Breaking the Trance: A Practical Guide for Parenting the Screen-Dependent Child

by George T. Lynn, Cynthia C. Johnson

Overview

Recreational screen media use is quickly replacing family time, by no fault of parents. They are doing the best they can based on the information available to them, which claims nothing can be done to stop their children's screen dependence.

Parents seeking change need a new framework for action. Breaking the Trance does not blame parents or vilify technology, but it does give parents clear and effective strategies to implement immediately. The results will restore a sense of care and connection within the family.

George T. Lynn, MA, LMHC, is a psychotherapist from Bellevue, Washington, who has pioneered the use of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. George is author of the Survival Strategies for Parenting series, Genius! Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild Oppositional Child and The Asperger Plus Child. He has appeared on National Public Radio, Air America, and the Maury Povich Show to talk about his work with children who exhibit extreme behavior problems.

Cynthia C Johnson, MA, utilizes in-home individualized therapeutic tutoring to help unique K–12 learners reach their full potential. She is the founding director of the Venture Program at Bellevue College in Washington, the first degree program in the nation designed for students challenged with learning and intellectual disabilities. Her work has been featured by National Public Radio, the Chicago Tribune, Inside Higher Education, University Business Magazine, the Seattle Times, and KIRO 7. She is a Certified Mediator Practitioner in Washington State.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781942094265
Publisher:	Central Recovery Press, LLC
Publication date:	10/18/2016
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	708,082
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

George T. Lynn, MA,LMHC is a psychotherapist who has pioneered the use of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. George has written articles for national popular-psychology magazines including BP Magazine, The Psychotherapy Networker, and Hope.

Cynthia C. Johnson, MA is founding director of the Venture Program at Bellevue College, the first degree program in the nation designed for students challenged with learning and intellectual disabilities. She is also a Certified Mediator Practitioner in Washington State.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction: Why Taking Charge Is Easier Said Than Done 1

Chapter 1 How to Determine Whether Your Child Is Screen Dependent 21

Chapter 2 Brains Awash in Adrenaline: What Overclocking the Brain Does to the Bodies, Minds, and Nervous Systems of Screen-Dependent Children 33

Chapter 3 There Is No Pill to Cure It: How to Know Whether the Problem Is Caused by Screen Dependence or a Co-occurring Psychiatric Condition 47

Chapter 4 The Deepest Wound: Interrupted Identity Development 75

Chapter 5 The Gangster, the Golem, and the Charmer: How Becoming Screen Dependent Changes a Child's Personality 97

Chapter 6 Rules for Schools: What You Can Do to Make Sure Your Child's School Is Part of the Solution 113

Chapter 7 Give Me What I Want and Nobody Gets Guilt: How the Screen-Dependent Child Trains His Parents 131

Chapter 8 Boys Against Moms: The Hidden Anguish of Mothers and Wives 149

Chapter 9 Surrender Is Easier when You Have Good Reasons: What Parents Tell Themselves to Stifle the Inner Voice of Concern 165

Chapter 10 Implementing Screen Controls-Phase 1: Writing Your Family Values Statement and Behavior Standards 175

Chapter 11 Implementing Screen Controls-Phase 2: Executing and Enforcing Your Screen Control Plan 191

Chapter 12 How to Help a Formerly Screen-Dependent Child Battle His Demons 207

Conclusion: You Are in Charge 225

Appendices 229

Notes 245

Key Terms 263

Editorial Reviews

“Screen dependence is real and destructive to developing personalities and brains. With wit, grace, and startling science, George and Cynthia bring you the facts you need to know, along with—most importantly—practical solutions for every parent. A must-read!”—Thom Hartmann, author Walking Your Blues Away: How to Heal the Mind and Create Emotional Well-Being

“If you are a parent, grandparent, or anyone who cares about kids and their ability to become responsible, happy adults at some point, you should care about the valuable information in this book. The authors’ balance real-life case stories, research, and common sense about how to tackle the monster that has crept into every family and relationship—that tantalizing screen—and provide explanations and simple tools that are both encouraging and empowering to move from identification to action. In addition, there is enough information and guidance in this book to help schools work effectively in tandem with the families they serve to help young people (and their parents) find specific ways to connect, grow stronger, and develop the skills necessary to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.”—Jackie Booth, PhD, Parent, grandparent, and lifelong educator

“Take heart, parents! It’s not too late. Read this book. As an expert in the ¬field of Internet addiction, I was delighted with this book and found the material fresh and practical. It will help parents as they try to cope with child rearing in the digital age.”-Hilarie Cash, PhD, LMHC, Founding Member, Chief Clinical Officer, and Education Director for reSTART Life

“Mr. Lynn, thank you for this book! Following your guidance gave our son the time he needed in his life to show us who he actually was —going from an anxious child who loved video games (yet was literally afraid of everything, even the wind), to a straight A, college-bound high school student and honor society member.”-Lorri Dixon, mother of an amazing teenager on the autism spectrum

From the Publisher