196: The ABCD's of A Technology Family Detox

Podcast Guest: Arlene Pellicane

Setember 28th, 2026

196 Arlene

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In this Episode

In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, author and speaker Arlene Pellicane joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to talk about how technology is shaping family life—and what parents can do when screens begin replacing sleep, hobbies, conversations, and face-to-face connection. Drawing from her book The Great Tech Reset, Arlene explains the “ABCD harms” of technology and shares practical ideas for setting healthier boundaries around smartphones, social media, video games, and AI. Rather than eliminating technology altogether, the conversation focuses on helping families use it intentionally while making more room for real relationships, outdoor activities, creativity, and meaningful family memories.

“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”

Chapters

00:00 – Technology's Impact on Family Life
01:08 – When Screens Interfere With Connection
02:50 – Why Families Need a Tech Reset
03:57 – The ABCD Harms of Technology
08:01 – Warning Signs of Technology Problems
09:49 – The Bad Babysitter Problem
11:38 – Helping Kids Play Without Screens
13:18 – Discovering Interests Beyond Technology
13:59 – Expect Resistance From Your Kids
16:26 – Social Media and Teen Anxiety
19:57 – How Smartphones Changed Childhood
20:55 – Raising Kids Without Smartphones
24:45 – Finding Practical Technology Workarounds
26:03 – Parenting in the Age of AI
29:40 – Creating a Family Technology Plan
32:31 – Parents Must Model Healthy Technology
36:03 – Replacing Screens With Real Connection
38:08 – The Great Tech Reset Resources
39:14 – Takeaway of the Day

Insights

Arlene Pellicane: You only get one childhood with your child, so make sure you—not a device—are a major part of it. Don't be afraid to delay technology or remove something that has become problematic. Setting limits may bring resistance, but parents shouldn't be afraid to do the harder thing now to protect connection and healthy development later.
Liz Hale: We often worry about dangers to children in the physical world while overlooking risks that can reach them online. Liz's takeaway is to become more aware of those digital influences and give online safety the attention it deserves.
Dave Schramm: Technology can be incredibly useful, but it shouldn't replace the experiences that build strong relationships. Keep screens away from bedrooms, beds, and family meals when possible, and replace some of that screen time with real connection—getting outdoors, going on dates, talking together, and creating memories through shared activities.

About Arlene Pellicane:

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books including Making Marriage Easier, The Great Tech Reset, and Screen Kids.

Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband James have three children and live in San Diego.