Modern parenting often involves leveraging technology to manage children's behavior, but experts warn of potential pitfalls. Many parents have turned screen time into a powerful bargaining tool, influencing everything from completing chores to ensuring quiet during outings. According to recent studies, over half of all parents use devices to encourage positive actions or maintain peace in public settings. While this approach may seem convenient, it raises questions about its long-term impact on child development and family dynamics.
The psychological effects of using screens as rewards are significant. Experts like Dr. Sanam Hafeez suggest that linking screen access with good behavior can hinder a child's ability to develop intrinsic motivation and emotional resilience. When digital engagement becomes the primary reward system, children might struggle to find satisfaction in non-screen activities or handle frustration effectively. Furthermore, frequent reliance on screens for emotional regulation could foster dependency, diminishing opportunities for children to learn healthier coping strategies. Similarly, Dr. Helen Egger emphasizes the importance of guiding children through their emotions rather than bypassing them with distractions, warning that excessive reliance on screens could impede emotional growth.
Striking a balance between effective discipline and nurturing relationships is crucial. Psychologists caution against reactive parenting methods that involve screens, such as offering extra gaming hours as bribes or withholding access as punishment. Such tactics risk transforming parent-child interactions into power struggles, where trust and open communication suffer. Instead, moderation and clear boundaries should guide the use of screen time as an incentive. Dr. Gilly Kahn highlights the value of predetermined agreements regarding device usage, ensuring transparency and consistency. By framing screen privileges as rewards for effort and perseverance, parents can help cultivate self-discipline and productivity in their children. Ultimately, thoughtful integration of technology within parenting practices can promote both behavioral improvement and emotional well-being. Teaching children to view limited screen time as a purposeful reward aligns with broader life lessons about balancing work and leisure responsibly.
As three rounds of the seven-round 2025 NFL Draft have concluded, Shedeur Sanders, the controversial quarterback from Colorado and son of Deion Sanders, remains undrafted. Questions loom over whether he will be selected at all as the draft moves into its final rounds on Saturday afternoon. Additionally, financial implications arise due to his current draft status, considering the significant contract values tied to earlier picks.
Sanders' potential value has been overshadowed by other quarterbacks chosen before him. The Giants notably bypassed him twice, opting for Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart instead. By Round 4, five quarterbacks had already been drafted, leaving Sanders in a precarious position. His monetary loss is substantial, with projections suggesting he missed out on a fully guaranteed $45.2 million contract if selected third by the Giants. Now, his best hope may lie with the Raiders at the 108th overall pick.
Potential Financial Impact of Remaining Undrafted
Shedeur Sanders' situation highlights the dramatic financial consequences tied to draft positioning. If selected early, his earnings could have soared significantly higher than later selections. Instead, his prospects now hinge on lower-round picks, where contracts offer far less security and value.
Had Sanders been chosen third overall by the Giants, his contract would have amounted to a fully guaranteed $45.2 million. However, as teams opted for other players, including edge rushers and competing quarterbacks, Sanders slipped through the rounds. The financial disparity becomes stark when comparing an early-round selection to a potential fourth-round pick. For instance, the Raiders' 108th pick offers a contract valued at only $5.2 million, with merely $1 million fully guaranteed as a signing bonus. This shift underscores the immense difference in financial opportunities between high and low draft positions.
Evaluating Draft Decisions and Future Prospects
Beyond finances, Sanders' draft journey raises questions about team evaluations and strategic decisions. Analysts ponder why certain quarterbacks were prioritized over others, especially given the weak overall talent pool at the position this year. As Sanders awaits possible selection, the focus shifts to teams like the Raiders, who might provide a lifeline.
Throughout the draft, teams made choices that reshaped expectations for several players, including quarterbacks. While some analysts anticipated different outcomes, the reality of player selections often defies predictions. In particular, Dillon Gabriel's selection ahead of Sanders sparked debates about their comparative strengths and weaknesses. Moving forward, Sanders must consider how his college performance translates to professional expectations. Should he join the Raiders or another team in the later rounds, adapting quickly to new systems and proving his worth will be crucial. Ultimately, Sanders' story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of drafts and the importance of aligning talent with organizational needs. His future depends not only on being drafted but also on seizing opportunities once selected.