Mondays with Mike: Mike Recommends #4

In this last of the series, “Mike Recommends,” I close on a more positive note: how we can walk well with our children as they age. While this episode is most appropriate for kids who are in the mid and later teen years, I think it will offer encouragement and hope for all. I have yet to know a parent who hasn’t in some way struggled with their kids over phones, media, gaming and tech uses.

Click above to hear Mike’s 10-minute message on topics relevant for you and your family.

Below is a summary of the podcast above:

Hello, PCA parents, it’s Mike back with episode #4 of “Mike Recommends.” This time, we’re diving into the concept of digital hugs, a topic close to my heart, alongside the indispensable physical ones. Join me as I share my journey and insights on navigating the digital realm with our children, from personal affirmations to the challenging transition into adulthood.

In this episode, we’ll explore the significance of guiding, guarding, and grounding our kids as they interact with technology. I’ll also touch on preparing them for the independence that comes with college and beyond, and how to stay connected while respectfully giving them space.

Navigating the digital age as parents presents a unique set of challenges. The Three G’s—Guiding, Guarding, and Grounding—are pillars that can help us address these issues. As we give our children access to devices, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries and expectations. The struggle to maintain these boundaries while fostering a healthy, open relationship is real. Preparing our children for the digital aspects of college life and beyond is another critical area, especially in ensuring they understand the implications of their digital footprints. Additionally, finding ways to stay connected with our children as they grow, making their own decisions, without infringing on their independence, is a delicate balance we must achieve.

1. The Three G’s: Guiding, Guarding, and Grounding – I share the essential aspects of parenting in the digital age: guiding, guarding, and grounding. It’s our responsibility to oversee our children’s digital interactions while teaching them the value of privacy and the importance of using technology wisely.
2. Preparing for College and Beyond – Reflecting on my teaching experience at Penn State, I emphasize the need for our children to be tech-savvy yet morally and ethically grounded. We discuss preparing them for the technological demands and challenges of adulthood, focusing on the ethical use of technology and the impact of their digital footprints.
3. Staying Connected While Giving Space – I offer insights into maintaining a meaningful connection with our children as they navigate young adulthood, including the use of family apps like “Be Real” to foster a sense of community while respecting their need for independence.

As we close out this episode and this series, I encourage all of us to engage in open discussions with our children about their digital lives. By preparing them well, we can trust that they will navigate the digital world successfully, reflecting God’s glory and realizing their own good. Thank you for joining me for “Mike Recommends.” I look forward to our continued connection, both through this podcast and on campus.

Here are some Christian and regarded resources tailored to help you coach your children through music and reading.

1. “Twelve Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age” from Desiring God offers practical advice for parents navigating technology with their children, emphasizing the importance of delaying social media and smartphone use, and taking control of home wifi.
2. “Train Your Teens to Manage Technology Wisely” by Focus on the Family provides strategies for teaching children self-control and wise technology use, including understanding the difference between ‘digital vegetables and candy’ and establishing healthy screen habits.

1. Christian Parenting – Technology Guide: A comprehensive guide that compiles various resources on technology, including podcasts, videos, and articles, aimed at helping parents understand and navigate technology use with their kids.
2. In All things – Christian Wisdom on Technology Use and Parenting: Shares personal experiences and practical steps for setting healthy technology limits within the family, along with book recommendations for further reading.

These resources provide a solid foundation for approaching technology use within Christian families, offering both the wisdom to understand its impact and the tools to manage it wisely.