We all know the struggle. You hand your child a phone to keep them quiet for a moment, and suddenly, they are glued to it. It’s not just you smartphones are designed to be addictive, acting like little "slot machines" that keep us coming back for more. But new research is showing us that when we give kids these devices matters just as much as how much they use them. Why Age 13 is the "Magic Number" Big studies are showing that giving a child a smartphone before age 13 can cause some real hurdles for their health. If a child gets a phone at age 12 compared to waiting until 13, the risks jump significantly: • Sleep Struggles: There is a 60% higher risk of poor sleep. • Physical Health: There is a 40% higher risk of obesity. • Mental Health: Too much screen time at ages 9 or 10 is a strong predictor of depressive symptoms by the time they hit middle school. Brains "Under Construction" Think of the adolescent brain as a construction site. It is busy building the areas that help with self-control, attention, and decision-making. When kids spend too much time on screens, two things happen: 1. The Control Center Weakens: MRI scans show that heavy screen use can actually "thin" the parts of the brain responsible for memory and making good choices. 2. The "Seeking" Trap: Apps are built to trigger dopamine (the brain's reward chemical). This makes the brain constantly "seek" the next notification. Over time, this makes real-life joy—like playing outside or hanging out with family—feel "boring" by comparison. Have you noticed any of these behaviors in the children in your life? If yes, have you taken any action?

I want to share a gentle update with you. Over time, it’s become clear that the conversations I care most about and the ones many of you lean into are about connection. Connection with our children. Connection in everyday moments. Connection that doesn’t require more screens, pressure, or perfection. So I’m shifting the focus of this community to Connected Through Play a space for parents and grandparents supporting children ages 3–11 who want calmer, more playful ways to connect and support learning in real life. This doesn’t mean everything is changing. It means we’re getting clearer. You’ll still see thoughtful ideas, practical guidance, and (when helpful) gentle AI support always in service of connection, not replacement. If this resonates, I’m so glad you’re here. If it’s not the season for you, that’s okay too. Thank you for being part of this space as it evolves. 💜

You don’t have to show up next week knowing how to “do AI.” Curiosity is the only ticket in. Every question you ask, every small try, is fuel for the adventure. Think of Week 1 as a scavenger hunt. I’ll give you clues (prompts), you’ll try them out, and the treasures are the “aha” moments you collect along the way. 💬 Question: What’s one thing you’re curious about when it comes to AI? Don’t forget, visit the classroom and complete the orientation tasks for a head start on Week 1.

Starting something new can feel like packing for a big trip. The good news? You don’t need to bring anything but curiosity. In this quest, AI is your travel buddy, not a test you can pass or fail. Think of it as learning how to give a friend directions. At first, you might wave your arms a lot and say, “Go over there!” but by the end, you’ll be pointing to landmarks and saying, “Take two lefts, and you’re right there.” 💬 Question: If AI were your travel buddy, what’s the first thing you’d ask it to carry for you, writing, pictures, or ideas?

Think of the little tasks that eat up your day—writing the same explanation five times, coming up with catchy words, or trying to make your posts look nice. AI is great at those “little helpers.” You don’t need to use it for big, scary projects to see value. Sometimes the small wins—like shaving five minutes off writing a post—add up to the biggest relief. Are you ready? Class officially begins Monday. Take a few minutes to complete the orientation lessons found under, “Classroom.” 💬 Question: What’s one tiny, everyday task you’d love AI to make easier?