Guilty as Charged: We Gave Kids the Devices, Then Blamed Them

Are you the type of parent who buys the latest phone, computer, gaming console, or full-speed internet package — and then turns around and complains because the kids are always on it? I am. Guilty as charged.

You see, parents do silly things. We give them all the gadgets, install everything, even show them how to use it. Then, a few months later, we find ourselves whining about screen time, online games, and how they never go outside anymore. But who set the stage for all this?

The same goes for fast food. Who was it that first said yes to the nuggets, the fries, the combo meals? It was us. Parents introduce these things, often out of convenience, or just to keep the peace on a long day. And then later, we point fingers and ask, “Why do they eat junk all the time?”

What are the kids supposed to do? Say no to what we put in front of them? Of course not. They do what kids do — they enjoy what they are given. We cannot hand them tools and temptations and then act shocked when they use them.

This is not about blaming ourselves endlessly. But maybe it is about being honest. Sometimes we parents create the very habits we complain about. And the first step to fixing things might just be recognizing that.

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