iParent: Embracing Parenting in the Digital Age | Book Review

 Review of Neha Hiranandani's book - iParent: Embracing Parenting in the Digital 

Title -iParent: Embracing Parenting in the Digital Age

Author- Neha Hiranandani

Genre – Parenting , Self Help

Format - Paperback

Pages- 272

Publisher - Penguin India

Publication Date - 4th Feb January 2024

Born into a digital wonderland, our children are practically mini hackers right from the crib! Most of them were handed a device before they could walk, they clicked before they took their first bite and scrolled before they said their first words. But living online is a giant uncontrolled experiment. Cyberbullying, Internet addiction, body dysmorphia and other digital villains lurk in the shadows. How can parents ensure their kids navigate the digital world safely when there’s no rulebook?

Neha J Hiranandani’s iParent comes to the rescue! This book decodes India’s app generation and elevates the discussion beyond ‘these kids and their phones!’ Based on research, candid conversations and personal reflection, this timely book is a witty meditation on parenting in a digital world. Hilarious and informative in equal measure, iParent empowers you to connect with the new generation and guide them to cyber-safety without being a helicopter parent. No judgement, no preaching.

Book #33 of 2024

Non-Fiction- #18

Rating 5 stars

This book is an essential resource and a much-needed one for the parents of this generation.

In the modern digital era, where children are deeply immersed in their devices, this book provides invaluable parenting guidance tailored to the realities of raising kids in a digital world. The attachment to digital devices has become ubiquitous among children, particularly those born during the pandemic. For these children, important life events like attending classes, weddings, meeting grandparents, and more have all taken place online, making it increasingly challenging for today's parents to wean them away from their screens.

In this insightful book, the author presents practical suggestions and effective methods tailored for today's parents navigating the digital landscape. Rather than resorting to intrusive snooping, the book advocates for proactive supervision and emphasizes the importance of fostering open communication with children. Key topics covered include educating children about cyberbullying and raising awareness about the potential harms of excessive online exposure.

Additionally, the author provides valuable insights into recognizing signs of trouble when children are online, empowering parents to intervene appropriately when needed. The information is delivered in a conversational and engaging style, akin to chatting with a witty yet knowledgeable friend, which enhances the reading experience. The tone is friendly and relatable, devoid of preachiness, yet packed with essential knowledge that every iParent should grasp and implement easily.

A standout aspect of the book is its balanced approach towards technology, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of the internet. Instead of solely focusing on the dangers, the author highlights the benefits of technology while also addressing potential pitfalls.

The book also takes a look into relatable topics that resonate with today's parents, such as the allure of social media validation and the neurological effects of digital interactions on the brain's reward pathways. Readers gain valuable insights into contemporary slang and terminology children use, enhancing their understanding of online communication.

 

This book serves as a highly useful and enlightening guide for modern parents. It not only equips them with essential knowledge and practical strategies but also serves as an eye-opener for children, fostering meaningful conversations about responsible digital behavior. Whether for parents seeking guidance or curious children eager to understand the digital world, this book offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

Neha J Hiranandani has spent the last two decades working on development issues, with a focus on gender equity in various organizations, including the United Nations. She completed her undergraduate degree with honors in international relations and English literature from Wellesley College, and has a master’s in education policy from Harvard University.

Neha’s columns on social and economic issues have appeared in several prominent publications, including Indian Express, Huffington Post, NDTV and Vogue. Her first book, Girl Power! Indian Women Who Broke the Rules, was a national bestseller.

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