Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time to Reset Your Kid's Relationship With Tech

The summer between 7th and 8th grade, Landon had been campaigning…and I mean campaigning ….for two years to get Instagram. I had held the line. A firm, unwavering, “don’t-even-try-it" no. And then summer hit, and I was... tired. Because if you have ever gone toe-to-toe with a child who could out-argue a seasoned attorney while still technically asking for something politely, you know exactly what kind of tired I mean. It's a special kind. It has its own zip code.

So I agreed. With stipulations. He was not allowed to follow or friend anyone without my approval first. We sat down together. We went over everything. I felt like a responsible, informed parent. I was encouraged.  It felt like a win of sorts.  

One hour later, Landon had followed 300 people. Three. Hundred. People. That boy barely knew THREE people much less 300.