Do you have kids obsessed with their devices?

Question.

Do you have kids?

Another question..

Do your kids have smartphones?

One more question.

​Do you think your kids might be a little obsessed with their smartphones?

Welcome to the club! I think if we're honest, most parents might say that they are a little worried, even frustrated with the amount of time their kids spend on their smartphones. From the very beginning, we have tried to monitor the time and usage of our kids with their smartphones. And with all the right intentions we placed perimeters and guidelines on our kids, and how and when they used their phones. We thought we would be parents who would totally master the personal device issue. WRONG!!!

iPhones, iPads, and simular tablets and phones, are attached to kids almost 24/7. As I (Jay) work with students on a regular basis, smart technology is a part of their culture. It's part of them. It's how they communicate. It's how they stay connected.

In the early days, when only 1 out of every 5 kids had a cell phone, we in the youth ministry world would limit the appearance and use of the device. But as technology advanced and personal device became more than just a phone, youth workers quickly realized that asking students to leave the device behind was a losing battle. Instead, we found ways to incorporate them into our ministries.

I share that because as a parent, I know how important their smartphones are to them. And while I would love to be able to control how my kids use their device, all I can do is look for ways to find a balance. That's where this book comes in. 

Jonathan McKee is a long-time youth worker and parent who has invested years into understanding how culture trends impact teenagers first as a full-time youth pastor then as full-time resource provide, author, and speaker. His latest book, 52 Ways to Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid, is one that has become a quick favorite of mine! Jonathan talks about the book in this interview. Watch the clip.

If the video does not appear, click on the link to watch it on YouTube.
52 Ways to Connect with your Smartphone Obsessed Kid

As a parent who has 3 teenagers, each with iPhones and tablets, and 2 more kids to follow, again with devices, this book is a great resource to move us as a family past the disconnect. Simple and easy to read, you'll find 52 Ways to Connect with your Smartphone Obsessed Teenagers a helpful resource with great ideas. The point is to get your teenagers talking.

Available in printed paperback and ebook, we want to recommend 52 Ways to Connect with your Smartphone Obsessed Teenagers, to you for your parenting tool box. Use the links below to order through our affiliate partner, Amazon. To learn more about Jonathan McKee, and ministry to youth workers, students and teenagers, visit his website. There is a link below.

Hope you find this resource helpful!

- the higham family

Printed Copy

Kindle Copy

Jonathan's Blog

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Hi we're Jay & Amy, and we've been married for 20 years and are super blessed to be busy raising our 5 kids; 4 boys and 1 girl! We juggle the adventures of life and full-time ministry and share what we are learning as it relates to marriage, family, raising kids, serving in the church, and chasing after Jesus. We know that raising a family is hard work, especially in today's culture. But our hope is to encourage you and your family, as we live for the glory of God. This is our story.