About

A blog about the sometimes explosive, sometimes rewarding, and always engaging effect of the digital media on families.  Porridge Report reports on the changing landscape of family dynamics as they relate to the ever present new family member – THE SCREEN, as well as chronicles my own struggle to fend off video game domination in a household of boys. Expect posts that cover internet safety, cyber bullying, and literacy in the digital age.

About Me…

I live outside of Toronto with my husband and three boys.  When video games first entered my life, via my oldest son, who is now 11 years old, I was an idealist.  I refused to let him play.  I swore I would never ever purchase a video game console.  That was seven years ago.  The wear and tear of three young boys persistently begging for screen time battered my resolve.  Now, I am a realist.  They own a Wii, we have two computers, I have an iPhone, they each own a Nintendo DS.  And, likely, the gadget ownership will continue to rise as technology changes and my kids grow more independent (and earn their own cash).  My new motto is more along the lines of: Let them play, but only sometimes.  Balance screen time with reading time, Wii play with outdoor play.  And I’ve realized that the more I know about their digital world, the more they respect my advice.

Aside from one-upping my kids on digital know-how, I am a freelance writer, and author.  Once in a while I’ll create a wordpress blog.  Updating them is a bit more challenging!  (I have three.)

My articles and short stories have been published both online and off.  Most recently, my kids’ chapter book Danny in a Newfangled World is now available in bookstores and online retailers.  You can order it here.  Read all about this cyberadventure tale for early to middle grade kids at dannyinanewfangledworld.com .

I specialize in media literacy for young minds and parents.  You can reach me at info@porridgereport.com for more information.