Amy McInnes

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially disturbing topics related to children, online safety, and exposure to pornography. We will be exploring the risks, preventative measures, and the challenging realities parents and caregivers face in the digital age. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you are a parent or caregiver, please consider listening when children are not present.

Do you ever feel completely lost trying to navigate the online world with your kids? Trust me, you're not alone! As a mom of five, this is one area where I constantly feel inept and worried about getting it wrong. Today, I'm getting super real about the tricky balance between protecting our kids online and giving them the space they need to grow and explore their identity. I'll share my personal struggles with phone limits, the privacy dilemma, and my biggest fear: my boys encountering illicit content. Plus, I'll tell you about a huge "win" I had with one of my sons that gave me so much hope for teaching self-regulation! This is Part 1 of a two-part series, and next week, we're diving into the brain science of how technology impacts their dopamine systems. This is a sensitive topic, so please listen with care. As always, this is my personal experience, not professional advice, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for professional support!

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In this episode:

• 01:13 Personal struggle with the new online world.

• 04:08 Current strategies: Phone limits and "no private space" policy.

• 06:48 Importance of privacy for adolescent development and self-exploration.

• 09:16 Balancing protection with fostering self-development.

• 10:02 Parenting goal: Equipping kids with values and discernment.

• 13:43 Sensitive topic: Pornography and its impact on boys (Listener discretion advised).

• 14:50 How to approach the topic without introducing it.

• 18:47 Ongoing conversations about phone use and a "win" with my son.

• 23:09 Fostering self-regulation and trust.

• 25:13 Raising sons in the digital age

• 27:49 Next week: The impact of technology on the dopamine/reward system (Part 2).

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