The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age

Bought this as a gift for a family member who is expecting their first child. He was delighted with it and really keen to read it.

An important read for any parent, whether you have a newborn, teenager or a child somewhere in-between. As a writer who researches issues related to communication and technology in families and looks for practical ways to enhance our relationships during the digital age, I greatly appreciated Steiner-Adair's comprehensive look at the impact of technology on families. But what I especially liked is that she didn't offer unrealistic advice. Technology is here to stay. Kids are accessing electronic devices from the time they are babies. The author provides wisdom, professional expertise, personal insight and stories that carry this book from start to finish. And just when you unrealistically think "Oh my god, I'm never letting my kid have a mobile phone," she steers readers toward best practices to mentor and parent digital kids in a healthy way. Much of her advice is centered in developing strong, trusting family connections and nurturing invaluable conversation skills in our kids. And to me, that's advice that's never obsolete.  Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital WorldHappy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World

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We have two young girls, ages 4 and 6, and I found the information in this book incredibly helpful. (I read a lot of books about parenting and family, but this one stands apart; I truly felt as though I learned something valuable--even essential--in every chapter.) I am SO GLAD to have gotten the information in this book now, while our girls are still very young, instead of later on, after-the-fact. I definitely think this book is essential reading for all parents.The reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the content was incomplete. This book focuses mostly on kids and their online/tech behaviors and pays less attention to adults and their online/tech behaviors. Because the subtitle of this book is "Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age," I was expecting/hoping for a chapter that specifically addresses parental behavior online. There are so many mommy bloggers out there exploiting their children online (telling private stories, sharing private photos, etc.), and so many parents out there (even well-meaning ones) sharing way too much about their kids on Facebook, Instagram, etc. and all of it concerns me. I was really hoping for some professional guidelines about what's appropriate for parents to share about their kids online. How much is too much? What is "okay" from a professional perspective? That sort of thing. The author ignores this discussion in her book and I found it to be a glaring omission.So, in all, this is an excellent book that is certainly a must-read; I just wanted a bit more from it.

This is an outstanding book. Dr Steiner-Adair knows her stuff, and presents it in a clear, understandable way with meaningful examples. She traces the harmful impact of screen time on each stage of child development, all the while offering compassionate advice. She is by no means a zealot, giving credit to technology where it is due, but rather presents the information in an objective and balanced manner. I do not believe the importance of her observations and advice can be overstated. Digital media are harming not just our children, but collectively our society. Thank you Dr. Steiner-Adair for this timely and compelling contribution.