Every human being wants to "fit in" to feel validated and become a better version of themselves. Children mirror the behavior of others to have a sense of belonging. Therefore, during their formative years, they must receive messages to help them develop into unique individuals. Once upon a time, parents controlled the majority of messages children received inside and outside of the home. However, due to the increasing presence of smartphones in children's lives, parents have lost control of the messaging, especially for children with unlimited and unmonitored screen time. Children with overexposure to smartphones are constantly bombarded with messages about physical appearance, formulating relationships, managing emotions and expressing them appropriately, how to think, and ways to treat each other. If parents are unaware of these messages and consequently unavailable to unpack these messages, the negative ones will impede children from becoming the best versions of themselves.This book seeks to condense the voluminous amounts of information available on the effects of mobile technology on children. Although parental decisions can be personal, parents need to consider accurate, well-rounded information so that they can make informed decisions on ways to incorporate electronic devices into their children's lives. Furthermore, the information contained in this book will help parents navigate the different ways to incorporate these devices into their children's experiences while still promoting the development of their best selves. This book provides a first-hand account of other parents' challenges with children's smartphone usage. You will read about people like Patricia, the grandmother/mother; Pedro, the widower; Betty, the busy bee; Sheila, the unapologetic enabler, and Meera, the digital native. Moreover, this book seeks to help parents consider the ways they can ensure that smartphones are supplemental, not central, to their children's lives.
