5 Surprising Tech-Free Parenting Secrets From a Former Influencer
As a psychologist, I’m continually inspired by parents who are navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s technology-saturated culture. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Erin Loechner, a talented writer and former influencer who made the courageous decision to step away from social media after amassing over one million followers. Her perspective on providing children with experiences and values beyond what technology can offer was both enlightening and actionable.
Creating a "Low-Tech Hangout Zone"
One of Erin’s most impactful strategies is establishing a “low-tech hangout zone” right in your own home. By inviting your children’s friends into a welcoming, screen-free environment, you:
Foster face-to-face connections and deeper friendships.
Encourage children to practice social skills like effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Offer a refreshing alternative to online interaction, reminding kids that meaningful connection doesn’t have to be filtered through a screen.
Embracing Multi-Generational Connections
Erin also highlighted the importance of multi-generational relationships. Encouraging children to spend time with grandparents and older relatives offers them a window into life before smartphones. This can:
Expose children to stories and perspectives from different eras.
Help them understand technology’s place in human history and its evolving role in our lives.
At the same time, involving younger children who look up to your own kids provides them with an opportunity to model leadership and kindness, reinforcing the value of in-person mentorship and connection.
Finding a Local “Opt-Out” Community
For parents who feel isolated or unsure about how to manage screen time at home, Erin recommends seeking out or forming a local “opt-out” group. Connecting with families who share similar values can provide:
A supportive community for exchanging ideas, tips, and encouragement.
A sense of collective effort that makes the journey away from excessive screen use feel less daunting and more sustainable.
Weighing the Decision to Give Your Child a Smartphone
When the time comes to consider giving your child a smartphone, Erin suggests treating the decision as thoughtfully as if you were adding a new family pet:
Will it affect their sleep?
Could it disrupt existing friendships?
Might it expose them to harmful or inappropriate content?
Asking these questions helps you gauge whether a smartphone aligns with your child’s emotional well-being and the values you hold dear.
Building Community Through Simple Gatherings
Perhaps the most compelling insight from Erin’s perspective is the positive impact of simple, regular gatherings. By organizing weekly family dinners, afternoon teas, park outings, or hikes, you create a rhythm of connection that:
Keeps children actively engaged in real-life relationships.
Allows technology to fade into the background, rather than dominating their free time.
Establishes a support network that can bolster their resilience and confidence throughout life’s challenges.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Meaningful, Tech-Lite Parenting
Navigating technology in family life is a dynamic journey that requires intention and effort. But as Erin’s story shows, it’s entirely possible to raise socially connected, grounded children without relying on smartphones or social media. In fact, this approach might just be the most effective way to nurture resilient, empathetic young people.
By placing an emphasis on what truly matters—meaningful relationships, intergenerational wisdom, and shared values—we empower our children with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly distracted world.
For more insights, consider reading Erin’s book, Chasing Slow. And remember, you’re not alone—there is a supportive community out there, ready to journey alongside you.
