Bridge the 'screen' divide

Parents
- Is there always a 'screen' between you and your child?
- Are you concerned that your child is spending too much time in front of the computer, on the cell phone or playing video games, and not enough time with friends or schoolwork?
- Are you worried that your child has too many online friends and not enough offline?
- Does it feel impossible to set limits around video games, the internet and the cell phone?
- Do you need help talking to your kids about some or all of these issues?

Kids
- Do you believe your parents are being unfair about the time you spend at the computer, on the cell phone, or playing video games?
- Do you think your parents don't understand the importance of your online life?
- Do you feel your parents are taking away access to your friends?
- Do you think cyber-bullying is a problem?
- Do you need help talking to your parents about some or all of these issues?

Couples
- Is your partner always on the computer?
- Does 'screen time' keep you from bed time?
-Does your partner's online life seem more important than his or her home life?
- Is there always a cell phone between you and your partner?
- Do you feel burdened as the tech-savvy partner?
- Do you need help talking to your partner about some or all of these issues?

Are these and other technology-related issues the source of anger and frustration in your family? For many families, there is no relief from the struggles over video games, the internet and cell phones. As a family therapist with a technology background, I work with parents, kids and couples around 'screen issues' to build positive technology relationships.

An initial assessment establishes the level of risk, appropriateness of online behaviors and defines areas of conflict and concern. With kids, I work to help them discuss and explain to their parents the importance of their tech-lives. With couples, we work to untangle the technology issues that are causing problems in the marriage. We then engage in conversation about what is appropriate online behavior. I work with parents, kids and couples to provide practical tips to improve communication and to establish appropriate limits. I use these strategies in my groups, workshops and consultations to help bridge the 'screen' divide.