# 279 Digital Habits of Moms vs. Teens: Interview with Jennie Ketcham Crooks
Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through 
your phone, only to realize you’ve lost precious time you could have spent with your family?
Do you notice a difference between your digital habits and those of your teenagers?
JENNIE KETCHAM CROOKS is the founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, a clinical licensed social worker, and an anxiety and OCD specialist. Prior to starting the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, she was the Director of Clinical Education at Seattle Anxiety Specialists and before that, the lead medical social worker at the Polyclinic. Jennie has been involved in research at the University of Washington, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and appeared on a number of popular television shows from Headline News and The View to Oprah.
Jennie is the author of LOOK UP The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism.
In this episode we discuss how digital habits are formed and how they can often lead to overconsumption and mental health issues like anxiety. Jenny shares her personal story of missing her daughter’s first steps because of being absorbed in her phone, highlighting how easy it is to fall into this trap. The conversation covers practical strategies to identify and change these habits, emphasizing the importance of modeling positive behavior for our children. They also explore how digital overuse can prevent us from experiencing meaningful connections and real-world activities. Finally, they address the critical need for downtime and boredom to allow our brains to rest and recharge.
Here are 3 practical takeaways.
- Set Boundaries with Digital Devices:
Establish clear boundaries for when and where digital devices can be used. For example, consider creating phone-free zones in your home, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. This helps to foster more meaningful interactions and ensures that digital consumption doesn’t interfere with quality family time.
- Model Healthy Digital Habits:
Your children are watching and learning from your behavior. Make a conscious effort to demonstrate healthy digital habits, such as limiting screen time, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, and choosing real-world activities over digital ones. This sets a positive example for your kids to follow.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Real-World Connections:
Take care of your own needs by scheduling regular self-care activities that do not involve screens. This could include hobbies, exercise, or socializing with friends in person. By fulfilling your own needs outside of the digital world, you’ll be less likely to rely on your phone for comfort and more present for your family.
Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/becomingjennie/
Learn more at: https://westcoastanxiety.com/