When Technology Doesn’t Hurt Your Child with Jess Wolstenholm

July 06, 2026
00:00 32:58
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It seems like technology is always bad, especially when it comes to impacting the hearts of kids. But is there a way to use technology to strengthen your family values?

Jess Wolstenholm, VP of Education and Research at Minno, joins Arlene to talk about how parents can use media intentionally during the most formative years of a child's faith. They dig into the "4 to 14 window," why young children need predictable rhythms, and how to have real conversations with teens about what they're watching. Jess also walks through how to evaluate media choices for different ages and why small, consistent habits add up more than parents often realize.

1:32 — What Minno is and how it differs from YouTube Kids and Netflix

4:28 — Why preschoolers and older kids need to be taught differently

5:13 — The 4 to 14 window: how a child's worldview is formed

7:08 — Why predictable rhythms matter so much in early faith formation

9:45 — How to have faith conversations with teens without it feeling like a quiz

12:49 — Why parents should narrate their own screen use in front of their kids

16:53 — Start small: why 10 consistent minutes beats occasional big efforts

23:02 — What to look for (and avoid) when evaluating media for your kids

Minno is the #1 media source for Christian content for kids. Start your free trial and learn more at gominno.com

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host
Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home Podcast, and author of several books including Parents Rising, Making Marriage Easier and Screen Kids.

Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today, 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. They have raised their kids without social media, video games and smartphones and inspire others to scroll less and live more. To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com.
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