Kahlin Grant Shares Her Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age

Kahlin Grant, owner of KAPOW, a digital marketing company, is more than just a digital marketing pro; she’s also a mom who’s navigating the wild world of technology with her two little ones, Taylin, 5, and Kyler, 9. In a home where screens are both a career tool and a source of entertainment, Kahlin knows how challenging it can be to strike the perfect balance between fun and responsibility. In this Q&A, she shares how she navigates parenting in the digital age.

1. Tell us a little about your kids and the types of social media and technology they use?

I'm the proud parent of two wonderful children: a dynamic 9-year-old son named Kyler, and a delightful 5-year-old daughter named Taylin. Both of them navigate the digital world with devices tailored to their age and our family's values.

My son is equipped with a tablet and a cellphone, both rigorously managed through parental controls to ensure a safe online environment. He doesn't have any social media accounts yet, which keeps his digital interactions simple and secure. However, he does enjoy access to YouTube, where he explores a world of content that sparks his curiosity and learning.

Similarly, my daughter has her own tablet, secured with parental controls that guarantee her online experiences are appropriate and enriching. Her screen time is mostly spent watching a carefully curated selection of children’s shows on YouTube. These programs are not only entertaining but also educational, often becoming the base for many of our dinner discussions.

2. What kind of restrictions or guidelines do you place on your children’s technology?

In navigating the digital world with my children, we've taken a thoughtful approach to ensure their online experience is safe and enriching. Currently, neither of my children has their own social media accounts due to their young ages. However, we're considering starting a YouTube channel for my son as a joint project when he turns ten, which could be a great opportunity for him to learn and express himself creatively under my guidance.

We use the YouTube Kids app, which offers robust parental controls allowing us to tailor the content to suit our children's needs. These controls enable us to select what they watch, manage screen time with a timer, and even block videos or channels that don't align with our family’s values. Beyond app-specific settings, my husband and I actively limit overall screen time. Our rules are clear: no electronic devices until homework is done, with the primary use being for watching videos or playing games.

We believe in having open conversations with our kids about the digital world, helping them make informed choices and develop healthy habits as they grow. This balanced approach ensures they benefit from technology while staying protected from its pitfalls.

3. What are your thoughts on the impact of social media on children’s mental health and how do you address these concerns with your kids?

Navigating the digital landscape, especially social media, can be a double-edged sword when it comes to children's mental health.

My approach to addressing these concerns is rooted in open communication and education. I believe it's crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of social media usage with children. This includes conversations about self-esteem, peer pressure, and the curated nature of content online, which often distorts reality. By talking openly about how images and stories may be manipulated to present idealized versions of life, I hope to foster a healthy skepticism and more realistic expectations in my children.

Furthermore, I actively engage in setting boundaries that ensure their interactions with social media are safe and positive. This includes setting up parental controls, limiting screen time, and ensuring they access age-appropriate content. But perhaps most importantly, I encourage offline activities that promote mental well-being, such as spending time outdoors, engaging in sports, and fostering real-life friendships. These activities help maintain a balanced lifestyle that counteracts some of the potential negative impacts of digital immersion.

4. How do you handle discussions around privacy and online safety with your kids?

Discussing privacy and online safety with my children is an essential part of our family’s digital routine. I approach these conversations with a blend of openness and firmness, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility while also fostering an understanding of the internet’s complexities.

Firstly, I ensure that these discussions are age-appropriate but detailed enough to cover the critical points. We talk about the importance of keeping personal information private, such as our addresses, school names, and family details. I explain that the internet is a bit like a vast city, with safe places and not-so-safe ones, and that privacy settings are like the locks that help keep our doors closed to strangers.

We also discuss the permanence of the online world, stressing that anything shared can stay there forever, potentially seen by anyone. This helps them understand the long-term impact of what they post or share online.

Additionally, I use real-life analogies to make the concepts relatable, like comparing cookies and online trackers to someone following you around with a notebook, noting down everything you look at in a store. These analogies help them grasp why being cautious online is crucial.

Most importantly, I strive to create a trusting environment where my children feel comfortable discussing any online interactions that make them uncomfortable. Regular check-ins and sharing about our online activities are standard practices in our home, ensuring that the dialogue about online safety and privacy continues as they grow and their online independence increases.

5. What advice would you give to other parents who are struggling with how to manage their children’s social media use?

Firstly, start with an open dialogue. Talk about the benefits and risks of social media in a way that doesn’t feel like a lecture but more like a conversation. Share your own experiences and encourage them to talk about theirs.

Set clear, realistic boundaries that work for your family. This might mean designating "tech-free zones" in your home like the dinner table or bedrooms. Also, consider setting specific times for social media use that don't doesn’t interfere with schoolwork or sleep. It’s like creating a "digital curfew"—nothing too draconian, just common sense to keep tech from invading every moment.

Educate yourself and your child about privacy settings and the importance of safeguarding personal information. Just as you would teach them to lock the front door, teach them to lock down their online presence.

Balance is key. Encourage and facilitate non-screen activities that your child enjoys. Whether it’s sports, reading, or art, make sure there’s plenty of time for them to explore these interests without a screen. Think of it as dietary advice but for their brain: too much junk food (or screen time) can be harmful.

Finally, lead by example. Reflect on your own social media habits and set the tone. If you’re glued to your phone during family outings, it’s going to be harder to convince your children to put theirs away.

Navigating social media doesn't have to be a battle. With open communication, clear rules, and a healthy dose of empathy, you can help your child navigate social media in a way that's healthy, safe, and positive.

Thank you for sharing, Kahlin.