say, “ok, this sucks and it’s hard, but I’m picking myself up and doing x, y, z.” (Here’s a post about resilience in learning, which can be applied to any problems or hurdles https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/the-learning-pit)

Teens, we worry. It’s our job. We’ve worried about everything since before you were born. We want to protect you, give you the best chance at life, set you up for success…make sure we’ve done everything we can.

So, when we see you scrolling for hours on end, we worry. We worry you’re trading real life experiences and relationships for the scroll. We worry you’re obsessing over where your friends are and what they’re doing without you (FOMO). We worry that you’re setting yourself up for unrealistic expectations (social comparison). We worry you’ll encounter trouble online, and not come to us to help you.

We worry, that’s our job. Don’t take this as a negative. Be thankful and appreciate that you have someone who cares this much about you in your corner. Keep the conversation open. Teach your parents things about being online. Show them the positives and benefits of being online. Help them see your world and why you like it. Connect more, even if it’s through social media exploration.

Sometimes pages get lost in the algorithm, and nobody sees content anymore. Basically, I share our into an abyss because the algorithm doesn’t think the page is active anymore. If you’re around, give a heart, like or comment to let me know you’re still seeing this!

Today's blog post is a big one! Teachers, home educators or just concerned parents, keep reading.
Welcome to a transformative journey through digital wellness and citizenship! As an experienced educator with over 21 years in the classroom, I've crafted a guide tailored for Grades K-8, that anyone can use and access. We don't all have tons of resources at our hands, and sometimes we can't afford the hefty price tag. This unique resource encompasses crucial topics such as AI, digital wellness, digital citizenship, privacy & safety, and media literacy. I've added a question per area, per grade level, as well as thought prompts and/or printables that I've designed.
Make sure to read my blog and click the link for the scope and sequence at the bottom! https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/scope-and-sequence-for-media-literacy

Starts today! Grab my calendars! Enjoy some quality family screen time moments this December!

Gifting a device and want to give the gift of digital wellness in depth or in bite-size? Grab my course or my book to bundle with that device! Start them off right!
Wondering how to set boundaries with them, or have conversations on limits which don't end in arguments?
I've been there! It's not easy. What I do know, is how to start the conversation in a way that they'll listen. They want autonomy and agency. They want to share their reasons for what they do, or why they like certain apps. They want to be heard. As tweens and teens, they are in the age of discovering how to be independent, and with that comes responsibility.
My workbook or course for tweens and teens is a great way to get started. Curious? Visit my link https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/courseebook.

Some quick strategies to help you move forward with your digital wellness and habit changing! Let me know which one you'll try working on!

If you're celebrating Thanksgiving today, may you have a happy one connecting with family and/or friends. Try and enjoy the day, phone free (except for capturing a few key moments for the memories. :) Enjoy!~

Some quick tips for you to remember as we head into the holidays and prepare for a new year!

What's more fun than giving gifts to others on your birthday??? Use the coupon code 'BIRTHDAY' for 50% off my ebook workbook! It's the perfect time to go through this book with your tween or teen, preparing them for the New Year! Maybe you're getting them a phone for the holidays, or maybe you just want to prep them for when they do get a device! Grab my workbook at 50% off for the next 24 hours! https://msheatherbarnard.systeme.io/d6f4d9ce

While it may seem like the solution, let's consider a different approach—one that guides them to develop healthy habits that will serve them in the long run.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and our teens will inevitably navigate it as adults. Rather than imposing rigid restrictions that may breed resentment or curiosity, let's equip them with the tools to make responsible choices and develop a balanced relationship with technology.
By focusing on teaching healthy habits, we empower our teens to understand the importance of self-regulation and mindful screen time usage. Encouraging breaks, incorporating offline activities, and promoting a diverse range of interests can help them cultivate a well-rounded lifestyle that embraces both the digital and real worlds.
Moreover, fostering critical thinking and digital literacy skills prepares them to navigate the complexities of the online realm. Let's guide them to become discerning consumers of digital content, capable of recognizing misinformation, practicing online safety, and engaging in respectful online interactions.
It's important to acknowledge that the digital world is not without its challenges, but by guiding our teens towards healthy habits, we provide them with a foundation for responsible digital citizenship. Instead of simply controlling their screen time, let's empower them to develop the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.
By taking a proactive and supportive approach, we can prepare our teens for a future where they are confident, informed, and capable of making sound decisions in the digital world and beyond.

Ah, the holiday season—a time for joy, festivities, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos! In the spirit of creating a tech-positive experience that connects us rather than divides, here are some mindful strategies to keep your digital holiday merry and bright, both at work and at home. Check out today's blog post! Link in bio https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/how-to-handle-holiday-tech-stress

Can't share this one enough! According to the recent study which included 1,502 teens, 47.9% reported social media can improve their overall mood. Imagine if we could equip all tweens and teens with strategies in digital wellness so that even more could take control of their online life?
Curating your social media to meet your values and aspirations can one positive way to ensure that social media improves your mood. Design it for you. What or who inspires you?

Parents, does your tween/teen seem to get lost in screen time for what seems like no apparent reason, especially during academic times? There could be something more going on.
When some kids get overwhelmed with school work or homework, they will do what we label as "space out" on a device, especially when they are supposed to be doing homework. It has happened in my own home plenty. This could be because your child’s brain doesn't know where to start, and becomes flustered and overwhelmed.
Notice if there is a pattern to when your child seems to get online, for example does it happen only while working on certain subjects, or homework time in general? If you notice a pattern, it might be that your child needs more help or has trouble processing what's being taught. Maybe scaffolding would help. It’s worth talking about, opening the conversation, and see if it’s something more than what we perceive as “addiction”. That’s a strong word to throw around, so let’s make sure we’re using it correctly.

It's not just about the quantity of screen time; it's about the quality of their digital experiences. Let's shift our focus and prioritize cultivating a positive online environment and teaching teens to make meaningful connections.
In a world where screens are ubiquitous, it's essential to go beyond strict time limits and consider the content and interactions our teens engage with. Instead of solely focusing on reducing screen time, let's guide them towards creating positive digital experiences.
By nurturing a positive online environment, we can help our teens find spaces that foster growth, inspiration, and learning. Encourage them to explore platforms that promote creativity, knowledge-sharing, and social connection.
Making meaningful connections in the digital realm can have a profound impact on our teens' lives. Encourage them to engage in online communities that align with their interests and passions, where they can connect with like-minded individuals and broaden their horizons.
By shifting our focus from mere time constraints to the quality of their digital experiences, we empower our teens to navigate the online world with intention and purpose.
Remember, it's not about demonizing screens or completely avoiding them, but about nurturing a healthy and fulfilling digital life.

Parenting in the digital age brings exciting opportunities and unique challenges. As we navigate this tech-driven world, it's crucial to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder our efforts to foster digital wellness in our children.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Open Communication Channels 🗣️💬
Open conversations lay the foundation for trust and understanding. By actively listening, being non-judgmental, and creating a safe space, we foster open dialogue with our kids about their digital experiences, challenges, and concerns.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Digital Literacy Education 📚💻
Digital literacy is a vital life skill in today's interconnected world. By teaching our children about online safety, privacy, media literacy, and responsible digital citizenship, we empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the digital landscape confidently.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Importance of Setting Boundaries ⚖️📵
Boundaries help establish a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. By setting clear limits, we teach our children the importance of self-regulation, mindful technology use, and developing offline interests.
Mistake #4: Underestimating the Power of Positive Role Modeling 🌟👪
As adults, our actions speak louder than words. By modeling healthy digital habits, practicing responsible device use, and demonstrating empathy and kindness in our online interactions, we provide our children with a blueprint for responsible digital behavior.
Mistake #5: Neglecting the Value of Quality Offline Time 🌈✨
In a digital world, it's essential to prioritize quality offline experiences. By engaging in activities such as family outings, hobbies, face-to-face interactions, and creative play, we help our children develop well-rounded lives and foster meaningful connections beyond screens.
Together, let's sidestep these common mistakes and embrace digital wellness for our families. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's support each other on this incredible journey of digital parenting and raise resilient, mindful, and tech-savvy kids! 💪🌱💙

Parents, lets try and build your confidence in helping your tween or teen use tech responsibly and in a balanced way. Let's try to move away from the constant monitoring and fear mongering, and give them tools and habits around healthy and balanced use. There are so many things we can do to help them thrive online, while still listening to the lessons about digital citizenship and acting responsibly. They want to be heard. Start with my ebook which has lots of thought prompts, reflections and activities for you and your tween/teen to work through.

Yep, I'm used to saying things that might ruffle feathers, because I think it's extremely important to hear from both sides and be educated about some things that we might not always take the time for. Here's my take on blanket statements when it comes to social media and mental health for our tweens and teens. Link to blog in bio https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/digital-realities-and-mental-health-with-tweens-and-teens

I talk about the benefits of screen time a lot in hopes of taking a lot of the stigma away. There's a lot of positive uses out there, and of course I'm hoping that there's parental/guardian involvement when I talk about these situations. One positive is decompressing.
How many of you adults enjoy watching a show or scrolling after a stressful and busy day? How many of you need to just let your mind unwind and enjoy something totally unrelated to your actual life? Tweens and teens appreciate this too. It also allows them some control in a world where almost everything is controlled for them!
Some kids may want it immediately after school, while others would prefer it after dinner or after homework. The goal is to stop demonizing all "mindless" screen time, and realize that some is ok.

All too often we jump to conclusions, say no, or say we're too busy. These are feelings from actual tweens and teens, and I think they are valid. We want them to grown up with a sense of autonomy and agency, yet all too often, we stifle it from the minute they open their mouth about tech.
I think now, more than ever, we need to start listening and getting involved. We need to appreciate the moments that they want to share with us. If they're excited about a new game, listen. If they made a mistake online, listen. If they want to talk to you about what they love about a show, listen.
YOU want to be the trusted adult they come to at the end of the day.

We really need to make sure our kids are prepared with media literacy skills so that they can flourish in an demanding online world. Healthy tech habits can help them foster a sense of control so as not to be overwhelmed and consumed by all things tech.
Open conversations about scheduling and boundaries are one great way to begin, so that you can build trust while you nurture this tech balance.

I think most of us view screen time as a bad thing, as that's how it's often labeled. And we all know that negativity often overpowers positivity in messaging, especially when we find ourselves in echo chambers of online groups where we are with people of the same mind and thinking. If you hear screen time is bad over and over, you'll believe it and you'll think there's no good that can come out of it. This will also create power struggles with your kiddo.
The key here is to 1) understand that there's a big difference between active and passive use, and majority of our screen time should fall under the active category (I have a blog post on the differences, so check it out). 2) understand that not all passive activity is bad either! Many kids (and adult) self regulate with passive screen time, but there needs to be a stopping point to move on. 3) keep schedules while your tween/teen is learning how to set boundaries and work on thriving when online. Schedules that are set in place allows predictability for everyone. You may offer a lot during the week, or very little during the week, but you need to be clear on the what, why and how long.
When all of this is set in place, we can have actual conversations with our kiddos, and we can refer to our schedules and boundaries and why we agreed on them. Do schedules change and evolve? Absolutely, and that's ok. But this way, they know they'll get it, they'll know when they'll get it, and it becomes a conversation, not a tantrum or obsession.

This starts in 1 hour if you’re interested! 5 days of parenting awesomeness with freebies!!! https://heatherbarnard--lovinlifewithlittles.thrivecart.com/sprint-to-connection-vip/

Screens can be a constant source of contention. OR they can be a tool for connection. Is it a battle to get to the second option? Heather gets it.

Heather Barnard is a mom of three teenagers and an educator with 21 years of experience. From the first phone and the introduction of social media apps to the world of gaming, and the fear of letting them learn from mistakes, she’s been through it all. She is witnessed the arguments, the monitoring, and the endless negotiations surrounding technical use. The tears, the door, slamming, and the famous “but everyone else is doing it! “Phrase– she’s experienced it too.

However, she quickly learned that teens don’t respond well to lectures, and being told no. That’s when she discovered the power of two way conversations and empowering our teens with knowledge, habits, and skills to help them thrive.

Heather is dedicated to nurturing digital wellness in families and empowering Teens for a balanced digital future.

👉Follow Heather for tips about digital wellness.

🩵 Heather shared a powerful quick tip in the Ultimate Guide to Connection about using tech to connect.

💜You’ll also find a Deep Dive from Heather inside the VIP Experience of the Sprint to Connection… packed with information, practical strategies, and activities to help your child navigate the digital world with confidence and balance.

Grab your free guide: https://lovinlifewithlittles.com/ultimate-guide-to-connection

Register for the free connection event: https://lovinlifewithlittles.com/sprinttoconnection
..make your parent-child relationship easier, stronger, and more fun.

…make

A conversation about my own kids and our relationships when it comes to their online lives. https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/a-journey-of-trust-and-connection Link in bio too!

Attention is something we CAN take control over when it comes to online distractions. Whether you're a tween, teen or adult, we all need help. The problem is know where to start and having a support system in place! Try these tips, and if you want further help, let me know!

What things do you find difficult when it comes to screens and your tweens/teens?
Leave a comment!

Our tweens and teens are the next generation of the workforce. Crazy!
Online media is already a part of their generation, and they'll be expected to have the skills to navigate it all when they are in college and beyond.
Even AI is something they'll need to understand.
So, how are we preparing our tweens and teens now, with some basic media literacy skills, building blocks if you will? I'd love to hear what you're doing to help your tween or teen, or what questions you have if you're unsure of what to do!

Screen Time Guidelines for Kids: It's not just about time; it's about how it's spent!
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommendations to keep kids safe and balanced in the digital world. While it's clearly important to limit screen time for little ones, for older kids, it's much more about how they use screens.
Learning, connecting with friends & family, discovering hobbies, and doing homework – these are all active/productive uses of online time, and all of this can be part of a healthy digital experience.
Screen time isn't just about watching and consuming (otherwise being passive); it's about what you do with it! I feel like this is often left out of the conversations when we talk about "time limits".
What are your thoughts?

Are you looking for a course built by a teacher for students that can actually help your tween or teen with screen time balance and productivity? I walk your twee/teen through various exercises in communication, relationships, productivity, mental health, physical health and more! I've packed the course full with videos, worksheets, thought prompts, and reflections. They can do it on their own or with you! And, it's all asynchronous so you can do it on your own time!

Thank you Matthew, and Chandler. https://www.learnwithheatherb.com/blog/remembering-matthew-perry-friends-laughter-and-life-lessons

After this 5-day Sprint to Connection, you’ll know…
✔ The five factors that lead to behavior within relationships, so you better understand yourself and your kids
✔ Practical strategies for overcoming the top challenges to relationships, so you can parent with confidence and joy
✔ How to proactively create a relationship that will carry you through the tough stages
And it’s all happening in five days, through five brief trainings with five action steps.
No overwhelm. Totally doable.
And, you can register for this live event for free. Use the link in bio to register, or click here https://bit.ly/3QrOE8j

It's really important to look at the whole, not pieces, when forming ideas and making decisions. I love how so many people are really trying to educate us and help us understand things from a bigger picture, and unbiased way.

Last day for me to post this! Just making sure everyone has had a chance to download this FREE guide! Tons of useful information!
If you want…
✔ to chat about the day with your big kids and have them tell you all the things
✔ to stay calm, even through moments of discipline or tantrums with your little kids
✔ quality time and memories with your kids that make you smile
✔ a relationship with your kids that’s going to last through every stage
…then this Ultimate Guide to Connection is for you.
It includes tips from parenting specialists to help make your parent-child relationship EASIER.
Use this link to download https://bit.ly/3PYdmvH

It's hard to go through all of the research and make sense of it all. Thank goodness we have ethical people like Sonia who are doing so much to educate us with a balanced and principled approach to research. Screen time and device use is a sensitive topic! It's hard enough to stay on top of trends, but when you don't know what research to believe and which research is just trying to sway one way, it's even harder!