In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, author and speaker Arlene Pellicane joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to talk about how technology is shaping family life—and what parents can do when screens begin replacing sleep, hobbies, conversations, and face-to-face connection. Drawing from her book The Great Tech Reset, Arlene explains the “ABCD harms” of technology and shares practical ideas for setting healthier boundaries around smartphones, social media, video games, and AI. Rather than eliminating technology altogether, the conversation focuses on helping families use it intentionally while making more room for real relationships, outdoor activities, creativity, and meaningful family memories. Chapters 00:00 – Technology's Impact on Family Life 01:08 – When Screens Interfere With Connection 02:50 – Why Families Need a Tech Reset 03:57 – The ABCD Harms of Technology 08:01 – Warning Signs of Technology Problems 09:49 – The Bad Babysitter Problem 11:38 – Helping Kids Play Without Screens 13:18 – Discovering Interests Beyond Technology 13:59 – Expect Resistance From Your Kids 16:26 – Social Media and Teen Anxiety 19:57 – How Smartphones Changed Childhood 20:55 – Raising Kids Without Smartphones 24:45 – Finding Practical Technology Workarounds 26:03 – Parenting in the Age of AI 29:40 – Creating a Family Technology Plan 32:31 – Parents Must Model Healthy Technology 36:03 – Replacing Screens With Real Connection 38:08 – The Great Tech Reset Resources 39:14 – Takeaway of the Day Takeaway of the Day Arlene Pellicane: You only get one childhood with your child, so make sure you—not a device—are a major part of it. Don't be afraid to delay technology or remove something that has become problematic. Setting limits may bring resistance, but parents shouldn't be afraid to do the harder thing now to protect connection and healthy development later. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … Liz Hale: We often worry about dangers to children in the physical world while overlooking risks that can reach them online. Liz's takeaway is to become more aware of those digital influences and give online safety the attention it deserves. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … Dave Schramm: Technology can be incredibly useful, but it shouldn't replace the experiences that build strong relationships. Keep screens away from bedrooms, beds, and family meals when possible, and replace some of that screen time with real connection—getting outdoors, going on dates, talking together, and creating memories through shared activities. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … About Arlene Pellicane: Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books including Making Marriage Easier, The Great Tech Reset, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband James have three children and live in San Diego. Arlene’s Resources: Website: https://arlenepellicane.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004R7BTF2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/ Focus On The Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/arlene-pellicane/ Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/
