Dear Kindergarten Parents,

A couple of weeks ago at Parent U, I spoke about “Connected but Controlled,” and gave tips for healthy tech use at home.  I wanted to expand on what I shared and give some encouragement as you navigate technology with your children.  Raising children has always meant setting boundaries and watching out for their safety. Most parents wouldn’t hesitate to step in if a situation in the real world seemed unsafe or unhealthy.  That same protective instinct is just as necessary in the digital world. Children need guidance online as much as they do in the physical world. 

Just because technology feels new, unavoidable, or overwhelming doesn’t mean traditional parenting wisdom has lost its value. If boundaries and limits are important for real-world safety, they are equally important online. Setting screen time rules, creating device-free zones, and having open conversations about digital choices aren’t just tech strategies. They are extensions of the loving limits set for children every day.

One of the biggest missteps I see is parents using screens as a distraction or a quick fix when parents “need a moment” or when children are fussy or having a tantrum. Handing over a device may quiet things down for the moment, but studies show this actually increases emotional reactivity and makes it harder for children to learn how to handle their feelings in the long run.  In a recent study following children ages 3–5, increased device use for calming was linked to a measurable rise in emotional reactivity after just 3–6 months, with stronger effects noted in boys and those with existing behavior challenges (source).

It’s not always easy to say “no” or to stand firm, especially when children push back. But remember: being a parent means making decisions that protect, nurture, and prepare kids for their future, even when it’s hard or when a tantrum is thrown by a 4-year-old!  Every limit teaches children something valuable about self-control, safety, and how deeply they are cared for. The boundaries parents set in the tech world are acts of love, just like teaching a child to look both ways before crossing the street.

Here are the 7 key takeaways for those who attended Parent U.  If you’d like to talk more about these, we would be happy to consider it for an upcoming Parent Coffee Chat! 

October Calendar

September 29 - October 3

(Elementary "B" Week)

Elementary School Google Calendar:

Whenever we make a change to the calendar it will appear on the Elementary School Google Calendar.  Parents can view the Elementary Google Calendar from the school's website.  On the My ICS page, simply scroll down to the calendars, find the Elementary School calendar, and click the Google Calendar icon on the bottom right of the calendar.