Weekly roundup

Happy Monday From Screen Time to Family Time Parents,

We’ve got exciting updates, fresh faces, and some serious miles ahead. Whether you’re training for your next race or just getting started, we’ve got something for everyone.

Upcoming events

🎤 Ready to Make 2026 Your Breakthrough Year for You AND Your Family? Join Me at the Goal Achievers Summit — Orlando, Dec 29-30!

🌟 This isn’t just another conference; it’s a focused, two-day immersion for individuals and families determined to make significant strides. We're talking actionable blueprints, not just big ideas.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

• Over 40 leading experts (yours truly included!) sharing real-world strategies.

• Deep dives into actionable ideas across all areas of life, with a special emphasis on family success.

• A vibrant community ready to inspire and support your journey to an exceptional year.

Don't let 2026 just happen to you.

Design it.

Grab your ticket for $100 and secure your spot!

The AI Shield: Protecting Our Digital Homes

PwC just dropped a report highlighting that AI-driven security is now a top investment priority for businesses. Microsoft is baking AI deeper into its security platforms, transforming how we detect and respond to threats. Why does this matter to us? Because while AI helps the good guys stay one step ahead, it also empowers the bad guys.

This isn't about fear-mongering. It's about being pragmatic. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) states that identity is the new frontline of defense. Simply put, securing who has access to what is paramount. And that starts with us, right at home.

AI Training tips

🎥 When AI Fakes Feel Real: The Rise of Deeply Convincing AI Videos

Over the weekend, I ran an experiment using OpenAI’s newly released Sora 2, a video-generation tool that turns text prompts into eerily realistic footage. The reactions? Eye-opening. Friends and followers weren’t just impressed—they were genuinely unsure if what they were watching was real.

And they weren’t alone. Some of the trending clips lately include:

• Home security footage showing surreal events (think: UFOs, wild animals, or fake intruders)

• Bodycam-style videos with heroic rescues or unbelievable drama

• Celebrities in odd or impossible situations—saying things they never actually said

It’s entertaining—until it’s not.

As parents, this is where we need to shift from impressed to aware. These tools are getting so good, so fast, that they blur the line between “Wow!” and “Wait, is that real?” With a few clicks, anyone can create convincing content that could easily fool a child—or even an adult.

Let’s use Cybersecurity Month to talk about this with our kids:

• How do we verify what we see online?

• Why would someone make a fake video?

• What should we do before sharing or reacting to shocking content?

It’s not about fear. It’s about media literacy as a family skill set—because as the tech evolves, so must our ability to spot the tricks.

What If? Digital Recovery Drills for Peace of Mind

Here's a tough question: What happens if a device is lost or stolen? Or an account is locked? Panic is a natural first reaction. But what if we had a plan?

Just like fire drills in school, digital recovery drills mean less panic and more action. Sit down as a family and map out:

• Emergency Contacts: Who to call at banks, schools, or service providers.

• Backup Codes: Where are those MFA backup codes stored (securely, offline)?

• Device Wipe Protocol: Knowing how to remotely wipe a lost phone or laptop.

It’s about building digital resilience, together.

From Our Blog: Navigating AI and Teen Distress

In the spirit of protecting our families in this AI age, I wanted to share a recent blog post that resonated deeply: "When a Chat Thread Turns Dark: How Parents Can Respond to AI, Screens, and Teen Distress". It offers practical guidance on talking with kids about AI, screens, and mental health – a crucial part of holistic digital safety.

Beyond the Password: A Family's Guide to Stronger Digital Locks

Our recent "password treasure hunt" with the kids was a blast – they loved trying to decipher my ridiculously complex (and usually forgotten!) passwords. But in the real world? Passwords are often a nightmare. Easy to guess, hard to remember, and a constant weak link.

This is where passkeys come in. Think of them as magic keys for your digital doors. They're easier to use (no more typing endless characters) and significantly more secure because they’re tied to your device and biometric data. Many services are rolling them out now. Are you using them? If not, start exploring!

And what about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the younger generation? Sound wild? It’s not. For gaming accounts, school portals, or social media, enabling MFA (like a code sent to a parent's phone) is a simple superpower. It adds an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for someone to sneak into your child's accounts.

Growth Lever Game: The Password Scavenger List

Want a fun, practical way to boost family cyber-savvy? Create a "Password Scavenger List." Have family members (age-appropriately, of course) identify:

1. Three services where they could enable a passkey.

2. Two accounts where they could add MFA.

3. One password that needs to be updated to something truly strong and unique. The first to complete the list wins a prize – maybe even a FIDO security key to show them what real digital safety feels like!

Until next week,

Warren S.

P.S. - I’d love for you to join our growing community of AI-Powered Super Parents on Facebook, where we share tips, tricks, and ways to use AI safely and effectively at home to help you and your family gain hours away from the screens!