Finding Balance: How PEPS Connections Help Navigate Technology Choices for Kids 

“I couldn’t believe there would be a network strong enough where families all lived in one area,” he recalls. “But there were eight other families who all had babies the same age and all lived in my neighborhood, and that connection has been incredible.” 

Those relationships have endured for nearly a decade. The families still meet regularly, some playing in a bowling league together. The children have grown up alongside one another, forming bonds that feel more like cousins than friends. 

This long-standing community illustrates what experts increasingly recognize: strong social connections act as a protective factor for children, building resilience and social skills. Having a consistent group of friends outside of school provides children with a safety net — if they face challenges like bullying in one environment, they know they have reliable relationships elsewhere. 

“The kids from our PEPS Group have known each other their entire lives,” Chet says. “There’s a level of comfort and trust there that’s irreplaceable.” 

What’s particularly valuable about PEPS is that the support doesn’t end when children become toddlers. PEPS also offers Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) Groups, creating spaces where parents can navigate new challenges together — including complex issues like technology boundaries, social media, and increasing independence. 

Being in a supportive community isn’t just vital for children; it’s equally important for parents’ wellbeing and resilience. Having a trusted circle where you can discuss parenting challenges, share resources, and receive emotional support has been shown to reduce stress and prevent burnout, especially during demanding transition periods. 

A Simple Solution Born from Community 

It was this understanding of the importance of social connection that sparked an idea for Chet during a conversation with fellow parents. Two years ago at Shorewood Elementary, standing in a grassy field watching children play, the discussion turned to playdates and the logistical gymnastics they require. 

“It’s this weird dance,” Chet explains. “The kids are clamoring to get together, but as parents, we find it socially challenging. I don’t know all these parents, I don’t want to put them out.” 

That’s when it hit him: when we were kids, the solution was simple — the landline phone. Kids had autonomy to manage their own social calendars. Today, parents are left in a bind — manage their children’s social lives or give them a smartphone with features many aren’t ready for. 

This observation led to the creation of Chet’s company and the product Tin Can, a modern take on the landline that gives kids the freedom to call friends and family without the complications of smartphones. No screens, no apps, no ads. Just connection. 

What started as a hand-installed system for a small group of kids in West Seattle quickly grew as more families sought alternatives to smartphones for their children. 

“It started out being a fun utility for playdates,” Chet explains, “but it turned into a much bigger vision about social dynamics and giving kids some control over who they want to invest time in.” 

A Parent’s Perspective 

PEPS Program Director Melanie Roper heard about Tin Can through a friend from her own PEPS Group. She shared, “Now my kids love calling their grandparents, auntie, and best friends. I don’t have to argue about lending them my phone, and there’s a sweet intimacy that comes from just hearing a loved one’s voice. It reminds me of my middle school days, spending hours on the phone with friends — a simple pleasure our kids might otherwise miss.” 

Navigating the Digital Landscape 

In his book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt documents how smartphones and social media have dramatically altered childhood, creating unprecedented mental health challenges. His research shows that children who get smartphones earlier show higher rates of anxiety and depression. Haidt’s research supports being cautious with technology, emphasizing the importance of delaying smartphone access until at least age 16. He suggests children need space to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience before facing the complexities of digital social environments. 

Chet’s approach to technology with his own children reflects careful consideration. “We set clear and consistent boundaries,” he explains. “My kids don’t have smartwatches or tablets, though they do get some screen time watching shows after school.” 

An important principle in their household: the children don’t own technology devices. “It creates a different dynamic when they don’t own their tech things – they belong to the family,” Chet notes. 

Finding Your Family’s Technology Balance 

For parents struggling with technology decisions, consider these insights: 

1. Consider the social dynamics: Technology choices aren’t just about screen time, they’re about how children learn to connect with others. 

2. Be intentional: Ask yourself what problem you’re trying to solve with each device or platform. 

More Resources on Technology and Connection 

• Social Media and Teen Anxiety: How parents can help their kids navigate the pressures of their digital lives – without pulling the plug on the positives 

• 7 Ways to Help Young Children Build a Healthy Relationship With Media: Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics for helping kids build balance, critical thinking, self-regulation, and safety skills around digital media. 

• How Parents Can Actually Help Teens Navigate Social Media: Realistic and effective ways for parents to be involved with their teen’s social media usage.