How To Have Devices Not Be Divisive For Our Family and Classroom: A talk with Kim John Payne

Join us on Monday, May 10th @ 7pm as we kick off Media Awareness Week (May 10th – 14th) with a talk from the leading Waldorf educator, Kim John Payne! This talk will take place on zoom (the link will be shared closer to the event). Please continue reading to learn more about what will be discussed:

Not Anti Screen but Pro Connection to Nature, People and Self

• Avoiding “Screen Creep,” and the wish for more screen time than you feel is healthy.
• Tool VS. Toy.  Keeping the use of screens as productive as possible.
• How to maintain loving limits, warm, firm and calm discipline and strong family connections in a world where screens have come into our lives more than many people are comfortable with.
• Considering a sensible “screen cleanse,” after a heavier the usual time of screen consumption.
• Following your families True North VS, Magnetic North of marketing driven messages.
• How to build focus, grit and good judgment so that our kids do not become overwhelmed with media driven images but can shape their own self esteem, hopes and dreams.
• How to encourage respect when negative images of adults pervade pop culture.
• Fitting in with friends.  “Won’t my kids be disadvantaged if I limit screen media?”
• Aloneness VS. Loneliness.  Helping kids know the difference.
• The alluring world of no boundaries that screen use develops and how this makes discipline and guidance difficult.
• Virtuous VS. Virtual.  Building real and enduring relationships with people who will “be there” for you when times get tough.

“I am not negatively anti screen for kids, but passionately pro connection. Connection to the things that matter like the natural world, friends, play, family and to their own beautiful but delicate emerging values. If you feel that screens are interrupting these crucial connections, it’s time to pause and reconsider.” ~Kim John Payne