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5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family: Raising Wise Kids in a Wild Digital World
With just five simple habits, you can shape an environment where your kids grow confident, resilient, and ready to face the challenges, dangers, and opportunities of an ever-changing online world.
Childhood today looks very different than it used to. Smartphones and social media shape how kids play, learn, and connect. But behind the screens lurks a digital monster engineered to capture their attention and feed on their minds and hearts. Platforms pull children into endless dopamine loops, exploiting their curiosity and unique vulnerabilities. Without guidance, kids can't break free on their own.
In 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family, author Chris McKenna--founder of the leading ministry in digital safety, Protect Young Eyes--provides hope and help for parents who want to foster connection, build resilience, and prevent harm as they help their children grow into wise navigators of a wild digital world.
Supported by science, built on deep experience and biblical truth, and proven by thousands of success stories, the principles and strategies outlined in this book will help you
Understand the key developmental stages of your child's brain and how addictive technologies are designed to exploit themBuild a five-habit framework that will move your parenting from scared and overwhelmed to prepared and confidentTalk to your kids about difficult topics like pornography, online predators, and sextortion in an age-appropriate way with practical, step-by-step guidanceImplement a five-layered pyramid of protection to prevent harm and create a safer digital environment in your home
The digital world is a minefield--but it can be navigated wisely and well by parents and kids alike. This book shows you how.
Childhood today looks very different than it used to. Smartphones and social media shape how kids play, learn, and connect. But behind the screens lurks a digital monster engineered to capture their attention and feed on their minds and hearts. Platforms pull children into endless dopamine loops, exploiting their curiosity and unique vulnerabilities. Without guidance, kids can't break free on their own.
In 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family, author Chris McKenna--founder of the leading ministry in digital safety, Protect Young Eyes--provides hope and help for parents who want to foster connection, build resilience, and prevent harm as they help their children grow into wise navigators of a wild digital world.
Supported by science, built on deep experience and biblical truth, and proven by thousands of success stories, the principles and strategies outlined in this book will help you
Understand the key developmental stages of your child's brain and how addictive technologies are designed to exploit themBuild a five-habit framework that will move your parenting from scared and overwhelmed to prepared and confidentTalk to your kids about difficult topics like pornography, online predators, and sextortion in an age-appropriate way with practical, step-by-step guidanceImplement a five-layered pyramid of protection to prevent harm and create a safer digital environment in your home
The digital world is a minefield--but it can be navigated wisely and well by parents and kids alike. This book shows you how.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 26, 2026
I was one of the people sitting in that very first presentation Chris gave many years ago at our church. At the time, we had a 5-year-old son. Today, that same little boy is 16, and holding this book in my hands feels incredibly special as I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the journey Chris took to make this dream a reality.
We are absolutely a “tech family,” and I’ve trusted Chris’s advice and guidance from day one. As his work has grown into an incredible team now recognized around the world, his mission has remained the same: helping families navigate technology with confidence, intention, and balance. He is truly protecting our kids - and us adults, too.
This book deserves your time and attention. It’s smart, relatable, and filled with practical ideas that families can actually implement. It’s real, authentic, and yes - at times, blunt - but in all the right ways. Rather than leaving you feeling judged or shamed, it leaves you inspired, renewed, and equipped with tools to create healthier habits for your family. Whether you’re raising young children or navigating the teenage years like we are, The 5 Habits of Tech-Ready Families offers thoughtful guidance without judgment.
If technology is part of your family’s everyday life (and let’s be honest, it is), this is a book you’ll be glad you read—and one you’ll come back to again and again. We are incredibly grateful for Chris and the entire Protect Young Eyes team, and I have no doubt you will be too.
We are absolutely a “tech family,” and I’ve trusted Chris’s advice and guidance from day one. As his work has grown into an incredible team now recognized around the world, his mission has remained the same: helping families navigate technology with confidence, intention, and balance. He is truly protecting our kids - and us adults, too.
This book deserves your time and attention. It’s smart, relatable, and filled with practical ideas that families can actually implement. It’s real, authentic, and yes - at times, blunt - but in all the right ways. Rather than leaving you feeling judged or shamed, it leaves you inspired, renewed, and equipped with tools to create healthier habits for your family. Whether you’re raising young children or navigating the teenage years like we are, The 5 Habits of Tech-Ready Families offers thoughtful guidance without judgment.
If technology is part of your family’s everyday life (and let’s be honest, it is), this is a book you’ll be glad you read—and one you’ll come back to again and again. We are incredibly grateful for Chris and the entire Protect Young Eyes team, and I have no doubt you will be too.
June 16, 2026
Not enough parents are equipped with this knowledge, and this is the book we've all been waiting for. Tech is here and it's here to stay, but let's do tech right for our kids. Biblically based and scientifically backed.
Get a copy. Take notes all over the thing. And then take action.
Get a copy. Take notes all over the thing. And then take action.
June 26, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think everyone needs to read this book. This was so informative and eye-opening! My only complaint was that I didn't have the physical copy also! I prefer to listen to everything, but this had so many points that needed highlighting, and I found myself taking notes on my phone almost the entire time (ironic, I know). I loved how each chapter had simple steps to take to make the changes you need in your family, I immediately started making those that I could. My son is 11, and doesn't have phone yet, and I am so glad we have waited. A lot of the changes in the book were things I needed to do for myself. It hit hard when it said, "Don't worry that your kids aren't listening to you, worry that they are watching you". WOW. I needed to hear that. I have found myself telling people little tidbits here and there of what I heard in the book, and really hope others pick this up.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I think everyone needs to read this book. This was so informative and eye-opening! My only complaint was that I didn't have the physical copy also! I prefer to listen to everything, but this had so many points that needed highlighting, and I found myself taking notes on my phone almost the entire time (ironic, I know). I loved how each chapter had simple steps to take to make the changes you need in your family, I immediately started making those that I could. My son is 11, and doesn't have phone yet, and I am so glad we have waited. A lot of the changes in the book were things I needed to do for myself. It hit hard when it said, "Don't worry that your kids aren't listening to you, worry that they are watching you". WOW. I needed to hear that. I have found myself telling people little tidbits here and there of what I heard in the book, and really hope others pick this up.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2026
This book went immediately onto my list of books every Christian parent should read.
Chris McKenna tackles topics that can feel overwhelming and intimidating—addictive technologies, pornography, sextortion, AI, social media, and the broader digital world our children are growing up in—but he does so with compassion, clarity, and hope, helping equip parents to engage intentionally and proactively.
One of the most powerful themes throughout the book is the reminder that so much of today’s digital environment is intentionally designed to capture attention and exploit vulnerability, which makes it especially important for Christian parents seeking to raise their children with wisdom and discernment.
McKenna encourages parents to approach their children with empathy and understanding when difficult situations arise, while also emphasizing the importance of guidance, boundaries, and ongoing conversations.
This one is practical and full of examples to help your family navigate this world well. McKenna includes concrete ideas for families—technology safeguards, home internet protections, accountability tools, device access expectations, and creating healthy digital habits. But he makes it clear that technology solutions alone are not enough.
The real foundation, he argues, is relationship.
He continually points parents back to building trust, having conversations early and often, reminding kids that they can come to us without fear, and creating a home where children know their parents are on their side. This aligns with the biblical call to “train up a child in the way he should go,” shaping both guidance and relationship as central to raising children with wisdom.
The book is also research-backed and grounded in experience, with stories that illustrate both the real dangers families face and examples of what is helping parents succeed.
McKenna also addresses parents who feel like they’re already behind—those whose kids already have phones or social media accounts—encouraging parents that it’s not too late to make changes, set new boundaries, increase conversations, and intervene for the sake of their children’s well-being.
I would recommend this book to parents of children of all ages, including young children. It provides a framework not just for managing devices, but for raising kids with wisdom, connection, and intentionality in a digital age from a Christian worldview.
This is an important, timely, and empowering resource that left me feeling more informed, more confident, and more motivated to take meaningful steps to help protect and guide my children.
#delayistheway
*I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Chris McKenna tackles topics that can feel overwhelming and intimidating—addictive technologies, pornography, sextortion, AI, social media, and the broader digital world our children are growing up in—but he does so with compassion, clarity, and hope, helping equip parents to engage intentionally and proactively.
One of the most powerful themes throughout the book is the reminder that so much of today’s digital environment is intentionally designed to capture attention and exploit vulnerability, which makes it especially important for Christian parents seeking to raise their children with wisdom and discernment.
McKenna encourages parents to approach their children with empathy and understanding when difficult situations arise, while also emphasizing the importance of guidance, boundaries, and ongoing conversations.
This one is practical and full of examples to help your family navigate this world well. McKenna includes concrete ideas for families—technology safeguards, home internet protections, accountability tools, device access expectations, and creating healthy digital habits. But he makes it clear that technology solutions alone are not enough.
The real foundation, he argues, is relationship.
He continually points parents back to building trust, having conversations early and often, reminding kids that they can come to us without fear, and creating a home where children know their parents are on their side. This aligns with the biblical call to “train up a child in the way he should go,” shaping both guidance and relationship as central to raising children with wisdom.
The book is also research-backed and grounded in experience, with stories that illustrate both the real dangers families face and examples of what is helping parents succeed.
McKenna also addresses parents who feel like they’re already behind—those whose kids already have phones or social media accounts—encouraging parents that it’s not too late to make changes, set new boundaries, increase conversations, and intervene for the sake of their children’s well-being.
I would recommend this book to parents of children of all ages, including young children. It provides a framework not just for managing devices, but for raising kids with wisdom, connection, and intentionality in a digital age from a Christian worldview.
This is an important, timely, and empowering resource that left me feeling more informed, more confident, and more motivated to take meaningful steps to help protect and guide my children.
#delayistheway
*I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
As a homeschool mom raising kids in a world where screens, social media, gaming, and smartphones are everywhere, I found 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family to be both eye-opening and practical. Chris McKenna does a great job explaining how today's digital platforms are designed to capture attention and why children need guidance rather than unlimited access.
What I appreciated most was that this book didn't just focus on fear-(though the dangers are definitely front and center) it also focused on helping parents move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling informed and prepared. The discussions around online pred8tors, p0rnography, s€xtortion, and digital safety are handled in a way that encourages parents to start the hard conversations rather than avoid them.
I think this is a valuable read for all parents. Whether you ultimately allow social media, gaming, smartphones, or not, the information helps you make educated decisions for your own family while better understanding the risks that come with giving the online world access to your children. Thought-provoking, practical, and full of important conversations every parent should be having. 📱🖤📚
🎧 Chris McKenna also narrates the audiobook himself, which added authenticity and passion to the material. It felt less like a lecture and more like a conversation from someone deeply invested in helping families navigate technology well.
Audiobook: 6h 50m 🎧 (listened at 1.25x speed)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
As a homeschool mom raising kids in a world where screens, social media, gaming, and smartphones are everywhere, I found 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family to be both eye-opening and practical. Chris McKenna does a great job explaining how today's digital platforms are designed to capture attention and why children need guidance rather than unlimited access.
What I appreciated most was that this book didn't just focus on fear-(though the dangers are definitely front and center) it also focused on helping parents move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling informed and prepared. The discussions around online pred8tors, p0rnography, s€xtortion, and digital safety are handled in a way that encourages parents to start the hard conversations rather than avoid them.
I think this is a valuable read for all parents. Whether you ultimately allow social media, gaming, smartphones, or not, the information helps you make educated decisions for your own family while better understanding the risks that come with giving the online world access to your children. Thought-provoking, practical, and full of important conversations every parent should be having. 📱🖤📚
🎧 Chris McKenna also narrates the audiobook himself, which added authenticity and passion to the material. It felt less like a lecture and more like a conversation from someone deeply invested in helping families navigate technology well.
Audiobook: 6h 50m 🎧 (listened at 1.25x speed)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have a ton of respect for Chris McKenna and the work he is doing. He understands today’s digital world and does his research. I regularly recommend Protect Young Eyes to parents who come to me at Hopeful Mom about their child’s online behavior, and I will now also recommend this book.
Chris boldly talks about his own struggles in the introduction, which helps us believe he has our children’s best interest at heart. He weaves Scripture as well as brain science throughout the book, helping parents learn why our children struggle and how to best keep them from harm.
The five habits are laid out clearly and explained well. He uses examples and former interactions with parents to help demonstrate the ease and effectiveness of each habit. His tone is one of authority, yet we also believe Chris is walking with us. The information is up-to-date and accurate. I’m grateful the book addresses pornography, gaming, sextortion, AI, and the “toxic trio.” And he stresses the importance of relationships, which is foundational.
This book is well written, and I highly recommend it to each and every parent.
Chris boldly talks about his own struggles in the introduction, which helps us believe he has our children’s best interest at heart. He weaves Scripture as well as brain science throughout the book, helping parents learn why our children struggle and how to best keep them from harm.
The five habits are laid out clearly and explained well. He uses examples and former interactions with parents to help demonstrate the ease and effectiveness of each habit. His tone is one of authority, yet we also believe Chris is walking with us. The information is up-to-date and accurate. I’m grateful the book addresses pornography, gaming, sextortion, AI, and the “toxic trio.” And he stresses the importance of relationships, which is foundational.
This book is well written, and I highly recommend it to each and every parent.
July 14, 2026
Chris McKenna and Protect Young Eyes are doing Holy work. This book has helpful, practical steps to helping your family with technology no matter how old your kids are, or what rules you have had in the past. The information included is incredibly valuable. I would say this is a must-read for every single parent. The tech companies are sneaky, and the research-documented harms are many. My daughter is only 6 months old, but I lived through middle & high school in the 2010’s with free access to the internet. I am committed to raising her to be smart about technology and delaying addictive tech. My life, and the lives of my friends around me, have been so negatively affected by how the growth of technology has played out. I am now a 4th grade teacher and watching as this new generation is experiencing similar and worse issues with low attention spans and ruined childhoods. I had the pleasure of working with Chris on a project for my school. He is a wonderful Christian man who truly cares about families and kids! Chris lays out easy to follow steps and the science behind them. Grab a highlighter and get reading!
July 13, 2026
Though I don't have any children in my house, I chose to buy this book because I wanted to be informed. There are so many challenges facing families today (and even older adults) in relation to the ever-present internet and media, and Chris McKenna has provided an easy-to-read, practical guide for parents and adults who care about the impact of technology on our children.
I love the subtitle: Raising Wise Kids in a Wild Digital World. If that's not a worthy goal, I don't know what is. The book is not hard to comprehend and is full of QR codes to recommended sites and extra help along the way. Think about this statement as you consider buying this book: "Kids are physically safer than ever because they rarely leave the house! But today's digital parks are infinite in number, and kids spend time in them from the comfort of their bedrooms. Therefore, we now teach our kids to identify strangers not by what they look like but rather by what they talk like."
If you have children in your life, you need to read this book.
I love the subtitle: Raising Wise Kids in a Wild Digital World. If that's not a worthy goal, I don't know what is. The book is not hard to comprehend and is full of QR codes to recommended sites and extra help along the way. Think about this statement as you consider buying this book: "Kids are physically safer than ever because they rarely leave the house! But today's digital parks are infinite in number, and kids spend time in them from the comfort of their bedrooms. Therefore, we now teach our kids to identify strangers not by what they look like but rather by what they talk like."
If you have children in your life, you need to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 20%.
This book approaches technology and parenting from both a digital safety and Christian perspective. While I appreciated the author’s emphasis on intentional family connection and thoughtful technology use, I found the overall tone more fear-focused than practical for my personal preferences. As I continued listening, I found myself spending more time managing anxiety about potential harms than absorbing actionable guidance. Readers seeking a cautionary, faith-informed approach to digital parenting may find value here, but ultimately it was not the right fit for me.
This book approaches technology and parenting from both a digital safety and Christian perspective. While I appreciated the author’s emphasis on intentional family connection and thoughtful technology use, I found the overall tone more fear-focused than practical for my personal preferences. As I continued listening, I found myself spending more time managing anxiety about potential harms than absorbing actionable guidance. Readers seeking a cautionary, faith-informed approach to digital parenting may find value here, but ultimately it was not the right fit for me.
July 13, 2026
This book is good for everyone to read, but I would especially recommend it for anyone with children in their lives.
Chris McKenna gives practical advice on what we are faced with in the digital world and addresses the issues -- how our brains interact with it, how it impacts us day-to-day, etc. I know it personally has caused me to rethink how I am using some things.
If anyone is hesitant to read it due to Christian content, I hope you'll read it anyway. While it does occasionally mention scripture that pertains to certain topics, it is not preachy by any means and is worth the read.
Chris McKenna gives practical advice on what we are faced with in the digital world and addresses the issues -- how our brains interact with it, how it impacts us day-to-day, etc. I know it personally has caused me to rethink how I am using some things.
If anyone is hesitant to read it due to Christian content, I hope you'll read it anyway. While it does occasionally mention scripture that pertains to certain topics, it is not preachy by any means and is worth the read.
July 14, 2026
4 out of 5 ⭐
Chris McKenna does a good job balancing a thoughtful Christian perspective with practical, hands-on advice. The book clearly defines the challenges technology presents to families, shares helpful anecdotes, and offers actionable solutions rather than just raising concerns.
I also appreciate that this isn't just a book—Chris continues to invest in educating and equipping parents through the Protect Young Eyes initiative. If you're looking to be intentional rather than passive about how technology fits into your home, this is a worthwhile read.
Chris McKenna does a good job balancing a thoughtful Christian perspective with practical, hands-on advice. The book clearly defines the challenges technology presents to families, shares helpful anecdotes, and offers actionable solutions rather than just raising concerns.
I also appreciate that this isn't just a book—Chris continues to invest in educating and equipping parents through the Protect Young Eyes initiative. If you're looking to be intentional rather than passive about how technology fits into your home, this is a worthwhile read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Highly recommend this read if you have kids or have kids in your life. Parenting in the digital age is a different beast than what previous generations have been up against. I appreciated the practical steps recommended for conversations with kids as well as family rules/safe guards to put in place. Thank you netgalley for this ARC!
July 1, 2026
Chris provides explicit and attainable habits for families. This is not a book about avoiding technology, but how to introduce technology into your kids life in a way that gives them a good foundation to respond to nefarious actors. It gives parents concrete steps to take to protect their kids as they also introduce new ways for their kids to utilize technology.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
five simple habits that can help your kids faces challenges in the online world.
July 7, 2026
So practical! And helpful! I listened on audio but bought the print version to be able to refer to.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews