The human condition is one in which some degree of pain, suffering, and loss are inevitable. What has helped me with this fact is anchoring onto a mantra that popped into my mind some years ago, which is "let love lead." I work to focus on the love that exists all around me, so I don’t overly focus on the pain and suffering. Also, when I am at a crossroads in my life, from little to large, I tune into how I can best "let love lead" — which decision is most in line with adding more love to my life, to the lives of others, and this world?
The love we adults have for our kids, as parents, as teachers, as counselors, as coaches, as grandparents, as librarians, as health providers, and the list goes on and on gives me hope every day.
And something else that gives me immense hope is humans’ ability to change things to make them better. Seeing how many young people are doing that right now to increase the number of people participating in voting is one example. That is happening in my home.
Two years ago, when my son entered college, he immediately sought out opportunities to increase votership on his campus. I continue to be in awe of how hard he has worked the past two years doing that. Meanwhile, my daughter has been working with an organization that is trying to get people out and voting for positive change across the country.
I want to add one note, I just read the above to my kids to see if they were okay with me writing about them (I always run things by them). They said yes, and then they both said that I needed to remind people to ensure breaks off screens to be able to unhook from the onslaught of intense media and news. Tessa added that it is helpful to turn off notifications. Chase added that we all have to remember and be prepared for the fact that it could take longer to call election results in many races.
Ultimately, we ended our conversation by saying how essential it is to create times to focus on ways to fill up on love. Now, the two of them have left me here on the computer as they head out to take a walk together.
Let me finish by saying to all of you, my fellow changemakers, that it is so wonderful to know you are out there and that together we will continue to work to bring growth experiences and loving connections to our children and to all children. I feel so blessed to be on this journey with all of you.
Questions to spark discussion
Click here if you are interested in hosting an ONLINE screening for your community.
Click here if you want to attend an ONLINE screening.
Click here for information about Dr. Ruston’s new book, Parenting in the Screen Age
Subscribe to Dr. Ruston’s Screenagers Podcast.
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
The human condition is one in which some degree of pain, suffering, and loss are inevitable. What has helped me with this fact is anchoring onto a mantra that popped into my mind some years ago, which is "let love lead." I work to focus on the love that exists all around me, so I don’t overly focus on the pain and suffering. Also, when I am at a crossroads in my life, from little to large, I tune into how I can best "let love lead" — which decision is most in line with adding more love to my life, to the lives of others, and this world?
The love we adults have for our kids, as parents, as teachers, as counselors, as coaches, as grandparents, as librarians, as health providers, and the list goes on and on gives me hope every day.
And something else that gives me immense hope is humans’ ability to change things to make them better. Seeing how many young people are doing that right now to increase the number of people participating in voting is one example. That is happening in my home.
Two years ago, when my son entered college, he immediately sought out opportunities to increase votership on his campus. I continue to be in awe of how hard he has worked the past two years doing that. Meanwhile, my daughter has been working with an organization that is trying to get people out and voting for positive change across the country.
I want to add one note, I just read the above to my kids to see if they were okay with me writing about them (I always run things by them). They said yes, and then they both said that I needed to remind people to ensure breaks off screens to be able to unhook from the onslaught of intense media and news. Tessa added that it is helpful to turn off notifications. Chase added that we all have to remember and be prepared for the fact that it could take longer to call election results in many races.
Ultimately, we ended our conversation by saying how essential it is to create times to focus on ways to fill up on love. Now, the two of them have left me here on the computer as they head out to take a walk together.
Let me finish by saying to all of you, my fellow changemakers, that it is so wonderful to know you are out there and that together we will continue to work to bring growth experiences and loving connections to our children and to all children. I feel so blessed to be on this journey with all of you.
Questions to spark discussion
Click here if you are interested in hosting an ONLINE screening for your community.
Click here if you want to attend an ONLINE screening.
Click here for information about Dr. Ruston’s new book, Parenting in the Screen Age
Subscribe to Dr. Ruston’s Screenagers Podcast.
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
We have now entered an entirely new digital paradigm where artificial intelligence is capable of engaging in human-like conversations. This can range from simple interactions with ChatGPT offering writing tips, to full-fledged companion AI bots designed to mimic real conversations, and simulate deep personal relationships — even romantic partners. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about AI and mental health with a young person in your life.
READ MORE >
Mental Health Awareness Month is a perfect time to spotlight an often-overlooked topic: the role of families in teen therapy. Today I recall my recent conversation with Dr. Laura Kastner, acclaimed author and experienced family therapist, who shares why therapists should push for family participation, even when a teen resists. I also share a personal moment from Screenagers Next Chapter, when my daughter and I did family therapy together—a powerful reminder of what’s possible.
READ MORE >
In my latest Podcast, How Screens Trap Teens in Depression, I speak with Jean Twenge, PhD, a highly regarded psychologist and researcher known for her critical work on the impact of screen time on today’s youth. Our conversation explored the relationship between digital technology use, specifically social media and gaming, and teen mental health trends. Today I'm sharing a snippet of my conversation with Twenge related to boys, depression, and video gaming.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
