Defying Smartphone Culture, Parents Aim to Restore Childhood

By limiting the use of digital devices among their children, intentional parents cultivate ‘habits of attention’ and deep, meaningful bonds.

Glade and Bethel Smith work hard to instill good values in their children, who don’t have phones or electronic devices. “Our kids love to read and love to use their imagination,” Glade said. Courtesy of Glade Smith

Located on the Great Plains of Nebraska near the Platte River, Glade Smith’s land abounds with cattle, chickens, and children—six of them, all homeschooled and born to life on the farm. Their father owns and operates Family Farm Beef Box, a subscription service that ships cuts of beef around the country, while their mother Bethel helps her husband when needed, keeps the household up and running, and homeschools the kids every day. They begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. From Henry, age 3, to 13-year-old Madeline, the Smith children work with the animals and have assigned chores, finding delight and fun along the way. Henry in particular is always eager to follow his dad from place to place and task to task.

“None of our kids have a phone or any electronic devices,” Smith said. “But our kids read a lot and love to use their imagination.”