Acclaimed country music artist Carrie Underwood has recently voiced concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children, citing observable shifts in the behavior of her two young sons after watching too much TV. The singer, married to former NHL player Mike Fisher, acknowledges the challenges of navigating technology in a digital age, especially for parents of young children.
In a candid conversation on the "Today" show, Underwood shared, "It's such a battle, right? Even television... I notice if they kind of watch too much TV, like they have an attitude shift. And I'm like, 'Why are you moody? What are we doing? Oh...'"
Navigating Screen Time
Underwood's reflections come at a time when screen time and its effects on children have become a focal point of discussion among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Balancing the benefits and potential drawbacks of technology is a common challenge faced by parents in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Though Underwood acknowledges the influence of television and movies in her own learning journey, she emphasizes the struggle in managing the content and duration her children, Isaiah, 7, and Jacob, 3, are exposed to. The award-winning artist is not only vigilant about television consumption but is also cautious about the use of cellphones by her children.
In an effort to delay her children's exposure to technology, especially social media, Underwood has been actively participating in initiatives within her boys' school in Nashville.
"There's been like a whole grassroots initiative within their school and a bunch of parents getting together and discussing how we can keep our kids kind of away from technology," she revealed.
Underwood's concern mirrors a growing awareness among parents about the potential risks and benefits associated with technology use by children. Discussions around screen time have intensified, with parents seeking strategies to foster a balanced relationship with technology while encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and creative play.
Children's Awareness of Celebrity Status
Carrie Underwood, who tends to keep her family life private and rarely shares personal photographs of her boys on social media, also spoke about her sons' increasing awareness of her celebrity status.
She recounted how her children are starting to realize the uniqueness of her career through interactions with their friends, saying, "They have seen me on stage, and I feel like the first time my oldest, especially, kind of started having ideas was when his friends would say something and it's like, 'Oh, that's different? I didn't know that that wasn't normal.' So they would come home and be like, 'They said they saw you on TV.'"
As Underwood continues to navigate parenthood and manage her thriving career, she remains committed to fostering a balanced and mindful approach to technology use within her family. Her experiences and insights contribute to the broader conversation about children's screen time, and her proactive involvement in community initiatives underscores the importance of collective efforts to address this contemporary challenge.
Meanwhile, Underwood continues to make waves in the music industry, recently extending her Las Vegas residency, REFLECTION, with the addition of 18 more dates flowing into next year. The star's commitment to her artistry and her family showcases the multifaceted nature of her life, as she manages the demands of fame while prioritizing the well-being of her children.
Related Article: Parent's Guide to Screen Time to Ensure Healthy Media Consumption
