Creating Leopards Life completely changed how I viewed health, behaviour and modern life.
The more I researched human biology, nervous systems, hormones, sleep, dopamine, stress, movement, light, food and connection… the more I realised humans are designed around certain inputs and drivers that help create a beautifully functioning, elegant system.
We are designed for:
real connection, movement, daylight, rest, purpose, face-to-face communication, gradual dopamine rewards, boredom occasionally (!)
Nowhere in that design was:
a smartphone, infinite scrolling, social comparison, notifications, addictive algorithms, 24/7 stimulation, constant access to everyone and everything
I think we’ve accidentally handed children the most psychologically powerful addictive technology ever created, right at the point their brains are undergoing massive developmental change - and we’re only now waking up to the consequences.
I'm not saying children should never have smartphones. I'm saying we need to teach them to use technology as a tool, not allow technology to use them.
I thought I’d throw everything down I’ve learned over the last 5 years - and what I’d wish I’d known at the start:
How I’ve Managed Smartphones With My 3 Children
Setting Up Your Child's iPhone Under Family Sharing
iPhone Family Settings: "Always-On Downtime" Method