A few tips on dealing with the business of raising happy and healthy children
Feeling overwhelmed by digital parenting? You're not alone. Gail Smith cuts through the noise with clear, actionable suggestions to help you support your child in a connected world. Read on to find the strategies that resonate with your family.
There is a lot of talk and concern such as the negative impact of digital exposure to our children. We live in a digitalized world and we need to support our children as their knowledge into its use and abuse grows overtime. The following thoughts are suggestions to help understand how best to be a support on a range of current issues that impact our children’s growing years. Some concepts may resonate with you.
“The New ‘Silent Stress’: Digital Overload Affects Young Children
Parents are increasingly concerned about screens but unsure what to do. There is a subtle emotional cost of constant digital noise— As a family plan times that are just purely for family with no digital interference. Make this a ritual in your family.
“Raising Emotionally Steady Kids in an Unsteady World: Tiny Habits That Make a Big Difference”
Anxiety is high in families. Our worlds are cluttered with far too many interferences. Consider simple, doable habits (like naming feelings, micro-routines, ‘emotion anchors’) that stabilize young minds. Feel confident in speaking out about how you feel and give names to feelings that are really present such as, ‘frightened, lonely, scared’. Legitimize those feelings.
“The Magic of the 10-Minute Parent Check-In: The Ritual That Strengthens Behaviour, Confidence and Connection”
A highly practical idea.
Parents feel busy - you show them how 10 minutes a day can transform a child’s sense of security and cooperation.
“Why Your Child’s Boredom Is Good for Their Brain: The New Science of ‘Unstructured Time’”
Boredom is a superpower. Let’s use it well.
Parents love this because it reduces guilt and gives them a new tool.
Provide examples of what children naturally learn when adults don’t rush to entertain them. Consider how being out in the fresh air is in itself a learning environment.
“What Teachers Wish Parents Knew in 2025: The Skills That Matter Most Now”
Learn about what is emerging in classrooms:
– self-regulation
– executive function
– resilience
– early problem-solving
– curiosity
Parents adore insider knowledge. The more you know about what your child is learning, the greater capacity you have to share that knowledge.
How to Help Your Child Handle Friendship Ups and Downs (Without Taking Over)”
Friendships are the number one parent worry in early school years. Listen well to your child but let them work through the problem and yes it may come with loss, grief and some pain. However, they grow stronger from the experience.
“The After-School Hour: Why This Time of Day Is Emotionally Explosive and How to Make It Peaceful”
Extremely relatable.
Explain “after-school restraint collapse” and give easy, calming routines. Don’t be too hard on yourself as you are probably getting tired as well at that time of day.
Emotionally Smart Homes: Tiny Changes in Your Home Environment That Calm Children Instantly”
Parents love practical, home-based strategies. You can involve your child in setting up warm comforting spaces.
Ideas: a calm corner, slow mornings, sensory-friendly spaces.
The Power of Predictability: Why Routines Are the New Security Blanket”
Not boring—re framed as emotional security.
Micro-routines reduce meltdowns and increase confidence. Children feel secure with routines and ritual in their life. They need and value knowing their boundaries. It gives them a sense of security.
“Raising Problem-Solvers, Not Problem-Avoiders”
Parents love skills-based content.
Encourage children to stick with challenges, ask better questions, and manage frustration. Remember failure is a part of learning new stronger skills.
“The Hidden Language of Behaviour: What Your Child Is Really Telling You”
Teaches parents to read behaviour as communication rather than misbehaviour. Having a warm, compassionate tone is important. Behaviour that is unacceptable is a message that something is wrong. Listen and observe rather that overtalk and ask probing questions.
“The Rise of the Sensitive Child: Why More Children Are Highly Tuned-In—and How to Support Them”
High sensitivity is a current topic.
Offer strategies for overwhelm, transitions, noise, and big emotions. Never understate a sensitive child.
“Why the First Five Minutes After School Matter More Than You Think”
A short, tight, very clickable post.
Covers connection rituals, emotional decompression, and avoiding interrogation. Just lsiten well to your child at this critical time. You can learn much from silence.
“Raising Gritty Kids Without Being a Tough Parent”
Mixes resilience with warmth.
Show how to encourage persistence without pressure.