The Parent Coaching Institute has launched a new initiative called Technology Success Stories, where parents share their experiences managing children's technology use through audio interviews. Gloria DeGaetano, CEO and founder of the institute, emphasizes that parents' voices are crucial when addressing technology issues, noting that every child and family is unique with individual routines for promoting healthy technology habits.
This resource features parents of children across all ages and developmental stages discussing what has worked for them. For example, Reem shared her realization that using screens to occupy her 3-year-old was contributing to behavioral issues, and she discovered effective alternatives through observation and parental instincts. The initiative includes research supporting parental decisions, such as data showing that more than four hours of daily screen time for babies and toddlers increases risks for autistic symptoms, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10353901/.
Upcoming interviews will include parents of teenagers and Tierney Boggs, a PCI Certified Parent Coach® and instructor. Boggs, author of children's books and parent guides available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJN8Q6TZ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJN7ZQ9Y, will discuss how her family adjusts screen time rules as children grow and what they've learned about their values in the process.
DeGaetano explains that parents possess significant wisdom and creativity in supporting their children, and this resource highlights practical, real-world ideas rather than theoretical mandates. The Parent Coaching Institute, recognized as an innovative leader in family support, offers a Parent Coach Certification® program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University, with applications accepted for the 2026 Spring Term at https://www.ThePCI.org.
This initiative matters because it shifts the conversation about children's technology use from expert-driven advice to peer-based learning, acknowledging that parents often develop the most effective strategies through lived experience. By sharing these stories, the institute helps normalize the challenges of parenting in a digital age and provides relatable solutions that other families can adapt, potentially reducing screen time conflicts and promoting healthier family dynamics. The inclusion of supporting research adds credibility to parental insights, bridging the gap between anecdotal evidence and scientific findings.
The impact extends beyond individual families to influence broader parenting culture, encouraging a more collaborative approach to technology management. As screen time concerns continue to grow, this resource offers a timely alternative to top-down recommendations, empowering parents to trust their instincts while learning from others' successes. For professionals in family support fields, these stories provide valuable real-world examples that can inform coaching practices and community programs.
