How Is Your Phone Use Affecting Your Kid?

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In today's digital age, managing screen time is a growing concern. In the recent crossover episode of the All Pro Dad and iMOM podcasts, hosts Megan Tignor and Ted Lowe talked with Joey Odom, co-founder of ARO, about the impact of phone usage on family dynamics and child development. They emphasized the need for parents to take the lead in establishing healthy digital habits for themselves and their children.

The Three M's of Parenting in the Digital Age

The discussion outlined the "Three M's" of parenting when it comes to digital behavior:

1. Modeling: Parents unknowingly model bad phone habits.
2. Mimicking: Children copy these behaviors.
3. Madness: Parents then grow frustrated by the behavior they’ve modeled.

Joey stressed that parents’ phone habits are the main predictor of their children's future tech use.

Practical Steps for Reducing Screen Time

Joey suggested the "Three S's" for a healthier digital balance:

1. Spend Time Apart: Have at least one phone-free hour each day to encourage face-to-face interactions.
2. Sacred Spaces: Create phone-free zones, like at the dinner table, to prioritize personal connections.
3. Seek Moments of Connection: Actively engage with family without digital distractions.

Introducing ARO

ARO is a platform designed to help families disconnect and be more present. With tools like the ARO box and app, families can track time spent away from their phones, fostering intentional living.

This episode urges families to set boundaries and model healthier habits to create a more balanced and connected life.

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Important Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast/iMOM Crossover episode

(00:44) The Impact of Screen Time on Families

(01:48) Introducing Joey and His Journey

(02:59) The Birth of ARO and Its Mission

(09:12) The Relationship With Our Phones

(19:18) Modeling Phone Behavior for Our Kids

(27:43) The Dilemma of Digital Distraction

(28:19) Practical Tips for Staying Present

(28:52) The Power of Environment Over Willpower

(34:09) Family Strategies for Reducing Screen Time

(34:55) Starting with Yourself: A Parent's Guide

(38:43) Introducing ARO: A Tool for Intentional Living

(44:23) Three Practical Steps to Disconnect

(50:16) Final Thoughts and Resources

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Sponsor:

The iMOM Podcast and the All Pro Dad Podcast are brought to you by Family First. We are an organization on a mission to provide parenting, marriage, and relational truth that helps people love their family well and gives them greater hope for the future. Visit FamilyFirst.Net to learn more.

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Links:

• Connect with Megan Tignor
• Connect with Ted Lowe
• Subscribe now to iMOM
• Subscribe now to All Pro Dad
• Learn more about

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