@pedsdoctalk: Stitch with: @cookingdadnation on IG   Let’s start with the truth: Screens aren’t the enemy. They help us connect, unwind, get support—and for many of us, they’re how we work. If you’ve ever taken a photo of your kid, replied to a work message mid-snack time, or used an app to order groceries while your child colors a masterpiece… same.   So no, you don’t need to ditch your phone or feel bad for using tech around your kids. But—especially with little ones under 5—it is worth getting curious about how often tech interrupts connection. Because early childhood is a sensitive window. And even though a 5-year-old might understand “I need to finish this email,” a toddler? Not so much. Their world is all cues, proximity, and responsiveness. 📱 That’s why intentional screen-free moments matter. They help anchor connection—and teach kids what it feels like to have our full attention, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.   And if you’re parenting and working from home (without childcare)? Here’s what’s helped me and so many others find more presence without tossing productivity out the window: ✔️ Set tech boundaries, not guilt traps. Try short “work sprints” followed by focused time with your child. ✔️ Narrate your use. “I’m finishing a work message. Then we’ll read.” Simple, but powerful. ✔️ Proximity counts. Letting your toddler play near you while you finish a task still offers connection. ✔️ Signal transitions. Saying “I’m putting my phone away now” helps both of you shift gears. ✔️ Aim for presence, not perfection. You’re human. Your kid doesn’t need perfect—they need you, trying.   Want more on what the latest research says about parental screen use and early development—plus what actually helps without shame or unrealistic rules? Check out the issue “Is Tech Use Around Kids Really Harmful?” in the newsletter archive available for FREE on my website. Spoiler: It’s not about ditching your phone. It’s about small shifts that go a long way.   👇 How do you manage screen use around your kids—especially while working from home? Follow @pedsdoctalk for parenting content that blends science, empathy, and real life.

Dr. Mona

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Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:42:23 GMT