In the contemporary world, parenting has become an intricate dance, especially for those of us balancing career demands with familial responsibilities. As a mother of four young children, I am acutely aware of the daunting challenges this pandemic has posed on families. After enduring a nearly two-year cycle of intermittent school closures and overwhelming screen time, it’s evident that the prevalence of technology in our children’s lives is a double-edged sword. The quest for solutions that aid parents in addressing their children’s well-being while ensuring a safe technological environment has never been more pressing.
Having assumed the role of First Partner of California, I took a proactive step by co-founding the California Partner’s Project (CPP). This initiative was born out of a desire to advocate for children’s physical and mental health and to equip families with resources aimed at establishing a strong educational foundation. My goal through this platform was to engage with fellow mothers to better understand their family’s experiences with technology and the hurdles they face navigating this expansive digital landscape. Over the past year, I conducted a virtual listening tour, bringing together mothers from across California to discuss the profound influence of media and technology on their children’s health and overall well-being.
During these candid discussions, a recurrent theme emerged: the overwhelming saturation of technology in our children’s lives. Parents shared their struggles with managing the anxiety-inducing news cycles, concerns about exposure to inappropriate content, and the difficulty of setting boundaries around video game usage. The pandemic altered the landscape of socialization, leading many kids to retreat into their homes—some not stepping outside for months on end. Such drastic changes have compelled parents to feel as if they are navigating an uncharted territory of child-rearing challenges.
Yet, amid this chaos, the listening tour also revealed a comforting truth: community support can prove invaluable. As mothers gathered to share their fears, insights, and recommendations, it became evident that we are not as isolated in our struggles as we often believe. The conversations served as a reminder of the strength found in shared experiences and collective wisdom.
In response to the anxieties voiced during these conversations, CPP and I dedicated ourselves to uplifting parents by creating comprehensive toolkits. These resources, crafted in collaboration with experts—including psychologists, pediatricians, and educators—provide best practices, tips, and actionable recommendations to address mental health challenges and concerns stemming from technology.
Our findings underscore the importance of fostering open lines of communication and connection as cornerstones of nurturing healthy relationships. For parents and caregivers, establishing a shared framework of rules and expectations within the home is essential. By forming a united front and incorporating children’s perspectives as they mature, it becomes more manageable to navigate discussions surrounding tech and media consumption. This approach fosters a sense of belonging for kids, thus leading to improved outcomes regarding their mental and emotional wellness.
For my family, intentional disengagement from technology is a priority. We integrate outdoor activities into our routine, frequently visiting California’s beautiful state parks to immerse ourselves in nature. This not only allows us to disconnect from devices but also reinforces our family bonds, helping us reap the myriad physical and emotional benefits that nature has to offer. Additionally, we prioritize dinner as a sacred family time where we share moments of gratitude and reflection, anchoring ourselves in mindfulness and emotional awareness.
Instilling Empathy and Community Engagement
My husband and I are committed to nurturing empathy and a sense of duty in our children. Engaging in community service and volunteer activities enriches their lives significantly. We believe that by participating as a family in charitable endeavors, our kids develop a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and purpose. An example of this was our involvement with California Volunteers, where we welcomed a family recently resettled from Afghanistan into our community. Such experiences are profound and contribute to shaping our children’s worldview.
Today’s parenting landscape is undeniably more challenging than it was three decades ago, often exacerbated by the pressures of work and personal responsibilities. While strategies exist to cultivate balanced tech use among our children, it’s imperative to recognize that the weight of this responsibility should not rest solely on parents’ shoulders. Therefore, California-based tech companies must also step up and address the implications of their products. Responsibly directing conversations with parents, educators, and youth advocates is vital to ensure that technology serves to enhance, rather than hinder, our children’s lives.
I am dedicated to advocating for the voices of parents, pushing for meaningful change within the technology sector. We seek assurance that the companies that thrive in our state prioritize the well-being of our children and contribute positively to their lives. The journey of parenthood through the digital age is fraught with challenges, but together—through support, dialogue, and action—we can navigate this landscape to foster a healthier environment for our children.