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The Digital Family

How and why our kids use technology.

Eating Disorders
Family Dinners are Great for the Body and the Soul

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on February 20, 2015

Science says Michelle Obama is right about the importance of family dinners. Potus, Flotus, and the First Girls take full advantage. Does your family?

Science says Michelle Obama is right about the importance of family dinners. Potus, Flotus, and the First Girls take full advantage. Does your family?

Attention
Should You Turn Off Tech at Dinner?

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on October 21, 2014

Today’s parents have a whole new set of table manners to grapple with—those associated with technology. And, according to our survey data, this is a dicey area, where what’s good for the gosling turns out not to be so good for the goose. Some sensible tips are offered to help ease tensions at the dinner table.

Today’s parents have a whole new set of table manners to grapple with—those associated with technology. And, according to our survey data, this is a dicey area, where what’s good for the gosling turns out not to be so good for the goose. Some sensible tips are offered to help ease tensions at the dinner table.

Relationships
If Mother Says No, (Don't) Go Ask Grandma

Tristan Gorrindo M.D. on December 20, 2012

Gone are the days when mom and dad could proofread (and edit) Christmas letters before they were sent over the river and through the woods.

Gone are the days when mom and dad could proofread (and edit) Christmas letters before they were sent over the river and through the woods.

Relationships
Who knows your digital secrets?

Tristan Gorrindo M.D. on June 21, 2011

Our email holds some of our most personal information. When our tech-savvy kids have access to a shared computer or our smartphones, what are the implications of their learning our secrets by reading our email?

Our email holds some of our most personal information. When our tech-savvy kids have access to a shared computer or our smartphones, what are the implications of their learning our secrets by reading our email?

Romance and Texting
Relationships
Improving your relationship: LUV LTRS and other digital quickies

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on April 30, 2011

Many have warned of the communication pitfalls associated with texting. But new research suggests that texting can improve our relationships, especially if used to create an “arc of connection” with our partners.

Many have warned of the communication pitfalls associated with texting. But new research suggests that texting can improve our relationships, especially if used to create an “arc of connection” with our partners.

Adolescence
Hit Send, No Wait: The dangers of a hyper-personal online life

Tristan Gorrindo M.D. on March 29, 2011

Online communication can bring mischief and even serious trouble with peers and colleagues because it invites far more disinhibition than face-to-face conversation. It's estimated that 12% of adults said that they had shared information online that they later regretted posting. So what makes us so prone to over-sharing and what can be done about it?

Online communication can bring mischief and even serious trouble with peers and colleagues because it invites far more disinhibition than face-to-face conversation. It's estimated that 12% of adults said that they had shared information online that they later regretted posting. So what makes us so prone to over-sharing and what can be done about it?

Social Networking
What does the digital revolution have to offer the "old old?"

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on March 8, 2011

The "old old" are a demographic who mostly have been left in the dust by the digital age revolution. Very few of the old old -- those over 85 -- use social networking sites, though some may use email to stay in touch with family or with their doctors. But there are other, more subtle ways that the very elderly are benefiting from the digital revolution.

The "old old" are a demographic who mostly have been left in the dust by the digital age revolution. Very few of the old old -- those over 85 -- use social networking sites, though some may use email to stay in touch with family or with their doctors. But there are other, more subtle ways that the very elderly are benefiting from the digital revolution.

Diet
Fasting, Gorging or a Balanced Digital Diet?

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on February 23, 2011

 If you think you need a cleanse to clear out the gluttony of too much emailing, texting and using other screens, you may want to celebrate the second annual National Day of Unplugging, which goes from sundown on March 4 to sundown on March 5. 

 If you think you need a cleanse to clear out the gluttony of too much emailing, texting and using other screens, you may want to celebrate the second annual National Day of Unplugging, which goes from sundown on March 4 to sundown on March 5. 

Help Button
Adolescence
Being a “Digital Klutz” Is Good for Your Family

Tristan Gorrindo M.D. on January 25, 2011

Don't be upset if you are clueless about how to set the DVR. Don't fret if your teen buys you a webcam for your birthday and tries to teach you to Skype. Being a digital klutz may be just the opening your child needs to start stepping up to the plate and feeling like a grown up.

Don't be upset if you are clueless about how to set the DVR. Don't fret if your teen buys you a webcam for your birthday and tries to teach you to Skype. Being a digital klutz may be just the opening your child needs to start stepping up to the plate and feeling like a grown up.

Parenting
12 Ways to Unplug for the holidays

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on December 20, 2010

The holidays should be a time to reflect on times and traditions past. Parents have an opportunity over the holidays to show their kids the ways they used to play - something that may be lost on this current digital generation.

The holidays should be a time to reflect on times and traditions past. Parents have an opportunity over the holidays to show their kids the ways they used to play - something that may be lost on this current digital generation.

Humor
iPhone in the Baby Bag

Tristan Gorrindo M.D. on November 30, 2010

New parents use technology to fight the isolation of being left at home during the day, to get parenting information they might have sought in an earlier time from relatives, and to document their babies' nursing and napping habits. But what's the impact of all this technology on the basic job of being a new parent -- creating a stable attachment with a baby?

New parents use technology to fight the isolation of being left at home during the day, to get parenting information they might have sought in an earlier time from relatives, and to document their babies' nursing and napping habits. But what's the impact of all this technology on the basic job of being a new parent -- creating a stable attachment with a baby?

Media
eParenting: Setting limits even if your kids know more than you do

Anne K Fishel Ph.D. on November 3, 2010

Although your kids may be the experts when it comes to technology, you are still the experts when it comes to your children's well-being. Even light, intermittent limit-setting around technology can go a long way to staying in charge, even if you're not always sure what you're doing.

Although your kids may be the experts when it comes to technology, you are still the experts when it comes to your children's well-being. Even light, intermittent limit-setting around technology can go a long way to staying in charge, even if you're not always sure what you're doing.

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