https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52899/forget-screen-time-rules-lean-in-to-parenting-your-wired-child-author-says
I like what this article has to offer when it comes to discussion. In the end, I believe that one of our jobs is to teach kids to relate to the world in healthy, functional ways. Screens are very much a part of the world. I'm also not a fan of abstinence only education when it comes to sex and food, so opening my mind to embrace screens in moderation and with intention feels right to me. Put differently, it's a question of who, when, where and why:
Kids at the dinner table to avoid conversing with the family? No go! Toddlers at a restaurant with an ipad? I get it, but this may be a fabulous opportunity to teach necessary skills to sit, play a small board game, interact and chat at the table! Trust me, it gets easier with more practice (assuming this is a kid who has the capacity to do this - if not, give yourself a break and screen it up! Let those around you judge until the cows come home - you are the parent, doing the best you can, with what tools you have!). Cuddling on the couch with my son after a rough day to watch his favourite movie? Totally worth it! 11 year old with a phone in his bedroom? Not a great idea! Having a video game tournament with all family members as a means of connection, letting off steam and fun? Bring it on! In fact, I like to suggest leaning in to screens if my clients LOVE them and their parents want to build some connection with their kids. This becomes an incredible opportunity to model self-regulation, see what your kids are into AND ensure that the games they're playing are best for them (i.e., age-appropriate)! What are your thoughts? Full disclosure: We are a "tech-light" family and use screens to watch movies 1-2 times a week, use the ipad to look up cute puppies, and have a wii fit that comes out once every two months for a weekend.
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 Everyone and their dog is telling us to breathe, be mindful and start meditating? Why? Because the evidence tells us that it works (see below)! The very practice of sitting in stillness or moving with our breath has the potential to change the way our brain experiences suffering, stress and adversity. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a rigorously studied approach to teaching secular Mindfulness. Over an 8 week period, we explore the basics of meditation and mindful movements. We also dive into your stresses and triggers, and then though mindful inquiry, identify strategies to address them. It's soul filling work that has the capacity to change your brain (it's true!!!) and it really CAN help you to respond to stress, pain, challenging moments, suffering and more. The course begins Tuesday, January 29th, from 6:30-9pm and runs for 8 weeks (no class March 12th). Included in the price ($425) is a full day silent retreat, 26 clinical hours of self care & learning, and a 50 page comprehensive handout! The MBSR practice is about changing life patterns. It’s a commitment to yourself and to your group, which is why it’s so beautiful and effective! "But it’s still too much $$!" I get that $425 is a lot of money, particularly right after the holidays. If you have extended covereage, the course is covered under social work counselling. I also have a sliding scale for those in need and you can pay in instalments if that works best for you and your family. If you have any further questions or would just like to chat, please let me know - I’d love to chat! Research Links:: https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004979/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203918/ 
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