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Conversations about screen time often carry more than just opinions. They hold our values, anxieties, hopes, and questions about the kind of childhood we want for our kids. So last month, together with @mothermag , we created space for mothers to slow down, connect, and talk about it honestly. Beginning with a sound bath and ending in thoughtful conversation. A gentle reminder that while every family approaches technology differently, none of us are navigating it alone. DM us if you’d like to join future conversations like this 💛 Full article: /pub/raisehumansnotusers/p/sound-baths-and-screen-time

“If you asked me 9 years ago, I believed screen time was mostly about what my children watched. Today, I see it more holistically. My biggest concern isn’t just content, it’s how constant access to screens can shape attention, reduce creativity, and quietly replace presence, conversation, and curiosity. Even the most educational content, when consumed passively, can limit a child’s ability to think independently or engage deeply with the world around them.” “In our home, we try to stay away from strict control and lead with intentional rhythm. Screens have a place, but they aren’t the default, they come after reading, movement, responsibilities, and real-life interaction. We also talk openly about what they’re consuming so they learn awareness, not just compliance.” “As for me, I’ve had to model that same discipline by being mindful of my own screen habits, especially with my toddler around. Putting my phone down, being fully present, and choosing connection over convenience. I don’t believe in shame around screen use, but I do believe in recognizing the trade-offs and leading our families with that awareness. This is part of the work we do as parents.” ✨Shahidah Al-Amin (@shahidah.alamin ) — mom to Saniyah, 17, Khayri, 15, Aziz, 10, Nasir, 8, and Yara 2 — joins other moms in discussing her screen time rules & realities✨ 🔗On @mothermag , with @getclearspace , link in bio!🔗

“Screen use feels like one of the top 3 challenges we’re constantly navigating—and redefining—in our family. Most of the time, I feel good about how our kids are learning coping skills and boundaries around living with screens. But when I really sit with it, I sometimes feel sad and wish we were all living in an earlier century.“ “Our philosophy is to model the behavior we want to see. If there’s an opportunity for human interaction—like standing in line at the grocery store—the phone goes away. We also try not to rely on technology for all of our information. But we recognize it as a powerful tool for connection: shared playlists, ILYSM texts, photos.” “When a child asks for a new device or app, we wait until they can make a compelling case for why they’re ready for that privilege. If it seems reasonable, we ask them to create a contract that we all agree on and post it somewhere visible. They come up with the consequences for breaking the rules, which we can adjust together before signing. There have also been times when we’ve realized it was too soon for a particular child, and we’ve taken something away. Our approach is less about strict rules and more about responding to how things are actually going.” “One thing I love is our charging cupboard. It’s in the living room—just a cabinet outfitted with a charging adapter and a bamboo organizer with slots for phones, iPads, and Chromebooks. Around dinnertime, everything gets tucked in there until the next morning before school. Keeping devices off counters and out of bedrooms really reduces the mindless pickups that happen when they’re always within reach.” “All of this is a work in progress. I know my 19-year-old sleeps with her phone right next to her head in her dorm so she can listen to music all night, and that still stresses me out. I’d love to see more universal norms around phone use. My dream app would require you to complete a few learning tasks—like solving math problems or practicing verb conjugations in another language—before unlocking your phone. There’s so much potential in technology that still feels underused.” ✨@kendrasmoot — stylist & mom of 3, today on @mothermag with @getclearspace ✨

“My daughter started asking for a phone early on. The pressure was on as many of her classmates were already getting phones as early as age 9! I promised her a phone as a reward the day she achieved a perfect report card. Thinking it would buy me time, years! Little did I know that five months later, at afterschool pickup, I would see her skipping down the hall waving her report card with a big smile. She had received a perfect report card. What to do? I had to keep my word.” “Here’s where we stand a few years later: In New York, thankfully, students are required by law to turn off and lock their devices via magnetic pouches during the school day. At home, no phones are allowed during meals, this applies to everyone, kids and adults. No phones at sleepovers or playdates where a parent is reachable for emergencies. Screen time is limited to one hour maximum per day. Social media is accessible on my phone only on weekends and must be supervised.” “Some of the benefits this phone provides include increased safety, peace of mind, and an easier way to navigate unexpected schedule shifts and emergencies; but what I would do to raise my daughter in the 80s and 90s! Making a plan then was an exercise in intentionality and commitment because once you left your house, you were essentially unreachable. You called a friend’s house and often had to speak with their parents first. You made a plan to meet a friend for dinner downtown on Friday at 6pm. Without confirming in real time via text, without a calendar reminder, and without needing a phone with a map giving you the fastest route and estimated time of arrival. You planned, you showed up and waited, or you got lost and eventually found your way. Where the magic happened!” ✨Cynthia Edorh (@cynthiaedorh ) — photographer, business development exec, & mom to Chloe, 12 — joins other moms in discussing her screen time rules & realities✨ 🔗On @mothermag , with @getclearspace , link in bio!🔗 📸: @kathylo15

No two families are alike. Which means same closeness can look like different approaches to screen time. That’s why we’re coming together to talk about raising humans, not users. Full episode in bio. Amazing words from @healthier.tech

The reaction kids have to the iPad getting taken away tells you a lot about how they were designed. That’s why we’re coming together to talk about raising humans, not users. Full episode in bio. Great snippet from @rheasings

Dear parents, "No" sounds better when the whole village says it. It's time to raise humans, not users. Full video out tomorrow. Head to the link in our bio to get involved.

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