A few weeks ago, I stood on the beach and watched the most perfect scene: my twin sons paddling for a wave, crouching, standing, then catching it towards the shore. The sun was high, the ocean like velvet – except for the rolling breaker and its fraying white fringe. On the horizon, a container ship sat waiting for a berth. It was one of those rare, spectacular moments in parenting – when everything you’ve hoped for comes true, despite the odds.
If you have a child – or a child in your life – you will know there is one burning question on every parent’s lips: how can I manage my kids’ screen time better? More specifically, among parents of teens: how do I guide my kids into an activity they love, and which will be tempting enough to divert them from social media, gaming, drugs and porn?
This was a question I asked even before my sons were born. My family line is studded with addiction and poor mental health. I have struggled with alcohol, like my paternal grandfather before me. How could I protect my sons while still encouraging them to live a full, vibrant life?
This is an extract of a story which appeared in the 29 March 2025 edition of The Saturday Paper. You can read more here.