This session is for parents and whānau. It will outline some key developmental theories of human development, and overlay that with lessons from neurobiology about the ongoing changes to the adolescent brain.

Then we will be ready to tackle the hard stuff about parenting in the digital age. This is a scene where social media encourage lives to be lived online, where the attention economy thrives, and persuasive design reigns - seemingly unchallenged. A review of recent research will illuminate the realities of our tech habits (spoiler: ‘normal’ and ‘healthy’ are not always the same thing!) and you will be provided with resources and ideas for recalibrating your family’s relationship with tech.

Who knows – we might start a revolution!

About the presenter

Miriam McCaleb (Dip Tch ECE, BTch Ln, MHSci) is a former kindergarten teacher who taught adults at Tennessee Tech University and the Christchurch College of Education. A founding member of the Brainwave Trust in the South Island, she has worked with parents, Police, and prisoners.

Miriam has written numerous magazine articles about the role of technology in the lives of families, and she regularly writes for various parenting publications on a range of topics. She has contributed to academic journals as a writer and peer reviewer, and sporadically blogs at baby.geek.nz.

As a presenter, a highlight was an invitation to the International Neurosequential Model Symposium in Canada. Because Bruce Perry, the conference host, has subsequently written a book with Oprah, Miriam reckons that puts her 2 degrees from Ms. Winfrey herself.

Lately, while working on her PhD, Miriam is part of a research team at the University of Canterbury examining how womens’ smartphone use changes after the birth of a baby.

Miriam lives in the wop wops, she is the mother of two great girls, and makes a mean courgette relish.

PTA Parent Education Evening - Teens and Tech