BIG DISCONNECT

An important read for any parent, whether you have a newborn, teenager or a child somewhere in-between. As a writer who researches issues related to communication and technology in families and looks for practical ways to enhance our relationships during the digital age, I greatly appreciated Steiner-Adair's comprehensive look at the impact of technology on families. But what I especially liked is that she didn't offer unrealistic advice. Technology is here to stay. Kids are accessing electronic devices from the time they are babies. The author provides wisdom, professional expertise, personal insight and stories that carry this book from start to finish. And just when you unrealistically think "Oh my god, I'm never letting my kid have a mobile phone," she steers readers toward best practices to mentor and parent digital kids in a healthy way. Much of her advice is centered in developing strong, trusting family connections and nurturing invaluable conversation skills in our kids. And to me, that's advice that's never obsolete.  Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World

This is an outstanding book. Dr Steiner-Adair knows her stuff, and presents it in a clear, understandable way with meaningful examples. She traces the harmful impact of screen time on each stage of child development, all the while offering compassionate advice. She is by no means a zealot, giving credit to technology where it is due, but rather presents the information in an objective and balanced manner. I do not believe the importance of her observations and advice can be overstated. Digital media are harming not just our children, but collectively our society. Thank you Dr. Steiner-Adair for this timely and compelling contribution.

We have two young girls, ages 4 and 6, and I found the information in this book incredibly helpful. (I read a lot of books about parenting and family, but this one stands apart; I truly felt as though I learned something valuable--even essential--in every chapter.) I am SO GLAD to have gotten the information in this book now, while our girls are still very young, instead of later on, after-the-fact. I definitely think this book is essential reading for all parents.The reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the content was incomplete. This book focuses mostly on kids and their online/tech behaviors and pays less attention to adults and their online/tech behaviors. Because the subtitle of this book is "Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age," I was expecting/hoping for a chapter that specifically addresses parental behavior online. There are so many mommy bloggers out there exploiting their children online (telling private stories, sharing private photos, etc.), and so many parents out there (even well-meaning ones) sharing way too much about their kids on Facebook, Instagram, etc. and all of it concerns me. I was really hoping for some professional guidelines about what's appropriate for parents to share about their kids online. How much is too much? What is "okay" from a professional perspective? That sort of thing. The author ignores this discussion in her book and I found it to be a glaring omission.So, in all, this is an excellent book that is certainly a must-read; I just wanted a bit more from it.

I bought this book after hearing a radio interview with the author. I was looking for research related to the effects of technology (especially about the use of cell phones) on adults. Only tangentially was that specific topic addressed.The book focuses on children and families, it is well researched and the findings are nicely documented. Parents in modern families will definitely find it useful. However, it is somewhat repetitive, and the recommendations it gives are somewhat vague. Do not expect it to solve your family's technology issues, but expect it to broaden your perspectives.The chapter organization allows the reader to pick-and-choose. If you are rearing a toddler, there is a chapter just for you; likewise, if your child is a teenager, you'll find a chapter dedicated to that stage, as well. The same is true for any age bracket, infant through teenage, but it ends there, and no chapter addresses adulthood.So, if you are a parent, this book will be helpful, I think. Much of it is common sense, I hope, but then, maybe that sense is not as common as I would like to believe.

I loved this book! It is insightful, compassionate, and at times even funny with a wealth of information to help us navigate keeping our kids safe and healthy in our ever-changing technological world. Chapter by chapter the author addresses different stages of child development and the technological challenges that they are often confronted with. Her extensive research and wide range of case studies make for an interesting and intelligent read. Texting, sexting, online bullying, addiction, the world of social media, and the easy access to porn or other inappropriate materials on the web are all addressed with constructive strategies to help adults guide the young people in their lives through this overwhelming and often scary social (and asocial!) world of technology.

I think what most surprised me about this book was how much of it is a must-read for parents of babies. I thought from the title it'd be more relevant for older children and families, but there's a lot of good stuff in here--based on the latest research--about how and why your baby needs your undivided attention (and how detrimental it is for you to constantly be checking your phone while playing with your children), and why not to let your toddler play with your cellphone and watch videos, etc. Hopefully other reviewers are giving more thorough reviews of this excellent book, but I wanted to make that point.

Bought this as a gift for a family member who is expecting their first child. He was delighted with it and really keen to read it.

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I like the book very much because Catherine takes episodes from her practic work in the field.I think her book is very relevant fore the way life is taking off all over the world. She see is in the US, and I see it in my work with childrend and familys - I see the same Big Disconnect happing here in Denmark, Europe.

I bought this for a Xmas present for my son - it was on his wish list. he was pleased with it. I hope he has time to read it. I didn't.