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Where aging is OPTIONAL
Chronic Pain Ends Here
Don’t let back and neck pain go untreated
Your spine is the foundation of your health. When it su ers, so does the rest of your body.
The spine experts at Saint Luke’s East Hospital work with you to develop a treatment plan that provides you with lasting relief, restoring your movement and quality of life.
We o er:
• The latest in minimally invasive and disc-replacement surgical options
• Patient care navigators to guide patients through the process
• Comprehensive treatment options, including physical therapy and leading pain management techniques Schedule a consultation 816-932-2700 saintlukeskc.org/backpain
Get started with a private session or beginner level class! With Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel and more, our studio provides the full Pilates experience--including Pilates instruction from nationally certified instructors with hundreds of hours of training to fine-tune each move just for you. With small class sizes and private session bookings available 7 days a week, we cater to the individual fitness needs of each student, every class.
Letter from the Publisher
The holiday season is here, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year so magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to recreate the joy we felt as children, whether it’s through the twinkle of festive lights, the aroma of holiday baking, or cherished family traditions.
In my family, one tradition we’ve held onto is gathering to bake cookies together while listening to holiday classics. These moments remind me of the magic of the season and the importance of creating joyful memories with loved ones.
This month, we’ve curated a gift guide to help make your holiday shopping easier while supporting local businesses. We’ve also highlighted the best of what Lee’s Summit has to offer during the holidays, from events and entertainment to opportunities for giving back.
While this season is joyful for many, it can also be a difficult time for those who are grieving, lonely, or in need. In the spirit of the season, let’s come together as a community to extend kindness and compassion to those who may be struggling. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of generosity makes a difference.
May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.
Happy Holidays,
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Laura Paszkiewicz
laura@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Williams
stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
an ornament form a tree! Locations: The Living Stone, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, and Academy Bank (inside the Lee’s Summit Walmart on 291 HWY).
PURCHASE
item(s) listed. ornament and unwrapped gift(s) together in the designated collection area.
homeinstead.com/540
Home Instead and community volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts.
The last day for collections will be Monday, December 8 , 2025. th
Now located in Downtown Lee’s Summit!
Samantha Compton Senior Financial Advisor, Insight Wealth Founder, Wise Women
Closing the chapter on your career doesn’t end your story— it marks the start of your most purposeful chapter yet.
At Insight Wealth, our goal is to move you from feeling anxious about retirement to feeling inspired about what comes next—through thoughtful planning and guidance.
Contemplating your next chapter? Book a call with Samantha today.
— Chuck F
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business monthly
Woofie’s of Lee’s Summit Announcing Grand Opening
Woofie’s of Lee’s Summit has announced its grand opening, offering luxury mobile grooming services that come directly to your doorstep. Their fully equipped grooming van provides a safe, professional, stress-free experience. With personalized , one-on-one care, this convenient service is ideal for senior pets, anxious pets, or pets that desire a spa day. Mobile grooming for Lee’s Summit, Belton, Greenwood, Raymore, and Kansas City. Woofie’s of Lee’s Summit also provides premium dog walking and pet sitting services.
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Ancho & Agave Opens at Summit Fair
Born out of a flavor-obsessed craving for fresh, delicious Mexican food with a side of fun, Ancho & Agave is now open at 860 NW Blue Parkway in the Summit Fair shopping center. Founded in Bloomington, IL in 2019, Ancho & Agave brings together quality ingredients, refreshing beverages and good times for a crave-worthy experience in a casual setting. Open daily at 11am. For additional information and to view the menu, please visit www.anchoandagave.com.
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BRINGING THE MAGIC HOME:
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED Holiday Decorating with Megan Gensky Interiors
Every year, as the holidays draw near, homes begin to sparkle with anticipation and creativity, and for designer Megan Mosier, that magic starts long before the first ornament is hung. Megan and her team offer a complete holiday design experience that takes the stress out of seasonal decorating so that clients can simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of the season.
“We offer full set up and take down of holiday décor,” Megan explains warmly. “We plan out the design, purchase all the décor, prep it for installation, and then after the first
of the year, we begin take down services.” Her goal is to make the entire process effortless, from concept to cleanup, allowing each client to fully embrace the festive season.
The holiday season may seem far away in midsummer, but for Megan, that’s exactly when the magic begins. “We like to have clients booked by mid-summer and start planning new décor ideas soon after,” she says. “That way we can get approval to order everything. The earlier the better.”
When approaching a new client’s home, Megan takes a thoughtful, personalized approach. “It all depends on variables like budget, what they already have, or if they’re in a new home and want all new décor,” she says. “The big areas most clients focus on the first year are their main tree, mantel, and possibly a bannister. From there, we add fun touches throughout the home like bookcases, tabletops, and even little kitchen and bathroom embellishments.”
For Megan, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is incorporating family heirlooms or sentimental pieces into a fresh holiday design. “We come across this a lot and it actually adds such a fun personal touch,” she says. “A lot of times, that’s where we start, and it gives us inspiration for the overall design. I have clients who collect silver bells or needlepoint ornaments, and that personal element gives me so much to build from.”
When it comes to style, Megan’s aesthetic is both versatile and timeless. “It can vary so much, but current trends definitely influence the styles we end up doing,” she says. “Right now, people are loving the classic natural look, so we’re using a lot of wireless ribbon, natural garlands, and timeless ornaments.”
Every holiday home presents its own challenges, but Megan embraces them with grace and creativity. “There are so many potential hurdles,” she admits. “Lighting can be tricky, scale can feel overwhelming, or maybe the challenge is creating an exciting new element like the mantel and making sure it’s secure. But the excitement always outweighs the nerves, and there’s always a way to fix every problem.”
For those decorating on a budget, Megan offers a simple yet transformative suggestion. “Just change up your ribbon,” she says with a smile. “It makes a huge difference. Layered ribbons are really popular right now, so even if you already have ribbon on your tree, add a second or third in a different size or style. It instantly elevates the whole look.”
One area Megan believes deserves more attention is the mantel. “I think mantels often get overlooked because they can intimidate people,” she says. “But they’re such natural focal points and have so much potential to be a beautiful wow feature.”
This year, Megan is also seeing some fresh, stylish trends taking over the holiday scene. “Everyone is talking about ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas,’” she says enthusiastically. “It’s interesting to see how people interpret it online. I love classic and timeless looks, but this year I’m also bringing in some bright, playful colors for my little one to enjoy.”
Her top tip for creating a cohesive look throughout the home comes down to one simple element. “The ribbon really ties everything together,” she says. “Even if one area doesn’t have the same ornaments or garlands as another, repeating the same ribbon helps everything feel connected without looking too matched.”
At the heart of it all, Megan believes holiday decorating should be joyful and deeply personal. “Always have fun with your holiday décor and don’t worry about the trends,” she says warmly. “Decorate in a way that you love. That’s what will bring you the most joy.”
Megan Gensky Interiors
To learn more or schedule a consultation with Megan Gensky Interiors, contact info@megangenskyinteriors.com or call 979-209-4238.
Relaxation, Recover y, and Radiant
Health through
Infrared Sauna, Red Light and Advanced Light Therapy
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Sausage Gravy
Sausage,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS
INGREDIENTS:
FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
INSTRUCTIONS: CONTINUED >
HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE
A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.
INSTRUCTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
For the latte:
• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
• Whipped cream
For the gingerbread syrup:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
• Marshmallow
• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top
Make the gingerbread syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:
Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.
BOURBON VANILLA BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE
An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 oz bourbon
Topping: 4 large marshmallows
Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching.Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth
Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.
SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
Jewell Orthodontics is a patient-focused practice dedicated to providing top notch orthodontic care to the community of Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas. As a Lee’s Summit native, Dr. Jewell is excited to offer progressive orthodontic technology and an approach where beautiful smiles and healthy bites are created in a welcoming and convenient atmosphere. If you are looking for the most modern and personalized orthodontic care in the Lee’s Summit area, we would love to meet you!
Cozy & Classic:
Holiday Decor That Feels Like Home
Decorating for the holidays doesn't have to be a stressful, all-or-nothing affair. If the thought of packing away every single item just to replace it with Christmas-themed gear gives you a headache, you’re not alone. We spoke with expert decorators Mary Carol Garrity, warmly known for the founder of Nell Hills and Diebolt's and her business partner, Rebecca Wood to get their best tips on creating a beautiful, warm, and festive home without the madness. The secret? Tuck, don't trade
"People feel like they have to take everything off their mantel and do it all Christmas," Mary Carol notes, describing the common, but overwhelming approach to holiday decorating. She and Rebecca prefer a much simpler, less labor-intensive method.
Instead of stripping the space bare, they suggest working with what you already have. "I liked everything I had on it, and we mainly added greens," Mary Carol shared, referring to their approach to her mantel. "By simply tucking in fresh or artificial greenery, a ribbon, or some subtle pinecones around existing items, like pictures or candles, you instantly elevate the look and bring in the festive feel." This "tuck, don't trade" method
saves time and energy, making the subsequent cleanup a breeze. "It's a lot less work up front," Mary Carol promises, "and it's going to be a lot less to take it down but still looks beautiful and festive."
When it comes to the tree, Mary Carol admits she’s not the biggest fan of the traditional, huge setup. "I like doing anything but a Christmas tree," she laughs.
Her solution? Don't stress over a massive centerpiece. By using a smaller, four-foot tree and placing it in a decorative urn, she achieves a grand effect that defies its actual size. "From the outside of the house, it looks like a 10-foot Christmas tree," she said. To give any tree a little more life, Rebecca suggests adding extra greenery picks and real pinecones at the base to fill in gaps and hide the cords.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The holiday table should be a welcoming space for gathering, not a source of anxiety. The biggest lesson from these experts is that decorating the table should be about connection, not perfection.
"It's not so much about what you serve or how much you decorate your table, it's getting people together," Rebecca noted. "If decorating will stress you out, keep it simple."
Simple tricks from the pair include:
Layering China: Don't be afraid to mix and match. "Bring in a piece of your grandmother's china that you'd never use, and let us show you how to mix it with to give it a whole different vibe," Mary Carol suggests. Pair a formal plate with an everyday pattern to make it feel more current.
Easy Linens: Choose a 60-inch square tablecloth. They're easy to clean, they're easy to iron, and easy to store, and they show a little bit of your table underneath, giving it a little character.
Finishing Touches: Use the ends of your table for serving stations, like a dedicated coffee and dessert area. This frees up the main seating area and makes entertaining seamless. For a special touch, tucking in a few roses, an orange slice, and cranberries into a small vase adds color and warmth.
"Use what you have," is Rebecca’s simple but powerful advice. The goal is to create a festive atmosphere that is cozy, elegant, and fun, and not exhausting.
OVER THE RIVER AND ONTO ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE
The new Rock Island Bridge project is a one-of-a-kind space
ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE N. MEYER
When, if ever, have you watched a competitive rowing event in person? Or enjoyed the creativity of plein air painting at 40 feet above a river? Or just sipped a cold one while wild ducks paddle below your feet?
“We believe this to be the only entertainment district on a bridge above a river in the world.”
We can now do these things and many more in a long-awaited fun new place.
The Rock Island Bridge Entertainment District is finally open to the public. And we have 1982 North Kansas City High School graduate Michael Zeller to thank.
The Rock Island Bridge is a former railroad bridge built in 1905 that crosses the Kaw River from the West Bottoms near the Hy-Vee Arena (formerly the Kemper Arena) into Kansas City, Kansas. Trains have not crossed the bridge since 1979, so it just sat there all rusted and ugly.
But one day, about 18 years ago, Michael, who now lives in Brookside, and some friends took a boat ride
up the Kaw River. He remembers joking that someone ought to build a restaurant on the old bridge and name it Chicken on a Bridge.
As it turns out, Chicken on a Bridge is one of several yummy specialties at The River House, a 150-seat openair restaurant on the bridge that features local favorites Arthur Bryant’s burnt ends, tacos with Spanish Gardens sauce, and steak soup from the Plaza III Steakhouse.
Arthur Bryant’s owner Andrew Miller and chefs Bradley and Brittany Gilmore of Lula’s Southern Cookhouse are coordinating their skills to bring a special flare to The River House and catered events in the upper level event space called the Royal Hall – a nod to the American Royal Livestock Show.
The bridge is technically owned by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. Michael signed the lease in 2017 and has been hammering away at details and obstacles ever since. No one has ever done what he and his investors have done.
“We believe this to be the only entertainment district on a bridge above a river in the world,” Michael said. “We’ve said that enough times that if it’s not true, someone on the internet would have called us out.”
The Royal Bar at The River House is 55 feet long and Michael believes it is the longest in the metro. No one has called him out on that yet, either.
To get to this point, the levee on the Kansas side of the river had to be raised and the bridge itself was raised about three feet to accommodate new Corps of Engineers flood standards. In doing so, the engineering firm discovered that the original gears, installed in 1905, still worked perfectly. Other than a little rust, the bridge itself is in great shape.
Eventually, vines and other greenery will cover much of the rusty spaces, but the design team specifically want to showcase the history of the region by maintaining as much original construction as possible.
As the ivy grows, the bridge will host farmers markets, free concerts, makers spaces, art exhibits and more. The free wifi should satisfy everyone wanting to work away from the office for a day.
The second floor includes a private event space for weddings, corporate functions and the like. With so much complex engineering needed for a project like this, you would think that Michael has some sort of background in construction or engineering. That’s not the case.
“In much of Europe, they talk about the power of constraints, the idea of building something within limited frameworks and how that fuels creativity,” Zeller said.
For 17 years, he was the development director at KCPT. But that served him well in generating donors and investors to the project. Michael’s travels around the world also contributed to the motivation and vision of this unlikely project.
“In much of Europe, they talk about the power of constraints, the idea of building something within limited frameworks and how that fuels creativity,” he said. “In Copenhagen, instead of tearing down old grain elevators, they turned them into apartment buildings, and it works.”
The Rock Island Bridge is now a part of a nationwide group of infrastructure reuse projects called the High Line Network. The bridge is also a trail head for the Greenline, a 10-mile recreation trail around downtown KCMO and KCK. It connects to KCK’s 17 miles of levee top bike trails, so yes, you can ride your bike right through the first level of the entertainment district, grab a picnic lunch and continue on your way. Or stay for some music and a drink.
For more information, go to rockislandkc.com
Michael was also inspired by visits to New York, where an abandoned freight railway on Manhattan’s West Side has been developed into a very popular public park with gardens, art and green space known as the High Line.
Even though the Rock Island Bridge is owned by the Unified Government, the only access to the bridge this fall is on the Missouri side via the West Bottoms near Hy-Vee Arena. By spring 2026, the KCK access should be complete.
The Rock Island Bridge will close in January and February.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from October 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
Food HOLIDAY HACKS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
BY JANIE JONES
Make holiday entertaining easy with these styling food hacks that look impressive but are simple to create. If you don't have time to bake a dessert but want to serve something that doesn't look store bought, simply top it with berries, herbs, a sauce or a holiday prop to give it a little
PHOTOGRAPHY
something extra. We made a trip to Trader Joes and purchased most of these items, and after some simple assembling and minimal baking, we were able to create a beautiful, eye-catching holiday spread.
HOLIDAY CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Why not create a unique holiday charcuterie board in the shape of a Christmas tree or snowman. It looks impressive and was a quick assembly. For this look, a few trimmed evergreen clippings from the backyard served as a great edging for the board. With a variety of cheeses, berries, nuts and olives, this tasty display makes the perfect statement board. For an added touch, use a cookie cutter to add a cheese star to the top.
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE
This inexpensive cheesecake was purchased at Trader Joes but definitely needed a little something to make it look festive. Candied pecans (we made ours from scratch but they can be purchased), fresh berries and mint sprigs added color, dimension and interest.
APPLE TART
This apple tart was already really pretty right out of the box, however adding a few toppers made it look like it was made from scratch. Sliced pears, fresh herbs, berries and drizzled caramel added color add a homemade touch to this delicious treat.
NAKED CAKE
A cake mix, a simple buttercream frosting and a gingerbread house kit is all it took to create this adorable 3-layered naked cake. After preparing the cake layers, simply ice the cake in a thin layer to give an opaque look that reveals some of the cake underneath. This cake was topped with a gingerbread house and coconut flakes to resemble snow.
DOUBLE CREME BRIE BOARD
This double creme brie with truffles can be purchased at Trader Joes and is always a crowd favorite. After baking the brie, add berries and a sauce of your choosing to the top as a flavor enhancer and to add interest. This brie is drizzled with local honey, berries and candied pecans and is served with crackers.
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKE
If you don't have time to bake a cake but want your store bought cake to look special, add berries and a holiday topper to give it that special flair. Fresh raspberries adorn the
top of this cake, and to add cascading fresh berries down the side, toothpicks can be used to hold them in place. Not only is it simple and quick to do, but it turns into the perfect entertaining table centerpiece.
GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE
If serving a warm beverage for guests to enjoy, consider hot chocolate with burnt sugar rimmed mugs. If creating a hot chocolate bar, provide whipped cream and marshmallow toppings as well as added flavorings such as caramel, peppermint, or make it a boozy hot chocolate with whiskey, Bailey’s or Peppermint Schnapps.
Talking to Your Kids About Social Media Safety
No matter how old you are, social media is a great way to stay up to date with your friends and the rest of world, as well as share your personal updates. But when it comes to children, most parents have concerns about social media safety. We’ve all read the headlines about online bullying, and even a good thing can be too much when left unchecked. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to ride that line between allowing children to explore and enjoy technology while supporting their emotional and social health.
Social Media Safety in the News
Recent headlines have highlighted growing concerns about kids and social media: SAFE for Kids Act
In September 2025, New York’s attorney general proposed updates to the previously established Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. The act prohibits social media companies from using algorithms to serve up content for users under the age of 18 without parental consent. The goal is to limit addictive feeds and data tracking for minors.
The act also prohibits social media companies from sending push notifications to kids between 12 am and 6 am and allows parents to limit kids’ access to the platforms during the same time period.
Currently in effect in New York state, the SAFE for Kids Act is mirrored in the proposed national Kids Online Safety Act, which also focuses on limiting addictive feeds and prioritizing our children’s emotional and mental health and wellbeing.
Safety issues with smartphones and social media
A study released in July 2025 by the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities reports that using smartphones before the age of 13 can damage children’s mental health. Their use has been associated with suicidal thoughts, lower self-worth, and detachment from reality. This was found to be especially true with pre-teen girls.
Of course, it’s not just the smartphone use that’s concerning; it’s what kids are looking at, which is mostly social media. The researchers in the study actually made a global appeal to keep kids from using smartphones and social media, so clearly they see an issue.
While lawmakers and researchers continue to explore solutions, parents remain the first—and most powerful—line of defense when it comes to social media safety.
How to Help Your Kids Stay Safe Online
As a parent, your goal is to maintain an open line of communication with your children. Even before they join a platform, talk with them about what social media is and how it works. For younger children, focus on simple ideas such as kindness, privacy, and boundaries. And if you need to educate yourself about platforms you may not be using, including Snapchat and TikTok, do so.
Here’s how to begin that conversation:
• Ask what they know. Start by asking what their friends use and what they’ve seen. This helps you gauge their understanding.
• Explain real vs. pretend. Help kids recognize that people often share the best highlights of their life online, not everything that happens. If it looks too good to be real, it probably is, and they shouldn’t judge themselves based on what others post.
• Enforce kindness. Being respectful online is just as important as being kind in person. It’s not okay to bully or say rude things to people from behind a phone.
When you lay the groundwork, your kids will feel comfortable talking about their social media experiences. That means they’re more likely to come to you if they feel uncomfortable. And you’ll also be able to talk to them about what they’re seeing online.
Set Clear Rules and Expectations
Rules around technology aren’t about punishment; they’re about protection. Together, decide on guidelines that feel fair and easy to follow. These may include:
• Age-appropriate boundaries. Many social media platforms require users to be at least 13. Help your child wait until they’re ready—even if that means it’s after that thirteenth birthday.
• Start with a shared account. If your child wants to join a platform, consider starting together so you can model healthy habits. If you set up separate accounts, be sure you have access.
• Use privacy settings. Review who can see posts, comment, or message your child.
• Keep devices in shared spaces. Limit access to phones, especially at night. Some families collect all phones at bedtime.
You might also consider creating a family media-use plan, which allows everyone to be involved and holds kids and parents to similar guidelines.
Teach Kids to Protect Their Privacy
Regardless of what you and your children choose as guidelines for social media usage, one key to social media safety is to ensure that they don’t post personal information. This could be on their “about” section of their profile, in posts they share, or in direct messages (DMs). Sometimes, even if someone thinks they know who’s on the other side of the conversation, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
If you have concerns about your child’s screen time or social media safety, talk to your one of our practitioners. Together, we can help your child see the best side of online interactions while not missing a second of what’s happening in the world around them.
Pediatric Behavioral Health Services Open!
Is your child struggling with big emotions, worries, or feeling down as the new school year approaches? You’re not alone — and help is here.
Our pediatric behavioral health team is now accepting new patients ages 5–17! We provide compassionate, evidence-based support for concerns like Anxiety, Depression, Emotional outbursts, School stress and more.
Let’s make sure your child feels confident and supported when the first bell rings. Early support can make a big difference.
(816) 524-5600
Making a Difference in Lee’s Summit
We
Joel Wilson CFP®
Laura Hudson AAMS™