Recently, there’s been a noticeable rise in “digital detox camps” where concerned parents spend up to $8,000 per session to help their kids break free from screen addiction. Kids, understandably, are often resistant to this change. In one related article, a camp founder mentioned that some campers face withdrawal symptoms—some even try to sneak in spare phones or run away to avoid being away from their devices.
This trend of detox camps seems tied to another growing phenomenon: “Kids Concierge” services. Here, parents shell out considerable money to experts who teach children mundane tasks like organizing a backpack, throwing a ball, or riding a bike. It appears that there’s a new layer to parenting in the gig economy.
While there are certainly times when parents need outside help—and some children may genuinely struggle with screen time—aren’t parents meant to impose limits on screens? Shouldn’t they be the ones guiding their children through the basic responsibilities of life?
Things like saying “no,” playing catch, or restricting video games until chores are done—these are part and parcel of parenting. Perhaps the question is, why do some parents feel unable to fulfill these roles? Is it that they genuinely can’t, or maybe they believe they shouldn’t have to?
There’s a deep philosophical thread here, reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas’s idea of “Ordo Amoris,” or “The Order of Love.” It suggests that we’re created to love God first, followed by others, especially our family, and then our community. This hierarchy reflects how we’re meant to live. The way we prioritize love influences our values, and, post-Fall, there’s often a disruption in that order.
In contemporary culture, we tend to direct our attention towards ourselves rather than God, leading to a disorderly approach to love and relationships. We’re told to value family—unless they’re considered “toxic.” Kids can be had, but only when it suits the parents. So when parents feel overwhelmed, is it any wonder they might outsource the more challenging parts of parenting?
Then there’s “lawn mowing” parenting, which puts a child’s comfort and ease above everything, often neglecting the teaching of morals and empathy. This approach effectively removes obstacles in a child’s path.
A recent survey highlighted this concern, revealing that over 830 full-time Gen Z employees notably leaned on their parents for job-related help. 77% brought a parent to job interviews, and 73% collaborated with their parents on work assignments, painting a stark picture of disordered love in practice.
History is rife with instances of authority upheaval, where regimes encouraged children to prioritize loyalty to the state over familial bonds. In contrast, today’s dynamic often sees children swayed by radical ideas through social media, sometimes without parents even knowing.
God granted parents authority over their children, and navigating that well is crucial. It’s daunting, certainly, but the scriptures offer guidance on how to love and discipline effectively. Ultimately, parenting should aim at raising capable adults who can nurture the next generation.
