Tech and Kids: Parenting Expert Dr. Becky Answers Listener Questions
Sep 5, 2024
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Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist renowned as the "millennial parent whisperer," tackles the pressing concerns of modern parenting. She offers insights on the right age for kids to enter social media and practical advice on managing screen time for toddlers. The duo discusses fostering open communication around tech and strategies for establishing healthy boundaries. Dr. Becky also shares thoughts on how parents' smartphone habits influence their children and highlights the importance of community support in navigating challenges.
Dr. Becky emphasizes the necessity for parents to establish clear boundaries while validating their children's emotions in a digital age.
The podcast discusses the importance of fostering open dialogue between parents and children regarding technology use through a 'same team' mentality.
Dr. Becky advocates for parents to embrace imperfection in parenting, highlighting that mistakes can lead to resilience and growth for both children and parents.
Deep dives
The Rise of Dr. Becky
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, gained recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic after providing parenting advice on social media. Her messages centered around the need for calm and connection, resonating with frustrated parents navigating the challenges of lockdown. Within a year, she amassed over half a million followers, a number that has now grown to 2.8 million on Instagram. Since then, she has expanded her influence with a bestselling book, a TED Talk, and the launch of a subscription-based platform named GoodInside, indicating a growing interest in practical parenting resources.
Sturdy Leadership in Parenting
Dr. Becky's core philosophy revolves around the concept of 'sturdy leadership,' which emphasizes the importance of both boundaries and validation in parenting. This approach advocates for establishing clear boundaries while also acknowledging and validating children's feelings during moments of conflict. By being a reliable pilot through turbulent times, parents can foster a sense of safety and connection, allowing children to develop coping skills. This balanced approach challenges the extremes of punitive measures and overly permissive attitudes, aiming to create an environment where children can thrive.
Navigating Technology and Parenting
The podcast delves into the complexities of parenting in a digital age, particularly regarding children's access to technology and social media. Dr. Becky stresses the need for parents to build their boundary-setting muscle, ensuring they can enforce limits while remaining empathetic to their children's emotions. Establishing a 'same team' mentality helps parents approach technology discussions with their kids from a place of partnership rather than opposition. She urges parents to maintain open dialogue around technology use, emphasizing that protecting children's well-being often requires difficult conversations about the realities of online engagement.
Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Dr. Becky encourages parents to embrace imperfection and recognize that mistakes are a natural part of the parenting journey. She asserts that acknowledging the challenges and imperfections of parenting fosters resilience and growth in both children and parents. By understanding that there's no perfect blueprint for parenting, adults can shift their mindset to focus on learning and recovery rather than self-blame. This perspective not only alleviates anxiety around parenting but also empowers parents to model problem-solving and coping strategies for their children.
Community and AI Support for Parents
The conversation highlights the creation of Dr. Becky's platform, GoodInside, which aims to support parents through community and technological tools. While the AI component offers immediate advice based on established parenting principles, the platform also hosts a community that fosters connection among parents facing similar challenges. The importance of communal support is underscored, as sharing experiences can lead to healing and reassurance for parents. This dual approach of community engagement and AI assistance strives to empower parents, making resources accessible to address daily dilemmas effectively.
How much screen time is OK for a two year old? What is the right age for kids to get on Instagram or TikTok? And is there such a thing as "good" social media? Figuring out how to grapple with technology is one of the biggest headaches parents have to deal with these days. Kara talks to Dr. Becky (the "millennial parent whisperer") to get answers to the most pressing questions about tech and parenting. And this time, our expert questions come from you — our listeners!
Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist who’s been called the “millennial parent whisperer." She is also a best-selling author and successful entrepreneur who has 2.8 million followers on Instagram, a hit TED talk, and a subscription-based platform called Good Inside that recently launched an app.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
