Hi, I’m Jessica!
I’m a mom of 4 kids, including a girl and a boy ages 11 and 12. As they’ve grown from little kids to big kids, it’s caused me to reflect on what I hope for all my kids as technology becomes a daily part of their lives.
I want for them the best of this digital era.
I want them to have connection.
I want them to have opportunity.
I want them to have fun!
And also—
I want them to have meaningful time off of their screens.
I want them to have boundaries that keep them safe.
I want them to have intentional training and systems to guide them.
My oldest has been using a phone for about a year. He has a Gabb phone. Gabb monitors text messages and notifies parents when something might be amiss. Though my boy is a wonderful, funny, good person, I was surprised to find some problems cropping up right away with group messaging, excessive phone use, phone etiquette, and more. I realized that I would need to be more intentional with my training and guidelines.
My experiences with him are what led me to create The Watchful Home’s phone readiness checklist, phone agreement, and phone training guide. As we were going through the training, he stated,
“Honestly I wish we had started this way earlier!”
I’m devoted to continuing to gather and create the best resources. Intentional family systems for the digital age. ❤️
Watchful Parents
I know I’m one of millions of parents who are concerned about this, and sincerely want the best for their kids.
Though the digital landscape is constantly shifting, we have the heart, the will, and the ability to lead our kids. There is no need for them to be in danger from dopamine addiction, cyber bullying, or anything else. We can watch for, address, and prevent potential problems, and have lots of positive experiences with our kids along the way.
The Watchful Home is a hub where we can have the resources and conversations we need to succeed.
This is a community space where your comments, questions, feedback, and ideas are most welcome. Please share! I am sincerely interested in connecting with each of you and sharing knowledge and experience among community members.
Let’s maintain watchful homes where our influence creates a safe environment for our kids to thrive.
Optimism and Intention
I feel great about the digital age we’re in!
I love the increased access to resources and connection.
I’m grateful for the times I’ve found good answers to exhausting challenges.
I’m relieved that I can text my kids when they’re away from home.
I’m happy when my fam shows me random internet videos that make me laugh. 🤣
Here at The Watchful Home, I won’t waste time lamenting the days gone by. All tools can be used negatively or positively, digital or otherwise. I’ll take a wise yet positive stance. This can be a time of abundance, attachment, and peace. I maintain the belief we can help our kids use technology for both the benefit of themselves and those around them.
We can do this. We’re exactly the right people to be the competent and loving parents our kids need.
Passions that Fuel My Work
I’m a writer and digital creator. I enjoy designing systems that both kids and parents love. I work on writing or digital projects daily– I truly love creating and reflecting on what’s working well for myself and my family.
This website is one way that I can both enjoy my personal passions as well as love and support my family. I’m confident that you’ll find tools and ideas here that will support your family as well, and hopefully make life easier and more rewarding.
I’m looking forward to expanding content that matters to parents like me.
Welcome!!
–Jess