Hello Reader,

As we look forward to 2026, let’s pause for a tiny moment to assess. Where are we now? How far have we come over the last year?

✅ Dash of Information

I think it was Socrates who said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Except he said it in ancient Greek!

What does that really mean? It means we need to do some reflecting! My team and I looked back and found that we had accomplished more than we thought. You will probably have the same experience.

✅ Dash of Motivation

Here are 5 questions to consider as you look back on 2025. They’ll help you get real answers that lead to better outcomes in 2026!

#1. Did I build enough relational safety that my child would tell me hard things?

• In the past year, have I consistently conveyed: “You won’t lose my love—tell me early and we’ll handle it together; there may still be consequences, but honesty leads to better outcomes and more protection”?
• Have I practiced calm responses when my child confessed mistakes, saw something upsetting, or broke a rule?

#2. Have I taught my child a clear, repeatable plan for sexual content and grooming situations?

• Can my child explain, in their own words, what to do if they see pornography, get a sexual message, or are asked for pictures?
• Have we rehearsed a short script (like the CAN DO Plan or Turn, Run and Tell?) so the response is automatic under stress?

#3. Did I reduce opportunity and increase accountability on devices my child actually uses?

• Over the past year, did I implement age-appropriate controls (filters, restricted content, safe search, app limits) and keep them updated?
• Do I know which apps, games, group chats, and DMs are active risks for my child right now—and have I adjusted settings accordingly?

#4. Did I increase my child’s “sexual integrity + body boundaries” skills, not just internet rules?

• Have we discussed boundaries, private parts, bodily autonomy, and the difference between secrets and surprises?
• Has my child practiced how to respond when someone crosses a boundary—online or in real life?

#5. Did I treat resilience as a strategy, not a single talk, that included skills, environment, and support?

• This year, did I help my child strengthen protective factors: sleep, stress management, self-regulation, healthy friendships, screen-free activities?
• If something went wrong, do we have a response plan (who to tell, how to document/report, how to get emotional support, how to reset safeguards) rather than improvising in a panic?

✅ One thing to Dash & Do

Score each question 0–2 (0 = not yet, 1 = somewhat, 2 = consistently). Any “0” becomes your top priority for the next 90 days.

Happy parenting in 2026!

Warmly,

Kristen
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P.S. We achieved wonderful milestones in 2025! Here are just a few!

• Finished Good Pictures Bad Pictures Guide for Girls–my biggest goal for 2025! I gave up speaking opportunities, conferences and lots more to focus on this important project, and it’s paid off!
• Hit 375,000 books sold as a self-publishing author–no big PR campaigns, just word of mouth! THANK YOU for recommending Good Pictures Bad Pictures to your friends and family!
• Published 27 relevant, researched articles on Defend Young Minds to help parents and professionals raise empowered, resilient, screens-smart kids!
• Added two new foreign licenses of Good Pictures Bad Pictures (Romanian and Albanian) for a total of 15 licenses and translations!
• Loved connecting with parents in our 10 DYM Parent Council zoom meetings–I always learn and it’s fun to see everyone interacting and learning from each other, too. Look for our invitation to join our 2026 Parent Council!

This New Year, choose courage and clarity by reading Good Pictures Bad Pictures with your child to build healthy values.