Parent Tips

Posted on: 02/23/19 8:52 PM | by Jonathan McKee

Giving our kids smartphones, losing our cool, Netflix, screen time… these are the topics I’ve tackled so far in the first four episodes of our brand new FREE Parent Tips podcast.

DYM has been knocking the ball out of the park with their entire podcast network with FREE podcasts about youth ministry, youth culture… and now they have me tackling parenting!

The podcasts average just 12 minutes each—bitesized and packed with application. So far I’ve been addressing the subjects that are the “most asked questions” by parents (like, “How do manage what my kids are watching on Netflix?” Great question. And I answered it in Episode 3: Parenting the Netflix Generation) And I’m really excited about the next two upcoming episodes, because in Episode 5 (releasing any day now) I’ll be sharing the newest research about Continue reading “Parent Tips”

Why screen time inhibits toddler development

Posted on: 02/14/19 10:00 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Where’s Nathan?

I just changed his diaper and plopped him in front of the TV… again.

Any theories why Nathan doesn’t walk yet?

It’s probably not a surprise to you to hear that if we plop our toddlers down in front of a screen it hurts their development. We’ve heard the arguments before. Too much screen time has negative effects all around. And some experts even push back and try to contest it.

But according to a new study from the University of Calgary, the results are pretty clear about the effects of screen time on young kids Continue reading “Why screen time inhibits toddler development”

The “Relationships” Talk

Posted on: 02/5/19 3:30 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Next week is Valentine’s Day, and that means young people are thinking of relationships, which is a happy thought for some… and a depressing thought for others. This is probably why so many youth ministries do their “sex and dating” teaching series this time of year or at least a talk on relationships.

So here’s a few resources to help you with these conversations:

  1. One of our writers wrote two brand new FREE Music Discussions using Ariana Grande’s song “Thank U Next.” The youth ministry discussion uses scripture and provides small group questions.
  2. The parents’ discussion also uses scripture and provides three questions you can ask your kids in the car, also free.
  3. And for those in youth ministry who want a talk with graphics and everything Continue reading “The “Relationships” Talk”