Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World

"If you’re a parent of teens or preteens, or you work with teens or preteens, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the phenomenon of teens stuck to their screens–whether it’s phones, tablets, computers, or other technology.  And, you’ve likely noticed the difficulty of talking with these tech-savy kids who have grown up not knowing what life is like without technology at their fingertips.  In her latest book, Screens and Teens: Connecting With Our Kids in a Wireless World, Dr. Kathy Koch, helps parents and youth workers explore these topics and discover principles and practices to connect with teens who seem inseparable from their screens.

Koch explores the following topics:

technology and our deepest human needs;
truths about today’s teens;
less and more (less screen time, more family time);
lies that come through to teens through technology;
and the ultimate connectivity.

While Koch provides a lot of amazing advice, personal anecdotes and real-life stories, she also takes a biblical approach to communication, which I wholeheartedly appreciate.  And, there’s a discussion guide included at the back of the book, and its purpose is to jumpstart discusions about technology and its influence.  These are great questions that can be used in a small group study setting, in a parenting class, or even by parents and their teens.

This book is full of practical advice.  There were some "Oh, yeah.  That’s the truth" moments and there were some of those lightbulb, "Now it makes sense moments!"  I’ve come away from Screens and Teens with some very easy-to-implement strategies and ideas as I navigate life with a teen and do my best to disciple her to become more Christ-like.

I highly recommend Screens and Teens for parents, youth pastors, youth teachers–anyone who deals with teens regularly.  It’s an easy, yet challenging read, but one that will equip you to better connect with and communicate with the teens and preteens in your life.  Learn more at www.screensandteens.com

Screens and Teens is written by Dr. Kathy Koch is the Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a Christian ministry based in Fort Worth, Texas. She is an internationally celebrated speaker who has influenced thousands of parents, teachers, and children in 30 countries through keynote messages, workshops, seminars, assemblies, and other events.  Find out more about the author at www.DrKathyKoch.com.

* Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for this honest review."

Reviewed by Laura Langley, Feb 4, 2015