“When we look at our actual homes, really the question to ask is, ‘How is screen time affecting my home – does technology bring my family closer together?’” – Arlene Pellicane.

Raising Christian Kids has decided to re-release our disciplining series, which was originally released in March of 2023. We feature experts who share their knowledge and are passionate about helping parents and caregivers navigate the rough waters of disciplining. We cover many topics, such as disciplining strong-willed children and children with varying cognitive abilities, the different types of consequences, and the most problematic issues parents face in today’s chaotic society. The wisdom that’s shared will hopefully help you raise children who are teachable and obedient to you and, most importantly, obedient to God.

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books, including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, Calm, Cool, and Connected, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been a featured guest on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, and Focus on the Family. She hosts the Happy Home Podcast and lives in San Diego with her husband and their three children.

Arlene is passionate about helping families on an array of topics. One of her missions is encouraging parents to remember that they control screen time and technology usage in their homes!

During this final episode of disciplining month, Arlene dives into some important topics from her book, Screen Kids. She elaborates on the following key points on how to confront technology issues when disciplining:

• Our confusing culture today teaches us that electronic devices are educational and that they help our kids connect with other kids—which can be true, but our kids then lack emotional skill sets.
• Tips on imposing new rules: Prepare for resistance, try to make screen time as specific as possible, and have an end goal in mind.
• The benefits of reducing screen time in small incremental sections vs. all at once.
• Apologize and take responsibility for being “soft” when they get upset by your new rules to reduce screen time; admit you were wrong for letting them take advantage of their screens.
• Advice in disciplining a child who continues to abuse the digital rules – review the different types of rules that have failed, get other perspectives from parents or friends on how they deal with this issue in their home, and be willing to open your mind to other solutions.
• If it isn’t working, it’s time to try something different.
• Don’t be afraid to give consequences, and don’t extend the deadline.
• Allow the experiences and consequences to discipline your children.

Arlene’s website, Instagram, & Happy Home University.

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