Welcome to the 5th episode of Parenting in the Future Podcast with special guest, Fiona Allen! Fiona, our 13 year old daughter, joined us and gave us information about the apps all the teens are using, and told us her take on mental health, technology, and what it is like to be a teen. Chris reviewed the book, Age of Opportunity by Lawrence Steinberg and helped us better understand adolescent brain development. Kim responded to a quote image she read on Facebook that read:
Nostalgic Parenting Judgement
My curfew was lightening bugs. (OK–works for younger kids probably more than teens)
My parents didn’t call my cell, they yelled my name. (Too much to say about this; better listen to the podcast)
I played outside, not online. (Did you have friends from all over the world? Do you want your children to have 21st century tech skills? Do you struggle, like we do, to have appropriate boundaries for your teen and their technology use?)
If I didn’t eat what mom cooked, I didn’t eat. (First of all, that is sexist. Second, my mom cooked with a whole lot of lard and bacon grease. Third, I’m happy we all share in the food prep. Last, I hope I’m more respectful to my kids than that).
With nostalgia aside, this really isn’t true for our family. In face, we embrace technology. Want to know more about all of our reactions? Listen in!
Fiona and her Dad doing a podcast. She’s a typical teen in that she didn’t want her picture taken. This is the compromise.
Fiona’s one and only time wearing a dress. It is a COSPLAY costume from her beloved Anime.
One of the joys of parenting: podcasting with my kid.
One of the frustrations of parenting: hearing my child’s cell phone go off every 2 seconds during the podcast.
Dr. Kim Allen 