I just had a deeply concerning reading for a woman whose child is addicted to youtube kids videos. I had never seen such videos (they sound benign on the face of it, kids playing with toys, kids opening toys)
And then, the very next day, I see this article in the New York Times - When a Child's Life Becomes the Family Business. It was like it was explaining the other side of the reading.
I do think many of us are too connected to our phones (and I'm in there with the 'us'.) And I know kids can be annoying and irritating and demanding, and giving them access to a youtube station by kids and for kids can feel like a safe fix. But everyone's brains are developing in this scenario and kids watching other kids getting avalanches of toys can make them feel a) less than and b) want more and more.
So my suggestions are to go slow and limit screen access, encourage real world connections, and talk to your kids. Get them to help with cooking - a real world activity with the benefits of creating dinner! I know this takes energy, and the kids themselves may fight you on this, but if we give them good enough alternatives, then the fighting eases. Also if none of this works, please do some research and go and see a professional!
I don't think there is a simple answer. Even my son says he is grateful he isn't 12 today. The world is complex and changing more than we realize and we have to tread carefully...
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