This is a topic I'm very interested in exploring, as a mom of three littles who I want to protect but also prepare for life in our technology-driven world. I thought there were nuggets of great advice in this book, but overall I found myself repeating some thoughts as I was reading: 1) this could have been an article (honestly this is my thoughts towards ~75% of nonfiction books I read, so not a dig at this book in particular), 2) so much of this is going to be outdated in the near future (recommending specific tablets, as an example) and 3) while the sentiment is nice, most of the advice in hear borders on common sense and comes down to doing your best as a parent. Which is valid, but not really worthy of an entire book. I did appreciate the sections on AI, as that is one piece of the technology puzzle that I'm not sure how to address as a parent.

A comprehensive guide book on all sorts of technologies around children - and a very permissive one at that. My 7-year-old doesn't do half of the things listed here for toddlers but that's fine. Kids are different, and so are parents. You can find some clever tips on how to deal with this challenging issue and how to make the most of what technology offers.

This is a very helpful guide for parents who are trying to navigate this new world of digital bombardment. Broken down into chapters based on age and technology type, Roger’s-Whitehead provides actionable reflection questions, examples for screen-free alternatives, and general strategies that can help parents succeed.

Incredibly helpful as my kids are growing up and I’m trying to figure out how to teach them about how to use technology responsibly. A lot of excellent information and questions for self-reflection. I highly recommend for all parents.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead tackles a hydra: technology.
It's inescapable, necessary, and unconquerable.
Parents must learn how to live with it, manage it, and use its best features.

Here are some takeaways:

"They rolling over around 6 months of age, sitting up at 9 months, and starting to stand. At 6-9 months, your child may get clingy, which can be difficult."

"Babies are born with a prefrontal cortex, but it's not truly online until their 20s."

"If your child is upset....
4 months: Look at them & smile
6 months: Sing them a song
9 months: Play peek-a-boo
1 year: Play pat-a-cake
18 months: Give them crayons and paper to scribble
2 years: Sing a song with actions, with 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes'
2.5 years: Ask them a question, such as what is an object called, the color of an object, or what they can see
3 years: Have them take a deep breath then count their breaths to 10.

Many parents hope to raise children who are prosocial, who share, are empathetic, can play as a team, and demonstrate kindness. Can media help young children's social development? Mostly, no.

The AAP says for babies 4+ months old: "Do not rush in to soothe a crying baby."

"Parents should also not rush to hand a child a device when they cry. Like sleep, they need to learn to calm themselves."

"Infants learn words through singing, and some research suggests that babies under a year old prefer when their caregivers sing to them rather than just speak."

"Children can't learn from screens until they are closer to age 3."

"Screen time is an opportunity cost. It's a coping mechanism; a flawed one, but not the worst."

Brains On Podcast is good for kids.

Good toys:
- KaiBot
- Snap Circuits
- Code-a-pillar
- Bee-Bot
- Cubetto

PBS's "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" is good

DnDGPT is an AI that makes D&D campaigns.

CONCLUSION: Parents must make judgment calls when it comes to managing tech with their littles. This book helps.

DISCLOSURE: The publisher gave me an ARC.

One of the most detailed books about the use of technology by and around little ones.
The author offers tips and strategies like songs, which I had not encountered elsewhere.
I was not a 100% fan of the writing tone and all of the tips but there are many creative solutions to some problems with the children’s screen time beyond the common sense.

this book was okay! I felt like it was a bit judgey and felt like it did not really give good perspective on this controversial issue, but was kind of condescending in it's tone. Overall, I will take some tips away from it, but would not really recommend the whole book

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!