Stop Fighting Tech, Start Leveraging It

We're living in a time that's nothing short of mind-blowing for parents and creators. The digital age isn't just knocking on our door; it's kicked it down and redecorated the whole house. And you know what? I'm here for it.

As a parent who's chosen to color outside the lines - homeschooling around the world, creating family businesses, and embracing a create-as-we-go lifestyle - I've seen firsthand the incredible opportunities that are blooming for our kids. It's like we've been handed a golden ticket to the world's biggest candy store of knowledge and experiences.

But as they say, "with great power comes great responsibility." We've got to be smart about how we navigate this digital wonderland.

Think about it:

• Our kids can learn anything, anytime, anywhere. Quantum physics at breakfast? Check. Mandarin while doing laundry? Why not?

• Non-traditional education isn't just possible; it's thriving. Homeschooling, worldschooling, unschooling - pick your flavor.

• Hobbies aren't just hobbies anymore. They're potential careers, side hustles, or ways to change the world.

But - and this is a big but - we can't just hand our kids a device and call it a day. That's like giving them the keys to your car without teaching them how to drive. We need to be their GPS, their driving instructor, and sometimes, their speed bump.

So how can we harness this digital revolution without letting it run us over?

We're gonna need to be creative, and maybe just a little bit rebellious.

After all, isn't that what parenting in the 21st century is all about?

Screens: Friend or Foe?

Let's talk about the electronic elephant in the room: screens.

They're everywhere, and they're not going away.

But are they the boogeymen we've made them out to be?

The controversial truth: Screens can be healthy

Shocked? Good.

Screens, when used purposefully, can be incredible tools for learning, creating, and connecting. It's not about the screen itself, it's about what's on it and how it's used.

• Fact: Studies show that interactive educational content can enhance cognitive skills

• Reality check: A child coding for an hour is vastly different from one mindlessly scrolling social media

Connected purpose: The key to valuable screen time

Here's where we make the BIG distinction. Screen time with a purpose isn't just okay - it's valuable.

Ask yourself: Is this screen activity helping my child learn, create, or meaningfully connect?

Pro tip: Help your kids set goals for their screen time. Make it intentional, not a default.

Monitoring and relevance: Ensuring growth, not just dopamine fixes

Not all screen time is created equal. It's our job to ensure that our kids' digital diet is nutritious, not just tasty.

• Be involved: Know what your kids are doing online. Better yet, do it with them sometimes. That's what happened when we created Tiny Green Chef, our plant-based cooking program for kids and families.

• Keep it relevant: Align screen activities with your child's interests and growth areas.

• Set boundaries: Yes, limits are still important. Quality over quantity, always.

The epidemic of technology misuse: A missed opportunity

Here's where things get serious. We're facing an epidemic of tech misuse, and it's robbing our kids and us adults too of incredible opportunities.

• Wake-up call: The average teen spends 7 hours a day on entertainment screen time. Imagine if even half of that was purposeful!

• Missed chances: Every hour spent passively consuming is an hour not spent creating, learning, or innovating.

• The real danger: It's not the technology itself, but the mindless way we often use it.

Remember, in the right hands, a screen isn't a mind-numbing device - it's a portal to unlimited potential. Let's make sure our kids know how to use it that way.

The Journey: A Case Study in Honorable Teen Tech Use

Alright, I want to introduce you to a program that's doing it right - The Journey. It's not just another online course; it's a digital incubator for teen entrepreneurship.

Introduction to The Journey Program

The Journey isn't about passive learning - it's active doing. Here's what it offers:

• 2-hour weekly live cohort sessions: Real-time workshops on everything from idea validation to financial literacy

• 2+ hours of project work: Because real learning happens in the trenches

• 1-hour weekly mentoring: One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs

• Optional community events: Because connections matter

My 14-year-old daughter Kaja just completed The Journey's summer intensive program. From the first session, she was ALL IN. After brainstorming, she decided to create an Etsy t-shirt business, combining her digital art skills with her previous experience in digital downloads.

By the end of the program, she had started getting sales and even created two custom orders. Her shop showcases designs inspired by her love for music and nature.

What I love most is the 1-1 mentoring, which allows teens with different business ideas to participate. In just 8 weeks, I saw Kaja mature and grow, thanks to this positive online application. She connected with young entrepreneurs worldwide, sharing a common thread. One teen even created a fitness challenge to ensure they stayed physically active off-screen. Kaja now takes daily walks, logging her mileage for the collective goal.

Kaja's Journey Experience

1. Application process: Kaja had to prove she was ready - it wasn't just "sign up and you're in."

2. Summer intensive: 8 weeks of deep diving into entrepreneurship

3. Year-long program: She loved it so much, she signed up for more

Real-world Skills vs. Virtual Escapism

This program isn't about escaping into a digital world - it's about using digital tools to impact the real world. Kaja's learning:

• How to validate business ideas

• The ins and outs of financial literacy

• Business automation

• Real communication and presentation skills

The Power of Early Entrepreneurship

Early entrepreneurship isn't just about making money - it's about empowerment. At 14, Kaja has multiple income streams:

1. A plant-based cooking program (family business)

2. Published author on Amazon

3. Singer-songwriter with music on Spotify

4. Etsy T-Shirt shop

But it's not about the money. It's about:

• Building confidence

• Learning to take risks

• Developing a growth mindset

• Understanding the value of hard work

How Technology Facilitates Young Entrepreneurship

Technology is supercharging these opportunities:

• Global reach: Kaja's businesses aren't limited by geography

• Low startup costs: Digital businesses often require minimal initial investment

• Rapid learning: Online resources allow kids to learn at warp speed

• Diverse opportunities: From digital art to coding, the possibilities are endless

Parents, this is the future. It's not about preparing our kids for a job market that might not exist when they graduate. It's about giving them the tools to create their own opportunities.

Programs like The Journey aren't just teaching kids to use technology - they're teaching them to leverage it. And in today's world, that's a superpower.

And guess what? Kaja's been asked to be interviewed on a podcast with Jorge, the Co-Founder and CEO of The Journey!

Want to hear about The Journey straight from the teen's mouth?

Mark your calendars: This Monday, August 5th at 11am EST, Kaja will be chatting with Lizz Quain, over at Trail Blazing Families, alongside Jorge himself.

Where to watch: The interview will be livestreamed in the Facebook group. Here's the link: Trailblazingfamilies. Make sure you're in the group so you don't miss out!

Missed it? No worries. Life happens, just shoot me an email, and I'll send you the replay link.

Dive deeper into The Journey

Intrigued? Good. Here's how to learn more:

• Visit The Journey's website: begin the journey

• Explore their programs: From summer intensives to year-long commitments, there's something for every teen entrepreneur.

• Don't forget to mention my name if you apply. Let's spread the word about great opportunities!

Technology in the home can feel like trying to tame a new pet. One minute it's your best friend, helping your teen learn a new skill or connect with faraway family. The next, it's a monster, devouring hours of time and causing family friction. But here's the thing – it doesn't have to be a battle.

With the right approach, we can turn technology from a source of conflict into a powerful tool for growth, creativity, and family bonding.

So, let's dive into how we can strike that crucial balance, nurture our teens' interests, and maybe even learn a thing or two ourselves along the way.

Balancing Act: Technology in the Home

Managing technology in the home is about balance.

Here's how to do it:

1. Setting boundaries without stifling growth

• The 'why' matters: Explain the reasons behind rules. "Because I said so" doesn't cut it.

• Flexibility is key: Rigid rules often backfire. Be willing to adjust based on your teen's maturity and needs.

• Quality over quantity: Focus on the content and purpose of screen time, not just the clock.

2. Cultivating a family culture of purposeful tech use

• Family tech projects: Start a YouTube channel together, create a family podcast, or build a website.

• Digital family time: Have a family movie night where you analyze film techniques or discuss themes.

• Tech-free zones: Designate spaces or times where screens are off limits. Yes, that includes you, parents.

3. Leading by example: Parents and technology

Time for some tough love, parents. You can't preach what you don't practice.

• Audit your own tech use: Are you scrolling mindlessly or using technology purposefully?

• Share your digital wins: Talk about how you use technology to learn or create.

• Be present: Put down your own device and engage. Your kids are watching.

The Importance of Nurturing Teen Interests

Teens are walking bundles of potential. Our job? To help them unpack it.

Finding passions in a digital world

• Encourage exploration: The internet is the world's biggest buffet of interests. Let them sample.

• Look for patterns: What sites do they gravitate towards? What apps do they use most creatively?

• Support depth, not just breadth: Once they find an interest, help them dive deep.

Parents as facilitators of digital opportunities

You're not just a gatekeeper - you're a gateway.

• Be a resource connector: Find online courses, communities, or mentors in their area of interest.

• Invest wisely: Sometimes, paying for that coding course or digital art software is worth it.

• Create a launchpad: Set up a workspace that supports their digital endeavors.

Exploring interests: A buffer against aimless college commitments

Here's a controversial thought: college isn't always the answer. Especially if you don't know the question.

• Real-world experience: Encourage internships, freelancing, or starting a small business in their area of interest.

• Gap year alternatives: Consider a year of focused online learning and projects instead of rushing to college.

• Portfolio building: Help them create a digital showcase of their work and skills.

Discernment: Choosing the right digital tools and platforms

Here's where you earn your parenting stripes. Not all that glitters is gold:

• Research before diving in: Read reviews, check credentials of course creators.

• Start small: Test the waters with short courses or free trials before committing.

• Monitor progress: Is your teen actually learning, or just clicking through?

• Balance consumption and creation: Watching 100 videos on starting a business isn't the same as starting one.

Remember, parents, the tools are out there. Your job? Help your teens navigate this buffet of opportunities. Guide them to choose wisely, commit fully, and create fearlessly.

The playing field has never been more level. A kid with a smartphone in rural anywhere can learn from top experts, connect with peers globally, and launch a business that reaches millions.

So, no more excuses about lack of resources or opportunities. The question isn't "Can my teen access these learning paths?" It's "Which path will they blaze?"

Your teen's next big idea, groundbreaking project, or world-changing initiative is just a screen tap away. Are you ready to help them seize it?

Be the change you want to see in the digital world

Can't find the perfect program for your teen? Channel your inner entrepreneur and create it!

• Identify the gap: What's missing in the current offerings?

• Leverage your network: Connect with other parents, educators, or professionals who share your vision.

• Start small: Even a weekly Zoom meetup for teen creators can be the beginning of something big.

Remember, parents, we're not just raising kids - we're raising the future innovators, creators, and leaders of the digital age. It's time to embrace the technology revolution and guide our teens to use it purposefully.

Don't wait for the perfect opportunity to fall into your lap. Seek it out. Create it. Be the parent who doesn't just complain about screen time, but revolutionizes it.

The digital world is here to stay. Let's make sure our kids don't just survive in it - let's set them up to thrive.

Our job, as parents, isn't to choose our kids' paths. It's to give them a well-stocked backpack for whatever journey they choose. In today's world, that backpack better include some serious digital skills and experiences.

So, we can stop fearing technology and start leveraging it. Let's nurture our teens' interests with the incredible tools at our fingertips. Who knows? Your teen's passion project today could be the next big innovation tomorrow.

What digital opportunity will you create or explore with your teen this week?