When Liam’s 10-year-old daughter came home upset because she felt excluded from a group chat, he realized parenting in this age isn’t just about providing for physical needs—it’s navigating an entirely new digital and social landscape. How do you raise a child in a world so connected, yet so isolating?

Parenting today is a challenge that can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Why Parenting Feels So Hard Today

Parenting in today’s world brings challenges that stretch far beyond what previous generations faced.

Children are constantly exposed to social media, cyberbullying, and digital distractions. Managing their physical, emotional, and digital well-being can feel like a never-ending balancing act.

For parents, the pressure to get it all right can be overwhelming. Questions like, Am I doing enough? or Am I making the right choices? often lead to self-doubt and a lingering sense of inadequacy.

It’s disheartening that raising kids has become so complicated. Shouldn’t the focus be on creating meaningful connections and fostering their growth, rather than battling the demands of technology and societal expectations?

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay this way. There’s a better path—one that helps your child thrive while restoring your peace of mind.

5 Tips on Raising Resilient Kids

I’m Steven Unruh, a divorce mediator with more than 30 years of experience helping families navigate challenges. Although my work often focuses on helping parents during times of divorce, I’ve seen firsthand how strong parenting can create a lasting impact. I care deeply about helping parents find solutions to raise confident, resilient kids in today’s world.

Here’s how you can take action to navigate this journey with clarity and purpose.

1. Prioritize Communication

Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of any strong parent-child relationship.

• Create space for daily conversations, even if brief.
• Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did you feel about that?”
• Teach your child to express their feelings without fear of judgment.

Clear communication fosters trust and strengthens your bond.

2. Set Boundaries Around Technology

Technology can be a tool or a trap—it’s all about how it’s used.

• Establish “no-screen zones,” such as during family meals or bedtime.
• Monitor social media usage and teach kids about digital etiquette.
• Model healthy screen habits by limiting your own device time.

Boundaries protect your child from the pitfalls of overexposure and encourage healthier habits.

3. Focus on Building Emotional Resilience

Resilience helps kids bounce back from setbacks and develop confidence.

• Encourage problem-solving by letting them tackle small challenges independently.
• Teach them how to manage stress through mindfulness or journaling.
• Praise their effort and perseverance, not just results.

Building emotional resilience equips children to handle life’s inevitable ups and downs.

4. Embrace Quality Time

Kids need your presence more than your perfection.

• Set aside dedicated time each week for activities they love.
• Create traditions, like weekly movie nights or Sunday breakfasts.
• Be fully present during your time together—put the phone down and focus on connection.

Quality time fosters deep relationships and creates memories that last a lifetime.

5. Seek Support When Needed

You don’t have to do it all alone.

• Connect with other parents through community groups or online forums.
• Consider family counseling if you’re facing persistent challenges.
• Learn from experts and resources designed for today’s parenting struggles.

Support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Your Next Steps

Some parents feel like they’ve already “missed the boat” or that their child is too influenced by peers and technology to change now. This simply isn’t true. Positive changes can happen at any stage. By starting small and remaining consistent, you can create a healthier, more supportive environment for your child.

Raising a child in this age is challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to guide, teach, and nurture. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. If you’re struggling with co-parenting or need guidance on fostering a healthy family dynamic, I can help.

As a divorce mediator, I’ve seen the transformative power of communication and teamwork in families. Together, we can create a plan that brings peace and clarity to your parenting journey.

Take the first step—contact me today for a consultation. A brighter, more connected future for your family is just around the corner.