Book Review: "The Big Disconnect" Puts Emphasis on Strong Family Connections

 


Catherine Steiner-Adair and Teresa H. Barker's The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age delves into the profound impact of technology on family dynamics and child development. Drawing from extensive research and interviews, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of how digital immersion affects communication, relationships, and the psychological well-being of both children and parents.

Three Lessons Worth Remembering

  1. Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction

    The authors emphasize the irreplaceable value of direct, personal engagement within families. They argue that while technology offers convenience, it should not supplant in-person interactions that are crucial for developing empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence in children. Steiner-Adair notes, "Parents and children may be enjoying 'swift and constant access to everything and everyone on the Internet,' but they are losing 'a meaningful personal connection with each other in their own homes.'"

  2. Model Healthy Technology Use

    Children often emulate their parents' behaviors. The book underscores the importance of parents demonstrating balanced tech habits, such as setting boundaries for device usage and being fully present during family time. This modeling teaches children the importance of moderation and the value of undistracted presence.

  3. Foster Open Communication About Digital Experiences

    Encouraging discussions about online activities helps children navigate the digital world safely. The authors advocate for creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences, enabling parents to guide them through potential challenges like cyberbullying or exposure to inappropriate content.

Positive Observations

  1. Comprehensive and Age-Specific Insights

    The book is structured to address the impact of technology across various developmental stages, from infancy to adolescence. This organization allows parents to access relevant information tailored to their child's age, making the guidance practical and actionable.

  2. Real-Life Examples Enhance Relatability

    Through numerous case studies and anecdotes, the authors illustrate the real-world implications of digital overuse. These narratives make the content relatable, helping parents recognize and address similar issues within their own families.

Negative Observation

  1. Potential for Inducing Parental Anxiety

    While the book aims to inform, its emphasis on the dangers of technology may inadvertently heighten anxiety among parents. Some readers might feel overwhelmed by the challenges presented, potentially leading to fear-based rather than informed decision-making regarding technology use in the household.

In conclusion, The Big Disconnect serves as a crucial resource for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in a digital age. By highlighting the importance of maintaining strong family connections amidst technological advancements, Steiner-Adair and Barker provide valuable strategies to foster healthy development and relationships.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Cities Named Most Neighborly in Missouri for 2024

Image
  Photo above: From a block party in Ferguson, Missouri. New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week this year was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state.  This honor was based on points earned by participating in the week, city campaigns and proclamations, residents making nominations for most engaged neighbor and reporting acts of neighboring, and statewide or local prizes won.  "The goal was to further engage cities with Missouri Good Neighbor Week and we had over 12 pass proclamations and at least 12 that had organized city-wide efforts for Missouri Good Neighbor Week," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "We ended the week with over 31,000 documented acts of neighboring and five cities worthy of the title 'most neighborly city' in Missouri." In 2024, five cities were named the most neighborly cities in Missouri: Houston, Excelsior Springs, Sikeston,...
Read more

MU Extension Announces Show Me Neighborhood Art Week June 1-15

Image
  To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missourians  must register here online . The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24. Preexisting and new public art can be registered, but only new art can be considered for prizes. The location for this event is ALL of Missouri -- your front yard, your neighborhood, and your community. The online state map marking locations around Missouri will be interactive. If you have questions, please see the contact emails at the end of this blog. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  University of Missouri Extension has announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This outreach program strives to promote creative expression and public art made by residents, regardless of their skill level, as a contribution to the community's sense of place and residents' sense of belonging. The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in S...
Read more

Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors Honored as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week

Image
 Jessica Bueler, Saint Louis City, Missouri During Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2024, over 120 individuals were nominated as Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbor, and 22 were selected for individual recognition. Our Missouri celebration also got national attention from NextDoor, the social media company, whose leadership team worked with us to create a post that went out nationwide on NextDoor on Sept. 27.  You can access it here . At that point, another 50 nominations poured in from across the state. "The nominations were of really high quality this year," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "Every nominee should have received a letter letting them know of the nomination and a memento, a Missouri Good Neighbor Week nominee keychain." The top nominees (22 this year) will receive a check for $100 and an official award certificate. In past years, there have been 50 to 60 n...
Read more