Tips & Best Practices for Gathering Support

Begin with 3-4 other parents who share your concerns about technology's impact on childhood. Meet casually first - perhaps over coffee - to build authentic relationships before tackling bigger initiatives.

When discussing children's technology use with other parents, lead with listening and empathy rather than trying to convince with data. Focus first on understanding each parent's unique situation and building supportive relationships, as this creates space for deeper conversations about making changes, especially since evidence about technology's effects can be challenging for parents who have already made device decisions for their children.

Rather than focusing on phone restrictions, emphasize enabling positive experiences like independence and real-world play. This reframes the conversation from what we're taking away to what we're giving back to childhood. Share how supervised independence builds crucial executive function skills and resilience.

Keep initial gatherings to 60-90 minutes with a clear agenda. This respects parents' time constraints and signals that this is an organized effort, not just venting. End each meeting with 1-2 concrete action items to maintain momentum.

Organize positive alternatives like Let Grow Play Clubs or tech-free playdates that give both parents and kids something to say 'yes' to. These activities naturally create the peer networks and social proof that make phone-free choices more sustainable for families.