Finding Balance in a Digital World
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with social media. There’s plenty of research showing its damaging effects—especially on children and young people (looking at you, The Anxious Generation). Yet, with the job I have, I know there’s an element I need to embrace. Social media allows me to share my books and brand with families I’d never otherwise reach.
Still, it feels like I’m living in two worlds. On one hand, I’m encouraging families to unplug and be present with their children. On the other hand, I’m figuring out TikTok and learning how short videos might help me connect with more readers. Finding balance between using technology and not being consumed by it is tricky—something I’m still learning.
But the other day, I had a small parenting win that reminded me I might be doing okay after all.
My kids were watching Number Blocks, and I told them they could watch one more episode before we turned it off to do something else. When the show ended, my son asked why they couldn’t keep watching since it was “for their brain.” (Apparently, my words have sunk in—“educational shows are good for your brain.”)
I told him I had a story for him. I had recently listened to The Diary of a CEO podcast, where Matthew McConaughey shared that his mom didn’t let them watch much TV growing up. She would say, “Why would you waste your time watching something someone else created instead of going out there and creating something on your own?”
That stuck with me. I want my children to build, imagine, read, and create their own worlds. So, I shared that story with him. His response was priceless:
"That makes sense. So when I make my circuits, or draw my pictures, or play outside, that’s creating on my own.”
Then, just like that, both kids ran outside to play soccer together.
As I watched them from the window, kicking the ball around the puppies, I felt so thankful—for creativity, for quiet moments, and for the reminder that not all learning happens on a screen. I sipped my coffee and caught a sentence here and there from my current read, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver.
What a beautiful Saturday morning—sharing the moment together without distractions. I know it’s not always easy or even possible (especially as I’m adding TikTok to my plate), but what if we all made an effort to set our phones down, turn the TV off, and create something of our own—even for a little while?
And if you’re curious about my very new TikTok adventure, you can find me at @AuthorKatieMarie. Go ahead and give me a follow—I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m learning as I go!
Have a wonderful weekend, and as always, happy reading.
-Katie Marie
