We’ve all been there. You tell your kids “just five more minutes” of screen time, and suddenly it’s two hours later, and you’re still trying to convince them to put the tablet down. Welcome to parenting in the digital age, where screens seem to rule the world, and the struggle is real. Between social media, video games, and the never-ending stream of YouTube videos, it can feel like you’re trying to keep your kids safe in a virtual jungle.
Let’s be real. I’m not a perfect mom (shocker), but like most parents, I’m just doing my best to make sure Blanca and Patrick don’t get sucked into the black hole of the internet. We’ve got rules at home (no phones at the dinner table, screen time only after homework, you know the drill), but even with those boundaries, it still feels like we’re in a constant tug-of-war with technology.
One of my biggest concerns? Social media. I don’t even want to think about what Blanca’s Instagram feed might look like in five years. Or Patrick’s inevitable obsession with TikTok dances. As much as I want to protect their privacy and their little hearts from all the digital drama, I also don’t want them to grow up feeling disconnected from their peers. So, what’s a mom to do?
Let’s talk screen time first. I’m sure you’ve heard the advice about how many hours a day your child should be on a screen. Experts say no more than two hours for kids over two (and if you’re doing the math, I know, that’s way easier said than done). But honestly? It’s so hard to stick to these limits. Between online school, educational apps, and let’s not even talk about the countless hours Patrick has spent playing Minecraft, it’s tough to keep things in check. But here’s what I’ve learned: instead of focusing on the number of hours they’re on the device, I try to make sure what they’re watching or playing is actually adding value. So, educational apps, cool coding games, and shows that make them think—yes, please. Endless YouTube rabbit holes? Not so much.
I’m also a big fan of balance. Like, don’t get me wrong, screen time isn’t the enemy. I’ve totally used Netflix to get through a “mom needs a break” moment, and Patrick? That kid has learned more from his educational games than I ever thought possible. The key is making sure it doesn’t take over their world. It’s all about the after-school playtime outside, family movie nights, and, yes, the dreaded “time for a screen break” (I swear the eye-rolls are getting stronger).
And let’s talk about social media for a sec. Oh boy. I don’t even want to think about how many kids are already on Instagram, Snapchat, or whatever new app is trending. I’m trying to keep Blanca (and, eventually, Patrick) off social media for as long as I can. It’s a tricky balance because I know that one day, they’ll probably want to be on these platforms, but I don’t want them to get caught up in the comparison game too early. There’s something about those “perfect” filtered photos that can mess with your self-esteem, and I want my kids to understand that before they dive into the social media world.
So, what do we do in the meantime? We talk about it. A lot. I try to keep an open line of communication about what’s going on in the digital world, and I encourage Blanca to come to me with any weird DMs or photos she might get from her friends. (Yikes, that thought alone has me clutching my pearls.) And I always remind her that the highlight reel on Instagram isn’t the whole picture. Real life is messy, and filters don’t change that.
Here’s the thing. As much as I’d love to pretend like I have everything figured out when it comes to keeping my kids safe online, I don’t. But I’ve realized that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Technology is part of their lives now, and as long as we’re being intentional about the rules, encouraging balance, and creating a safe space to talk about the digital world, we’re doing alright. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where technology is a tool, not a babysitter.
So yeah, parenting in the digital age is tough. But it’s also kind of a wild ride. From learning how to lock down parental controls on every device in the house (hello, patience) to having heart-to-heart talks about social media, it’s an ongoing adventure. But as long as we’re keeping the conversation open, setting some boundaries, and being mindful about how much time our kids are spending online, we’ll get through it. We may not be perfect, but we’re trying our best. And that’s all we can do, right?