Are you planning to give your child their first smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or smartwatch this holiday season? Before you wrap that gift, there's crucial work you need to do! In this week's episode of Parenting Decoded, I'm sharing essential guidance from Defend Young Minds on how to set up digital devices the RIGHT way—before your child ever touches them.

I walk you through the step-by-step process of configuring parental controls, testing safety settings, and creating a family tech contract that establishes clear boundaries from day one. Whether your child is 8, 10, or 15, this episode will help you choose protection over peril and set your family up for digital success. Plus, I'm sharing a free sample digital contract you can download and customize for your own family. Don't let the excitement of gift-giving leave you scrambling—tune in now and parent with confidence!

References to look up:

Defend Young Minds website

Sample Digital Contract from Parenting Decoded

Defend Young Minds and their article "7 Essential Rules for New Tech to Safeguard Your Child."

Email me at mary@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!