Dr. Carrie Mackensen: The Hidden Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Connection
Dr. Carrie Mackensen joins Sarah to discuss technoference - the interruptions in parent-child interactions caused by smartphones, notifications, and screen use.
How do phones and constant digital distractions affect our relationships with our kids?
In this episode of Parents Uncharted, Sarah Adams sits down with Dr. Carrie Mackensen to explore technoference- the interruptions in parent-child interactions caused by smartphones, notifications, and screen use. While these moments can seem small, research shows they may influence children’s emotional development, attachment, and sense of connection with caregivers.
Dr. Carrie explains the science behind attention and bonding, including insights from the Still Face Experiment, a well-known study showing how quickly children respond when a caregiver becomes emotionally unavailable. The findings offer a powerful lens for understanding how everyday device distractions can impact developing relationships.
We also talk about the pressure many parents feel around screen time and parenting, why guilt isn’t helpful, and practical ways families can create healthier technology habits at home. Finally, we discuss the growing presence of AI in children’s lives and why ongoing conversations about technology between parents and kids are more important than ever.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What technoference is and how phones interrupt parent-child interaction
- The impact of screen time and digital distraction on child development
- What the Still Face Experiment reveals about attachment and presence
- How parents can reduce device interruptions without shame or guilt
- Why intentional technology habits matter as AI and digital tools become part of childhood
If you’re navigating parenting in the digital age, this episode offers research-backed insight and practical strategies to help you stay connected with your kids in a screen-saturated world.
More About Dr. Carrie Mackensen:
Dr. Carrie Mackensen is a clinical psychologist, parent coach, and founder of Successful Parent. With over 25 years of experience, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Clinical Director of addiction and behavioral treatment programs, she specializes in depth psychology, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology, the science of how relationships shape the developing brain. She serves on ScreenStrong's Medical Advisory Board and is author of the forthcoming Digitally Dysregulated: How Screens Hijack Kids' Brains and What Parents Can Do About It (2026). Most importantly, she's a mom to two boys so she gets it!
Resources:
Successful Parent Website: https://successfulparent.com
Newsletter Signup: https://successfulparent.com/newsletter
Instagram Profile: https://instagram.com/successful_parent
Upcoming Digitally Dysregulated Book: https://successfulparent.com/digitally-dysregulated
Connect with Sarah Adams:
https://momuncharted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mom.uncharted/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mom.uncharted
http://parentsuncharted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/parents.uncharted/
https://www.tiktok.com/@parents.uncharted
(00:00) Introduction to Technoference
(05:21) Navigating Screen Time as Parents
(10:48) Understanding Technoference
(15:51) The Still Face Experiment and Its Implications
(25:33) The Long-Term Effects of Screen Time on Development
(29:17) Understanding Digital Parenting and Attachment
(31:58) Overcoming Parent Guilt in a Digital Age
(37:08) Practical Steps for Reducing Screen Time
(41:52) Navigating AI and Technology with Kids
(52:39) The Importance of Open Communication with Children
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