This Inly Speaker Series event featured a panel discussion that addressed some of the most pressing issues parents face today, including managing technology use, supporting children through anxiety and fostering independence. Panelists discussed practical strategies for promoting healthy development, including:

• Setting limits on technology usage. Children feel loved when they get what they need, not when they get what they want. It’s important to set boundaries on technology use, and it’s normal for your child to push back when you set limits.
• Encourage other interests, hobbies and activities like reading, playing games, baking cookies, etc. Doing so builds coping skills within children so that they don’t turn to their phones when feeling uncomfortable or bored. 
• Validate anxious feelings and express confidence. “It’s normal to feel anxious about this test because you care about how you do in school. But I’ve seen you do this before, I know you can handle it.”

Event Panelists:

R. Meredith Elkins, PhD: Clinical psychologist and co-program director at the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program (MAMP). Dr. Elkins specializes in the research and treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents and is an Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School.

Jill Walsh, PhD: Sociology professor at Boston University and founder of Digital Aged. Dr. Walsh’s research focuses on the impact of digital media on psychosocial well-being and development. She is the author of Adolescents and Their Social Media Narratives: A Digital Coming of Age.

Jenny Bright, LMHC: Director of Counseling and Social-Emotional Learning at Inly School. With 18 years of experience as a counselor and educator, Jenny has worked extensively in trauma intervention and mental health support for children and adolescents.

There will be a follow-up discussion at the November Parents Group meeting. All current Inly parents and caregivers are invited to join us on Friday, November 8 at 8:30 AM in the meeting room.