In Parenting beyond Screens, Brandon LaFontaine presents a methodology for becoming a "face-first family in the age of distraction." He presents a brilliant and systematic codification of digital technologies' dangers and usefulness in our homes. In doing so, he also presents the age-old difficulties and rewards of parenthood, the former often presented with humor and irony—"teens don't want our authority but need it." He presents parenthood as a balance between authority and free choice. He views a healthy household as a balanced ecosystem where the various components function harmoniously. And he exposes the invasion of digital screens as a serious new threat not only to happy homes but to culture in general. He shows examples of how kids and parents sometimes use apps to prevent the healthy development of the mind, body, and heart.

More importantly, however, Mr. LaFontaine explains ways to fight against the easy misuses of this new invasion of technology. He gives us steps we can take to bring our families together. His book is in three sections: first, a sociological discussion of what he calls "the crossroads of parents and technology"; second, some suggestions of practices to unite families; and third, actual exercises in creating a family meeting in which core values are established, and a mission statement developed. Finally, he lists the resources he used in his work, leaving us with proof that he is deeply knowledgeable of the science behind his ideas. For me, however, his wit, compassion, and experiential understanding of the joys and sorrows of parenting make his book a guide that any parent can embrace and even enjoy. Parenting Beyond Screens: Becoming a Face-First Family in an Age of Distraction by Brandon LaFontaine is a guidebook for parenting that should be close at hand in every household.

As digital trends continue to impact society, parents are faced with a new challenge: how to help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology while helping them grow in other significant areas. In Parenting Beyond Screens: Becoming a Face-First Family in an Age of Distraction, Brandon LaFontaine offers timely and applicable tips to achieve this balance. The guide notes that the first step should be determining the core values you want to instill in your children as they grow up and understanding that introducing a new form of technology affects a family’s balance. Another significant initial step is to acknowledge that technology changes who we are. Other sections in the book examine how technology changes different aspects of an individual and how these can be reclaimed.

While reading Parenting Beyond Screens, I loved how the book was strategic when approaching the topic. It begins by offering a starting point on where and when to establish the right boundaries. It also analyzes specific negative impacts technology has on the heart, mind, body, and culture. It considers the benefits of technology but also examines its hidden costs and results. Chapters also contain questions that help readers to pause, think, and apply the content included. There are also engaging illustrations and humorous anecdotes, and remarks that help revitalize and explain the guide. A helpful step-by-step process for discovering family core values is also included at the end. Parenting Beyond Screens by Brandon LaFontaine is a relevant guide on parenting in a technological age that every parent should read.