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PARENTING IN THE GLOW OF SCREENS OUR FAMILY’S APPROACH TO TECH
Agents For Life
It sometimes feels like the hardest job in the world has only gotten harder.
don’t need a study to feel the effects, though. You see it when people stop looking up, when face-to-face conversations feel harder, or when even toddlers seem more interested in a tablet than the world around them. We’ve also read about all the risks of too much screen time, like sleep problems, shorter attention spans, anxiety, and even physical effects like nearsightedness. Of course, safety is always on our minds, too. There’s bullying, scams, inappropriate content, and the general overload that comes from constant access to everything. But the hard part is figuring out what to actually do. There’s no rulebook. We ask ourselves questions constantly. What kind of boundaries are healthy? When should the kids get their own devices? Are they ready for social media? What apps are actually helpful? We’re not trying to ban technology. We use it ourselves, but we’re always trying to help our kids see these things as tools, not replacements for real life. With all that said, we’ve found very positive aspects of technology as well. In fact, it’s opened up creative outlets we never expected. Our kids
One of the trickiest parts of parenting today is raising a family in a world built around screens. Back when we were kids, there was usually just one computer in the house, and no one had smartphones. Now, phones and tablets are everywhere, and our kids are part of a generation that’s never known life without them. It’s not all bad, but it definitely changes how we parent. We’ve seen what happens when screen time gets out of control. Studies show that teens now spend over seven hours a day in front of screens, not including the time they spend on computers at school. You
Kevin Bennett (502) 966-7810 kevin@seniorhealth.pro
Sierra Bennett (502) 966-7804 sierra@seniorhealth.pro
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November/December 2025
(502) 966-7810
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have been able to explore their own interests using online tools and apps. Our oldest even started teaching himself how to compose music using an app we found. That’s how we learned he has perfect pitch and can play by ear. We would’ve never discovered that so early without these tools. They’ve also picked up new skills in art and writing, completely self-taught. There are endless videos and tutorials out there, and our kids are constantly digging into them. It’s fun to watch them light up over a topic and take the initiative to learn more. That curiosity might have always been there, but now they have a way to follow it on their own. Reading has been another unexpected win. With library apps and Kindle readers, they’re able to check out books from anywhere, and it’s made it easier for all of us to keep up that love of reading without having to take repeated
trips to the library. And then there’s FaceTime. We live far from family, but being able to pull someone up on the iPad and talk face-to-face makes a big difference. When we were kids, that kind of connection didn’t exist. Now it’s normal, and we’re very grateful for that. We haven’t figured it all out, and we probably never will. Some days we worry we’re too strict, other days too relaxed. But we’re not aiming for perfect. We just keep talking about what wise use looks like and reminding our kids that screens can’t replace real connection. Pictures of nature aren’t the same as stepping outside. Watching clips of someone else’s life isn’t the same as living your own. So, we’re delaying some things for now, not out of fear but because childhood only happens once. The digital world will still be there when they’re ready. –Kevin and Sierra Bennett
What’s Really in Your Control? SHIFTING FROM CHAOS TO CLARITY
Some people go through life feeling like they’re always reacting to whatever the world throws at them. Others feel more like they’re behind the wheel, steering through the ups and downs with a sense of purpose and direction. That difference comes down to something psychologists call locus of control, and it can affect everything, from how we deal with stress to how we define success. If you feel you can control outside forces and that your decisions and actions can affect outcomes, you have what psychologists call an internal locus of control. If you lean this way, you often take responsibility for your choices and believe your efforts matter. With
an external locus, you’re more likely to feel like life just happens to you. Your circumstances, the people around you, or even just bad luck get most of the credit or the blame. While we likely lean one way more than the other, none of us has 100% internal or external locus of control. You can think of it as a continuum. Most of us lie somewhere in between the extremes. And to be fair, some things really are out of our control. Random happenings occur daily, but the more we focus on the things that are in our hands, the more grounded and resilient we tend to become.
chaos of life gets thrown our way? Start with the small stuff that you always have control over. That includes what time you go to bed and get up, the energy you bring to relationships, and how you respond to frustrating situations. When you focus more on these areas of life, it reminds you of your personal agency and helps shift your perspective. Ultimately, we may not get to choose every situation we find ourselves in, but we do have a say in how we show up. When things feel off-track, ask yourself, “What part of this is within my control?” That simple question can be enough to move you from stuck to steady and help you see that you have more power than you thought.
So, what can we do to hold onto that sense of control when the
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Find Your Rhythm in Retirement BUILD A RETIREMENT ROUTINE THAT FEELS RIGHT
Retirement is a well-earned chapter in life, but transitioning to it can feel like stepping into the unknown. After decades of routines built around work, it’s easy to feel adrift. Fortunately, structure can go a long way in finding your freedom. Start With Purpose Waking up with something to look forward to is one of the simplest ways to infuse your day with purpose. Whether it’s reading the newspaper, taking a morning walk, or working toward a long-held dream, these purposeful starts add rhythm to your day. Set small goals that excite you: Learn a new hobby, volunteer in your community, or dive
into a creative project you’ve always wanted to try. Learning and progress feel good at any age.
complete with your favorite breakfast and a bit of movement, can kick-start your day with energy and intention. End your day with a relaxing ritual to wind down, reflect, or connect with loved ones. Keep It Fresh Avoid falling into autopilot mode. Challenge yourself to try something new regularly, whether exploring a new walking path, attending a local workshop, or picking up a new skill. Your retirement life should be anything but dull. This is your time to thrive!
Balance Planning With Play Planning isn’t about creating a
rigid schedule; it’s about sprinkling your calendar with things you love. Doctor appointments and errands can sit comfortably beside lunch dates, gardening time, or a painting session. Mix the predictable with the spontaneous. After all, retirement is your time, so make it flexible and fun. Reimagine Your Routine Establishing new routines adds a sense of comfort and control. A consistent morning routine,
Baked Pineapple Salmon
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blood pressure. Smiling is even associated with a decrease in inflammation and a stronger immune system. The endorphins that a smile releases are also natural painkillers. That means you may be able to get some relief from your next headache by grinning through the discomfort. So, if you find yourself holding back a smile, try it anyway. Smiling is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and those around us.
INGREDIENTS • 1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice • 2 1/2 lb side of salmon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted • 4 tbsp hoisin sauce • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped • Lime slices
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili
sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon. 6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
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Inside This Issue 1 Screens, Kids, and Family Boundaries
2 Finding Control in Uncertainty 3 Reimagine a Retirement Routine That Works for You 3 Baked Pineapple Salmon 4 The Surprising Benefits of Smiling
THE SMILE EFFECT
You probably don’t think about it much, but one simple smile can change the course of your
Just seeing someone else smile can cause our brains to release those same mood-boosting chemicals. That’s why smiling tends to spread quickly. If a friend or stranger smiles at you, it’s hard not to return it, and both people get a lift. A genuine smile can also help us feel comfortable and safe in social settings. We’re much more likely to perceive someone as friendly and trustworthy when they have a smile on their face. And that can extend into professional settings as well. In the workplace, a smile can help build rapport with clients and colleagues and promote better communication and collaboration.
day. This small gesture is something we all understand no matter where we’re from. Smiling promotes social connection and transcends language and culture. It’s one of the most natural human expressions, but there’s a lot more going on behind that grin than you might realize. Every time we smile, our brains get a signal that something good is happening. That triggers a release of dopamine and other “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals boost our mood and help us relax. The more we smile, the better we feel, and the better we feel, the more we smile. This creates a feedback loop of good vibes that has a very positive effect on us and those around us.
There are also health benefits to smiling. It reduces our body’s stress response, which can lower our heart rate and
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Medicare Annual Enrollment is Here!
OCTOBER 15 – DECEMBER 7
Do I Need a Plan Review for 2026? Medicare costs have increased nationwide and plans make benefit changes every year. These changes are reflected in the Annual Notice of Change sent to you by your current plan. Here are some good reasons to call us for a plan review:
What We Need From You ⃝ A list of your current doctors. ⃝ A list of your current prescriptions.
Is Your Medicaid Status Changing? Call Medicaid to verify your status for 2026. Call us right away if there are any changes.
Beware of Marketing Scams ! Medicare advertising can be misleading. ! Telemarketers specialize in promises and pressure. ! Don’t talk to strangers. ! Trust your instincts: when in doubt, call us first. ! We’ll give you the real facts, and never any pressure.
Thank You for Trusting Us!
We Are Your Agents For Life We are licensed brokers who represent all major Medicare plans, not just one company. We find the plan that fits your needs, not the insurance company’s.
We master the details so you don’t have to. Year after year, we’re here to support you.
Kevin Bennett (502) 966-7810 kevin@seniorhealth.pro Sierra Bennett (502) 966-7804 sierra@seniorhealth.pro
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