So many of our important life moments happen in virtual spaces. However, we spend so little effort preparing our kids to thrive in this space. That’s where the book Digital For Good comes in.

When you focus on the bad, you’re actually less effective at avoiding it than if you focus on the good. You can’t practice not doing something. And instead of limiting screen time, think about teaching a concept of balance, and understand that not all digital activities are created equal. Think about it similar to eating. There are no time limits on eating, but we need to eat a healthier balance of foods.

When it comes to cyberbullying, talk to your kids about how to recognize and help others who are possibly being bullied. In many cases, simply pointing out that something is harmful can help with situations of cyberbullying. Being a healthy digital citizen means creating a safe space for others.

The current conversation surrounding tech use among kids has focused largely on the negative—what not to do and what dangers to avoid—but Richard Culatta presents the flip side of the conversation in his new book, Digital for Good. Richard argues that using technology proactively, productively, and as a tool for good has been largely overlooked, to the detriment of our kids. As a result, he’s created a refreshingly positive framework for parents and teachers who are in desperate need of figuring out how to help their children harness technology’s potential for good—while avoiding the bad.

Richard Culatta is the author of Digital For Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. He serves as CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, a nonprofit serving education leaders in 127 countries. A teacher by training and innovator by inclination, Culatta works to leverage technology to reinvent learning and was appointed by President Obama as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. 

If you want to check out more about Richard Culatta, you can see what he’s up to here, or follow him on social media via Twitter or LinkedIn. Also, you can find Richard’s book here.

Resource Recon with Amanda and Sarah

This week’s spotlight comes from one of our Experience Bloggers, Mary Spangler. In her post titled, “As Time Goes By…” Mary writes:

“We’ve been deep into the recruiting life for more than six months now, and I’m starting to feel a sense of normalcy coming back to daily life. It’s been a struggle at times to reach this, but now that we’re in a routine with more predictability, things have settled a bit.”

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Our Everyday Empowerment recipient Haley Frerichs was nominated by Brooklyn Morgan, who says:

“Haley has the most selfless heart. When my husband joined the Army, she immediately filled me in on the do’s and don’ts of everything Army. Besides being a former soldier herself, she supports her husband’s work in the Army, is raising the sweetest boy, works out like a champ, and is in chiropractic school. She amazes me. When she lived here, we would meet just to vent and then move on and talk about life. She sends both me and another newer spouse sweet texts and lets us know she’s always praying for us and asks how she can help. Haley is so selfless, she embodies a woman who strives to love others well and she does just that.”

Thank you for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.

Health Minute from the Army Surgeon General

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian Cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic death in America. Risk generally increases with age. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: pelvic and/or abdominal pain, increased abdominal size, and bloating that lasts greater than 12 days a month for less than a year. For more information on female cancers, talk to your provider.

News 6 with Jolene

Here are this week’s top stories:

The Commissary: Can It Save You Money?

You may have noticed your bill is a little higher number as you check out at the grocery store. Military Times investigated if you can really fight food inflation by shopping at the Commissary. Commissaries are required to “sustain an overall patron savings of 23.7 percent against local market basket averages.” Bottom line: shopping at the Commissary might help you save!

Free Spray and Neuter Services for Military Pet Owners

VCA Animal Hospitals and Dogs on Deployment have partnered to offer free spaying and neutering services for pets who belong to service members, veterans, and first-responders. Limited spaces are available across the country, and you can register at participating VCA Animal Hospitals.

Afghan Artist Goes Viral

Sara Rahmani, a civil engineering student and Special Immigrant Visa recipient who lives in California, created a work of art that has gone viral, reported CNN. The portrait is of a young Afghan girl. The image is primarily grayscale, but a wide swath of color, like a ray of sunshine, strikes through the center of an image to convey 20 years of freedom from the Taliban’s oppression.

Check out this week’s other top stories here.

Podcast Brought to You by First Command

This podcast episode was brought to you by our AWTR show sponsor, First Command Financial Services, whose mission is to help our nation’s military families build a future worthy of their service. First Command provides ongoing financial coaching that evolves over the course of your military life and career. And, with 170 locations worldwide, you’ll find a First Command office near most major military installations. Visit firstcommand.com today and find a First Command financial coach near you.

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into another episode of AWTR! If you liked this podcast, let others know by leaving a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts. Then, send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com. Or you can DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork. We’ll then send you a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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