Be the Parent, Please

Be the Parent, Please

book

2018

WISE
86%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A backbone-growing guide for parents who are tired of losing their kids to the 'digital abyss' and want to take charge again.

Amazon4.4
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Be the Parent, Please is a refreshing, if slightly sharp, kick in the pants for the digital age. Naomi Schaefer Riley isn't here to hold your hand or tell you that 'educational' apps are a substitute for your time.

In 2026, where AI and even more immersive tech are the norm, her 2018 warning feels less like alarmism and more like a prophecy. It’s a solid read if you feel like you’ve handed over the keys to the household to an iPad. It might be a little 'old school' for some, but the core message—that kids need parents, not peers or processors—is timeless.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the grown-ups. It’s a roadmap for parents of toddlers through teens, but your kids will probably find the cover a personal attack.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

The book focuses entirely on restoring the parent-child bond and reclaiming family life from digital distractions. It champions presence, engagement, and emotional health.

Imaginative
62

While it encourages parents to foster imagination in their kids by removing screens, the book itself is a straightforward, non-fiction advice manual rather than a creative work.

Safe
98

It is a parenting book. There is no content that would be inappropriate or shocking if a child picked it up, though the subject matter is strictly for adults.

Enriching
92

Extremely high value for parents looking for a philosophical and practical backbone to resist 'screen creep.' It offers deep insights into child development and the necessity of boredom.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • It gives you 'permission' to be the unpopular parent who says no to the latest gadget.
  • Focuses on the long-term relationship with your child rather than just short-term tech fixes.
  • Riley doesn't mince words about the impact of constant connectivity on a child's brain and social skills.
  • Provides a clear philosophical framework for why 'boredom' is actually a gift for your kid.
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What to Watch For

  • Written in 2018, so some specific app references might feel like ancient history in 2026 tech years.
  • The tone is definitely 'anti-screen,' which might feel a bit extreme if you're looking for a 'moderate' tech-positive approach.

Conversation Starters

  • "What’s one thing we used to do together before we all got our own devices?"
  • "Do you think I'm on my phone too much when we're hanging out?"
  • "If we turned off the Wi-Fi for a whole Saturday, what’s the first thing you’d want to do?"

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