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You sit down to read a picture book. Your child opens to a favorite page, and your phone lights up with a message from school. It is an ordinary parenting moment. The device that helps keep family life running is also asking for your attention during time you set aside together. For families thinking about parents’ phone use and kids, it helps to look carefully at the research before deciding what to change. Published October 21, 2026, in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, the study followed 131 parents for 10 days, with children ages 1–16. Parents reported phone use around their child and rated their child’s emotions. Consenting Android users also provided phone logs. Some self-reports linked greater phone use with parents perceiving more negative emotions or threats to their child’s needs, such as belonging. Patterns varied between mothers and fathers. No significant associations emerged for positive emotions. Phone logs showed no significant associations with the measured child outcomes. However, logs measured total use without establishing whether the child was present. Children did not report their own experiences. This short observational study cannot establish causation or long-term outcomes. The findings also cannot establish that every pattern of phone use is harmless. So where can a family begin? Start with a routine you would like to enjoy together and decide what would make it easier to follow through. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Family Media Plan guidance recommends setting aside screen-free times and places, making room for activities such as reading and play, and including adults in the plan. Here are three ways to put those ideas into practice: Choose one part of the day. Try breakfast, an after-school snack or the first story at bedtime. Pick something that fits your actual schedule. Give phones somewhere to go. A shelf or charging spot can make your agreement concrete. Decide together how you will handle a call that needs answering. Let everyone help choose the activity. A child might want a game, a walk or the same picture book for the fifth night in a row. Give them a say. At Read To Me, we like starting with a book because the invitation is simple: sit beside me and see what happens on the next page. Let your child pick the story. Pause when an illustration catches their attention. Ask which character they would invite to dinner, or what they think is hiding behind that suspicious-looking door. If the story inspires a long conversation about something that happened at school, follow it. You can also make storytime easier to start. Keep a small basket of favorites beside the couch. Put the next bedtime book on the pillow before dinner. Ask a visiting grandparent to choose a story they would like to read. Choose one idea to try tonight, then notice what your family enjoys enough to repeat. For the times you are apart, a recorded story offers another way to share a familiar voice. The Recordable Book Buddy attaches to the back cover of virtually any children’s picture book. A loved one records the story page by page, and a child presses the matching buttons to listen while following the physical pages. It creates a personalized read along experience with no apps, no screens and no Wi-Fi. A grandparent can record a favorite story before heading home. A parent working evenings can leave a bedtime reading. A traveling family member can add a familiar character voice that makes everyone laugh. Reading and the Book Buddy were not tested in this study. The Book Buddy gives families a practical way to keep recorded stories available alongside the time they spend reading together. The Recordable Book Buddy is available for under $30, in over 150 independent bookstores and online at RecordableBookBuddy.com. Tonight, let your child choose a book, find a comfortable spot and give that story a place in your day. Your Voice. Their Favorite Story.

Screen time isn’t new. But the way experts are talking about it has changed. For years, the conversation was simple: limit the number of hours your child spends on screens. Now, leading pediatric experts are saying that approach is outdated. The real issue is deeper. Screen Time Isn’t Just About Time Anymore According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, focusing only on time limits misses the bigger picture. In its latest policy statement, the AAP explains that parents need to consider not just how much screen time kids have, but also: What they are watching or doing When they are using screens Whether it replaces sleep, reading, or play How it impacts relationships and emotional health You can read the full policy here:https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/157/2/e2025075320/206129/Digital-Ecosystems-Children-and-Adolescents-Policy This marks a shift from a strict “hours per day” mindset to a more realistic question: Is screen time crowding out the things kids actually need to grow? The Data Is Hard to Ignore If you’re wondering whether screen time is actually affecting kids, the answer is yes and the data is stacking up. A major report from Common Sense Media found that screen use is now a daily constant for young children, while something else is quietly declining: Reading. In fact, daily reading among kids ages 5 to 8 dropped from 64% to 52% over recent years. You can explore the full report here:https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-2025-common-sense-census-media-use-by-kids-zero-to-eight That tradeoff matters. Because when screens go up and reading goes down, it’s not just a time issue, it’s a developmental one. Mental Health and Behavior Are Part of the Picture It’s not just about academics or literacy. A large-scale study covered by ABC News found that higher levels of screen time were associated with: Increased aggression Higher anxiety Lower self-esteem Read the coverage here:https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/increased-screen-time-linked-aggression-anxiety-low-esteem/story?id=122699364 That doesn’t mean screens automatically cause these issues. But the association is strong enough that experts are paying close attention, especially when screen use replaces sleep, movement, and real-world interaction. What Experts Actually Recommend Now So what should parents do? The updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics is more practical than you might expect. Instead of obsessing over exact limits, they suggest focusing on habits: Keep bedrooms screen-free Protect sleep at all costs Prioritize daily reading and conversation Create screen-free family routines Be involved in what your child is watching You can read the parent-friendly breakdown here:https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/helping-kids-thrive-in-a-digital-world-AAP-policy-explained.aspx The goal is not perfection. It’s balance. The Bigger Issue: What Screens Are Replacing Here’s the part that matters most. Screen time becomes a problem when it replaces: Bedtime routines Reading together Physical play Face-to-face connection And that last one is the big one. Because for young children especially, development happens through interaction. Through hearing voices. Through shared attention. Through real human connection. Not passive consumption. A Better Way to Think About It Instead of asking: “How many hours is too much?” A better question is: “What is my child missing because of screens?” That shift lines up directly with what pediatric experts are now saying. And it opens the door to simple, practical changes, like bringing back shared reading, conversation, and routines that create connection. Final Takeaway The newest research doesn’t say screens are evil. It says this: Screens aren’t the problem. Replacement is. When screen time starts replacing sleep, reading, movement, and connection, that’s when it becomes an issue. And that’s also where the opportunity is. Because the solution isn’t just less screen time. It’s more of what actually matters.

Top New Children's Books Released in May 2025 May 2025 brought a fresh wave of children's books that are as engaging as they are diverse. Whether you're looking for heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud adventures, or tales that spark the imagination, this month's releases have something for every young reader. Here's a curated list of standout titles that deserve a spot on your bookshelf. 📚 Picture Books 1. Growing Home by Beth FerryA charming tale about friendship and family, featuring chatty houseplants and a quirky man in purple shoes.  2. Papa Doesn't Do Anything! by Jimmy FallonA humorous and joyful celebration of dads, perfect for Father's Day reading.  3. I Am NOT a Vampire by Miles McKennaAn empowering story about self-acceptance, following Arlo, a boy who doesn't quite fit into his vampire family.  4. Sato the Rabbit: Morning Light by Yuki AinoyaA meditative and beautifully illustrated journey with Sato, who embarks on surreal adventures in a magical world.  📖 Middle Grade Novels 5. J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftA hilarious tale of two creative fifth graders engaged in a battle of wits and creativity.  6. The Doughnut Club by Kristina RahimExplores diverse family dynamics through the eyes of Quinn, a girl seeking connection with her donor siblings 7. Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui SitA fantasy adventure with environmental themes, as Puffin Lau sets out to save a magical wildcat species.  8. Stuck by Kayla MillerDelves into middle school friendships and the challenges of summer camp, resonating with fans of Raina Telgemeier.  🌟 Noteworthy Mentions 9. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine ApplegateA novel-in-verse that tells the story of Ruby, a baby elephant, offering a fresh perspective in the beloved series.  10. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace LinAn enchanting tale that weaves together magic and adventure, perfect for young fantasy enthusiasts. These titles offer a blend of humor, heart, and imagination, making them excellent additions to any young reader's collection. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a book lover, these new releases are worth exploring.

Helping children fall in love with reading is one of the greatest gifts a parent, teacher, or caregiver can give. A strong foundation in literacy sets the stage for lifelong learning, curiosity, and confidence. But in a world filled with screens, distractions, and fast-paced entertainment, how do you nurture a genuine love of books in your child? Here are proven strategies to encourage a love of literature in children, plus a look at an innovative tool that helps bring stories—and family voices—to life: the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy. 📚 1. Start Early and Make It Daily Children who are read to regularly from infancy develop stronger vocabularies, better listening skills, and more advanced language comprehension. Even ten minutes a day can make a world of difference. Keywords: reading to toddlers, early literacy tips, how to build reading habits in kids 🎧 2. Let Them Hear Your Voice—Even When You’re Not There Kids crave connection. That’s where the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy comes in. This screen-free, recordable device allows parents, grandparents, and loved ones to record themselves reading children’s books aloud, so a child can play back the story in your voice—whenever they want. Whether you're traveling, deployed, working late, or live far away, your voice can still be part of their bedtime routine. It’s not just a gadget—it’s a literacy-building keepsake that helps foster a deep emotional bond through books. Keywords: recordable book reader, gifts that encourage reading, screen-free literacy tools, read aloud devices for kids 📖 3. Follow Their Interests Does your child love dinosaurs? Space? Silly jokes? Sports? Let them choose books that align with their passions. When kids get to pick what they read, they feel empowered—and excited to dive in. Keywords: book recommendations for kids, best books for reluctant readers, children’s books by interest 🌟 4. Make Reading Interactive and Fun Use voices, sound effects, or even act out scenes. Pause to ask questions or make predictions. If you’re using the Read To Me Book Buddy, add a personal touch to your recordings by inserting their name or little inside jokes to keep them engaged. Keywords: how to make reading fun for kids, interactive storytime ideas, personalized children’s reading experience 📚 5. Build a Reading-Friendly Environment Create a cozy reading nook at home. Keep books in the car, at the dinner table, in the bathroom—anywhere! Show your child that books are a normal (and wonderful) part of everyday life. Keywords: reading corner ideas, home literacy environment, tips for raising readers 🛌 6. Make Reading Part of the Routine Bedtime is one of the best times to foster a love of stories. When you're not there in person, the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy helps maintain this routine—giving kids a sense of comfort, consistency, and connection. Keywords: bedtime reading for kids, screen-free bedtime routine, voice-recorded books for children ❤️ Why It Matters Children who develop a love of literature not only perform better academically, they also build empathy, imagination, and emotional resilience. The stories they hear in childhood shape the way they see the world—and themselves. 🎁 A Gift That Grows With Them Looking for a meaningful gift that encourages literacy and emotional connection? The Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy is a heartfelt choice for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or back-to-school season. Combine it with a favorite book, and you’re giving a child the ultimate storytime experience: your voice reading to them, any time. Keywords: gifts for early readers, literacy gifts for kids, screen-free educational toys 2025, read aloud companion Final Thought:Every child deserves the magic of books—and someone they love to read them. Whether you’re snuggled up together or miles apart, you can be part of that story. So pick up a book, press record, and help the next generation fall in love with reading—one story at a time. 🧡 Discover the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy and start creating storytime memories that last a lifetime.

The Best New Children’s Books to Brighten Your April 2025 Spring has sprung, and so have a fresh crop of beautifully written, brilliantly illustrated children’s books that are perfect for reading together. Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud picture books, heartwarming bedtime stories, or empowering tales for independent readers, April 2025 delivers a bookshelf full of gems. Here are some of the best new children's books to check out this month:

This is a really special book. Maybe even a really important book if you're a man or helping to raise a young man. I fall into both categories. Masculinity always seemed  Big Boys Cry is a tender, empowering picture book that gently challenges outdated notions of masculinity. Written and illustrated by Jonty Howley, the story follows a young boy on his first day of school. The boy is scared. His father is scared too and doesn't know what to do. He tells his son, “big boys don’t cry.” It's advice most of us men have received for a myriad of different reasons, but even if well-intended, it can have chilling effects as we grow into men. On his way to school, the boy sees a big tough fisherman with tears in his eyes as he says goodbye to his family. On his journey to school, the boy sees men of all sorts crying for a wide range of reasons. Spoiler alert: the boy has a good day at school and when he gets home, he finds his father with tears in his eyes. It was your fist day at a new school and I was scared for you his father tells him. The magic of this book lies in its simplicity and heart. Howley’s lyrical prose is spare yet deeply resonant, creating space for children (and adults) to reflect on their own feelings. The illustrations are bold and expressive, full of whimsical details and vivid color that capture both Levi’s internal emotional world and the supportive, tear-friendly community he finds.  Without preaching, it opens a window into the emotional lives of boys and encourages self-expression with compassion and grace. It’s an ideal read-aloud for families, teachers, or counselors looking to start conversations about feelings, empathy, and the power of vulnerability. This book is a wonderful tool for helping all children understand that there's a width and breadth to any emotion and that when men (or anyone for that matter) are more open to examining and understanding those emotions, they become stronger and the world becomes a better place. Gentle, affirming, and beautifully illustrated, Big Boys Cry deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.