Turn Up the Real World Happiness
Redirecting attention to something else of personal interest is the top strategy for children and adults alike to resist urges to check e-mail, text right back, turn on the TV, or click on your browser—urges you may be feeling right this minute.
With such compelling modern-day marshmallows, we’ve got to have goals and interests with strong personal meaning so we can stand up to attention snatchers. For example, your dedication as a parent is stronger than your urge for a digital fix right now, and that’s what keeps you reading this book.
Does your child’s current go-to activity involve a screen? Ask her to write down or draw three things that make her feel happy and successful and don’t require a screen. Then, instead of arguing when it’s time for a nonscreen activity, find that list.
—Lucy Jo Palladino, PhD, Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Child's Use of Technology, pages 107–108
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