Blog

How to Handle Holiday Tech Stress, November 20, 2023

Ah, the holiday season—a time for joy, festivities, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos! In the spirit of creating a tech-positive experience that connects us rather than divides, here are some mindful strategies to keep your digital holiday merry and bright, both at work and at home.

Digital Realities and Mental Health with Tweens and Teens, November 13, 2023

The digital space has left parents and guardians staring into the Pandora’s box of our kids' screen-centric lives, evoking a sense of apprehension and fear among many.

A Journey of Trust and Connection, November 6, 2023

I'm often asked why my kids share their online life with me, so I asked them.

Remembering Matthew Perry: Friends, Laughter, and Life Lessons, October 30, 2023

 It's a loss that's deeply felt, not only for his incredible talent but also for the immense impact he had on my life, and countless others, through the screen.

Smartphones in Schools: Weighing the Pros and Cons, October 23, 2023

Smartphones are not just devices for communication; they're powerful tools that can open up a world of information and possibilities.

Digital Citizenship Week, October 16th, 2023

It's Digital Citizenship Week! Grab my slideshows to help you teach important topics and skills this week, as well as resources from others!

World Mental Health Day: Nurturing Digital Wellness for Our Youth, October 10, 2023

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it's a poignant reminder of the critical role digital wellness plays in the mental and emotional health of our young ones

Empowering Parents: Tools for You and Your Teens, October 2, 2023

Understanding the concerns parents face, I've developed resources specifically tailored to address these challenges.

4 Healthy Digital Habits for Tweens and Teens, September 25, 2023

Developing healthy digital habits that will serve them well in the present and the future

The Power of Digital Dungeons: Unleashing Hidden Talents in Our Teens, September 18, 2023

 Insights into the positive aspects of online interactions, particularly in the context of tabletop role-playing games. 

Balancing Content Creation and Mental Health: The Digital Wellness Dilemma, September 12, 2023

We often find ourselves caught between sharing insights and safeguarding our own mental health.

How Technology Empowers Neurodivergent Tweens and Teens, September 4, 2023

 Technology plays a pivotal role in the lives of tweens and teens, including those who are neurodivergent.

Navigating the Digital Landscape with Your Teens: Mentorship vs. Surveillance, September 1, 2023

I'm a proponent to mentoring over monitoring. Here's why.

The Power of Consistent Messaging Around Screen Use, August 21, 2023

Its important to understand whether you're using conditional or consistent messaging when it comes to device boundaries in your home.

The Pros and Cons of Giving Your Child a Smartphone, August 14, 2023

Handing over a phone comes with a lot of responsibility. There's also a range of emotions for a parent/guardian.

Understanding How Apps Keep Our Kids Hooked, August 7, 2023

It's important for our tweens and teens to understand how and why apps keep them coming back for more.

Empowering Our Teens: Navigating Technology for Their Bright Future, July 24, 2023

Are we setting up our children for their future? Are they ready for college and being on their own?

Nurturing Digital Well-being: Empowering Our Children in the Digital Age, July 17, 2023

There are some key elements that go into helping our children thrive in an online world. They need help in doing it.

The Digital Wellness Conundrum: Unraveling the Threads App, July 10, 2023

What is Threads? Do we need to be on it? For what purpose? And what about safety controls?

What is Digital Wellness?: Nurturing a Healthy Relationship with Technology, June 26, 2023

In today's digital age, where technology plays an integral role in our lives, it's crucial for parents to understand the concept of digital wellness.

Amplifying Teen Voices: Nurturing Screen-Smart Kids through Parental Engagement in the Digital Era, June 19, 2023

Explore the importance of nurturing screen-smart kids through a holistic approach that includes digital wellness, digital citizenship, and active listening to our teens' voices.

Becoming Less Engaged with Your Phone: Tweens, Teens & Adults, June 12, 2023

Are you trying to find ways of spending less time on your phone? Here are some ideas to get you started.

The Digital Detox Guide: Promoting Digital Wellness for Teens, June 5, 2023

Explore the concept of a "digital detox" for teens and discuss how parents can help their children achieve a healthier digital balance.

Mindful Considerations: Nurturing Healthy Tech Habits for Your Child, May 29, 2023

We need to consider the whole child as we look into what age is the right age for a cell phone and social media.

Embracing Harmony: Nurturing Healthy Digital Habits in Tweens and Teens, May 22, 2023

"Get off your phone!" Sound familiar? Looking for ways to stop the arguing?

Homework Apps for Tweens and Teens: Enhancing Digital Wellness While Boosting Productivity, May 15, 2023

Need apps to help you with your child's homework focus and productivity?

Amazing Podcasts for Tweens and Teens, May 8, 2023

Tech can be an awesome source of inspiration and learning!

You Can Still Change Your Tech Rules, May 1, 2023

Think it's too late to start implementing tech boundaries? Think again!

Digital Wellness for Parents: Prioritizing Your Own Habits in the Digital Age. April 24, 2023

Parents of tweens and teens need to believe in digital wellness and model too!

Tweens and Teens Constantly Checking Their Phones? April 17, 2023

Why are they constantly checking and how can we help foster better habits?

7 Mindfulness Apps Perfect for Teens to Support Digital Wellness, April 10, 2023

Using tech for good...balancing our mental health with our tech use.

The Benefits of Digital Wellness for Tweens and Teens' Mental Health, April 3, 2023

How can we help our tweens and teens' mental health during their online journey?

How to Monitor Your Child's Online Activity Without Invading Their Privacy, March 27, 2023

When it comes to tweens and teens, things can get sticky and heated when talking about their devices. How can we open up the conversation?

We Want Your Child to Make Mistakes, March 24, 2023

The secret is out! We really do want your child to make mistakes in class. But why?

Beyond Accommodation: Building a Classroom Community that Honors Neurodiversity, March 20, 2023

Taking a look at how classrooms can build strong and supportive communities for any type of learner.

Emotional Literacy: From School to Home, March 17, 2023

Learn about what emotional literacy is and how Skodel is helping your kiddos and teachers in school.

Third Culture Kids, March 13, 2023

Third Culture Kids...Do you know one? Have one? Teach one? If you don't know who they are, I'll do my best to explain.

Active vs. Passive Consumption: Digital Wellness, March 10, 2023

There's a big difference between active and passive screen time. Let's start there and lose the overall generic "screen time" stigma. Also, download my free resources for you and your family!

Transition from Elementary School to Middle School, March 6, 2023

As a parent to three teens and an educator, I've watched the transition happen from different perspectives. What I've learned is that it's all about preparing them with a holistic approach.

Digital Wellness, Media Mentor Month and Global Day of Unplugging, March 2, 2023

Looking to understand digital wellness and its importance in schools? Read my thoughts on why digital wellness is needed in addition to digital citizenship, and how parents can get involved.

ChatGPT, February 27, 2023

There's a lot of talk about ChatGPT. I try to make some basic sense about it for parents and educators.

The Learning Pit, February 20, 2023

The Learning Pit theory suggests that learning is like a journey, and students often encounter challenges that can make them feel stuck or frustrated.