Key Takeaways:
– Erin Napier, famous for HGTV’s “Home Town,” restricts her children’s use of digital devices and social media.
– She co-founded Osprey, a non-profit that encourages parents to limit children’s technology exposure.
– Erin engages with her followers and answers their queries about her parenting philosophy.
– Skeptical fans receive assurance that low-tech childhood won’t disadvantage their kids in the digital age.
A Celebrity Stand for Low-Tech Childhood
Erin Napier, the celebrated figure from HGTV’s “Home Town,” has been a leading advocate for reduced technology and social media exposure for children. She retains tight control over the digital device use of her young daughters, three-year-old Mae and six-year-old Helen.
In 2023, Erin and her husband, Ben Napier alongside some friends, launched a non-profit called Osprey. The organization’s aim is to support parents in promoting a social media-free childhood for their kids until they graduate high school. Erin interprets this as her children not having access to any devices except on rare occasions.
Osprey: Advocating for “Old School” Parenting
Erin boldly broke the news of Osprey’s inception on Instagram back in May 2023, urging her fans to engage if the idea of a social media-free childhood resonated with them. In an interview with “The Today Show” earlier that year, she revealed her decision to block her daughters’ access to social media altogether. She firmly believes children should only be exposed to social media when they can critically perceive its implications.
This restriction goes as far as disallowing tablet use at home or school. Although 80% of American households with kids above five own a tablet, as per 2023 US Census Bureau data, and 94% of US school districts provide devices for students who need them, the Napiers see this as an ill-guided trend.
Erin’s Approach: Minimum Technology, Maximum Engagement
Erin took to Instagram to clarify her parenting ethos further. She mentioned that her daughters had seldom used screens, and the family culture actively discourages needless digital exposure. Their children’s only interaction with any form of technology is through FaceTime calls with their grandparents.
On days when schools decide to use tablets for teaching, Erin opts to pick Helen, the oldest, from school early, and use that time for more tactile hobbies like art, visiting her father’s woodshop, or playing at the farm.
Erin also encourages other parents seeking a low-tech education for their kids to share reliable facts with school administrations. This will underscore that technology benefits most students only when they are older, and then too in limited amounts.
Interacting with Fans: Honest and Open
Responding to a flood of queries and critiques from her followers, Erin shared their questions on her Instagram Stories and provided straightforward answers.
To parents questioning ways to keep toddlers entertained during long rides, Erin suggested books and magnetic drawing boards instead of screen time. She ensured them that their music choices needn’t be limited to children’s songs or nursery rhymes.
For those questioning whether such a lifestyle is feasible for working parents, Erin assured them that careful scheduling and reliable family support make their low-tech approach possible, even with a full-time job.
Screen size matters to the Napiers. They allow their daughters limited TV watch time as they believe active engagement with a large screen is less addictive than passive interactions with handheld devices.
To address the concern about their girls’ digital preparedness for mandated government tests, Erin revealed that Helen had performed well in her attempts despite initial unfamiliarity with the digital format. She also defended her approach to another follower, stating that not using technology during childhood doesn’t hinder tech-savvy adulthood.
Erin closed her replies on the issue by quoting renowned psychiatrist Dr Adriana Stacey, who emphasized that modern tech interfaces are designed to be intuitive and easy to learn at any age.
Erin’s stance sparks many debates, but her interaction with her followers shows that she firmly believes in her cause.