In this episode, Ms. Amber dives into the world of parenting styles, with a special focus on gentle parenting. She shares her personal experiences, reflecting on the evolution of parenting through the generations and exploring how the early years play a pivotal role in shaping a child's future. Ms. Amber discusses the pros and cons of gentle parenting, how it compares to other parenting styles, and the importance of balancing empathy with clear boundaries.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 05:03] Parenting Styles: A Personal Exploration

• How parenting styles have evolved over generations.

• The pressure of parenting in the early years and how it shapes the rest of a child’s life.

• The role of self-reflection in determining the kind of parent you want to be.

[05:04 - 10:21] Gentle Parenting: A Closer Look

• The foundation of gentle parenting: empathy, respect, and clear boundaries.

• Why understanding your child’s emotions and triggers is crucial for parenting success.

• The balance between being gentle and firm when it comes to discipline.

[10:22 - 15:12] The Importance of Teaching Consequences

• Gentle parenting’s approach to setting boundaries without relying on punishment.

• How real-world consequences (like stepping on a rock) can be teaching moments.

• The importance of guiding your children, not just being their friend.

[15:13 - 20:21] Parenting in the Real World: When Gentle Parenting Isn't Enough

• When gentleness doesn't work, and how to step up as the authoritative figure.

• The critical need for parents to model empathy and respect.

• The ultimate goal of raising independent, confident, and responsible children.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“ How your child behaves in acts in public and around other people is a reflection on your parenting style.” -Ms. Amber

“ whether those are good consequences or negative ones, there are always are consequences.” -Ms. Amber

“ gentleness will only get you so far, and then you have to bring in the consequences.” -Ms. Amber

“ Guidance instead of punishment, teaching rather than enforcing strict discipline.” -Ms. Amber

“ Let them have the natural consequences because that's how our kids learn.” -Ms. Amber

“ We should not be friends with our kids. We are not friends.” -Ms. Amber

“ Kids need freedom,  kids need rules and boundaries and clear expectations. “ -Ms. Amber

“ It's really important that our kids see us failing too, because we are not perfect.” - Ms. Amber

“ Humans, we fail, but in our failures is our growth. And we want our kids to experience that too.” -Ms. Amber

“Our job as parents is to be a teacher and to teach our kids. -Ms. Amber

In this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Ms. Amber tackles a topic that hits close to home for many parents and educators: Screen Time, ADHD, and Kids' Attention Spans – What Every Parent Should Know. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood education and parenting five children, she shares her heartfelt concerns and observations about how technology is influencing our children's development, behavior, and relationships.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers thoughtful insights, practical strategies, and a call to action to step back, set boundaries, and protect our kids' childhood experiences.

[00:01 - 04:36] Introducing the Topic

• Ms. Amber reflects on the evolution of technology from her childhood to raising her kids during the iPhone era.

• Personal insights into how parenting decisions around screen time have lasting impacts.

• A shift observed in children's attention spans and social interactions over the years.

[04:37 - 08:59] The Rise of Screen Time and Its Effects

• Average screen time for children under 8 has surpassed two hours per day.

• How fast-paced technology overstimulates young minds and affects focus.

• Stories from Ms. Amber’s experience as a mom and educator navigating these changes.

[09:00 - 15:00] ADHD, Attention Spans, and Technology’s Influence

• ADHD in simple terms: challenges with focus, self-control, and sitting still.

• Observations of an increase in children diagnosed with ADHD or on the spectrum.

• The possible link between overstimulation from screens and a decline in attention spans.

[15:01 - 20:59] The Need for Connection and Play

• The importance of real-life, meaningful relationships for children and adults.

• How screen time impacts kids' ability to engage in creative play and form deep connections.

• Personal anecdotes on the value of outdoor play, reading, and imaginative activities.

[21:00 - 24:00] Practical Strategies for Healthy Screen Time

• Balance screen time with active play and slow-paced activities like puzzles, blocks, and books.

• Tips for modeling healthy habits as parents: turn off devices during key moments to engage with children.

• Earned screen time as a tool for teaching patience and discipline.

[24:01 - 25:00] Closing Thoughts

• "Small changes today can lead to big improvements for our kids tomorrow."

• Ms. Amber's call to action: Set boundaries, step back, and prioritize meaningful moments over screens.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“ There is harm that it's causing the relationship between screen time, social media and kids attention spans.  Like we have to pause and think like, what is it doing to our children, to our next generation and what kind of messaging is. Being sent to our kid.” -Ms. Amber

“ Our kids are growing up into adults. Do they have meaningful relationships with other humans?” -Ms. Amber

“ Technology is influencing all of us as humans.”-Ms. Amber

“ We have to parent our kids.” -Ms. Amber

“ Yes. Technology is amazing. Yes. Technology is great. Yes. We have to embrace technology because it's not going anywhere, but I think we need boundaries. We have to set them within ourselves as well.”-Ms. Amber

“ Remember, the small changes today can lead to big improvements for our kids tomorrow.”-Ms. Amber

In this episode of The ABC’s of Preschool, Ms. Amber reflects on the challenges of parenting during tough times and how to navigate life's unexpected curveballs. Whether you’re starting 2025 on a high note or feeling the weight of the new year, this heartfelt conversation will inspire and equip you to tackle the beautifully messy journey of parenting.

Ms. Amber shares personal stories, practical advice, and actionable tips on how to show up for your little ones even when life feels overwhelming. From finding your tribe to taking intentional time for self-care, this episode is packed with encouragement for parents navigating the hard.

[00:01 - 02:00] Welcome Back!

• Ms. Amber returns after a break, sharing how unexpected life changes often require us to pivot and adapt.

• Acknowledging the ups and downs of 2025 and how parents can prepare for the challenges ahead.

[02:01 - 08:00] Starting a New Year with Heaviness

• The reality of entering a new year with burdens rather than fresh starts.

• How to balance parenting with the emotional toll of life’s challenges, from personal struggles to global events.

[08:01 - 12:00] Protecting Your Children from Adult Burdens

• Why it’s crucial to shield young children from adult stress.

• How to handle hard emotions quietly without transferring anxiety to children.

[12:01 - 15:00] Steps to Navigate the Hard

1. Acknowledge: Admit you’re overwhelmed to avoid emotional buildup.

2. Seek Help: Therapy, coaching, or trusted friends can provide vital support.

3. Carve Out Time: Prioritize quiet moments to reflect, journal, or pray.

[15:01 - 20:00] The Power of Movement and Gratitude

• Why moving your body daily is essential for mental and emotional health.

• Cultivating gratitude even during the storm can provide perspective and hope.

[20:01 - 22:00] Celebrating the Messy Journey

• Life is beautifully messy, with highs and lows that make us stronger.

• A reminder that hard times teach resilience and gratitude for brighter days.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Our anxiety, our stress can be so easily transferable to our children and we want to guard them and protect our children from our adult burdens.” - Ms. Amber

“ Be strong, encourage you, feed. Like positivity so then you can wake up again in the morning and show up for your kids.” -Ms. Amber

“ As parents, as adults, we are dealing with very hard things that our children do not know. -Ms. Amber

“ Bad things happen to good people all the time.”-Ms. Amber

“ Life is Beautiful, but it is also messy.”-Ms. Amber

“ I've been there. I've done that, and I will continue to be there and work through it because that's what life is about.”-Ms. Amber

“ If we don't take the breaks. If we do not take care of ourselves, it will trickle into our family.” -Ms. Amber

“ So if you're going through the heart, protect their kids, but seek help from others so you can have. Adults in your life show up for you and that you can be encouraged by others.”-Ms. Amber

“ We have to take care of our soul. We have to take care of ourself to show up well for others.” -Ms. Amber