How Digital Devices Affect Children’s Reading Habits

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on September 4, 2025

Digital devices have become an integral part of daily life, especially for children. With the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it’s not surprising that these devices play a significant role in how children consume content, including reading material. The impact of digital devices on children’s reading habits has sparked considerable debate among parents, educators, and psychologists. Are these devices a hindrance to children’s ability to focus on reading? Or can they be used as tools to enhance literacy? Understanding this complex relationship is key to navigating the challenges and opportunities that digital devices present.

Do Digital Devices Distract Children from Reading Books?

One of the most common concerns parents and educators express about children’s use of digital devices is the potential for distraction. With constant notifications, social media, games, and videos at their fingertips, children may struggle to engage in the focused, immersive reading experience that traditional books provide. The instant gratification of scrolling through content or playing games can take away from the time children spend with books, leading to shorter attention spans and a preference for more immediate forms of entertainment.

Research has shown that children who frequently use digital devices may find it harder to engage in sustained, deep reading. This shift in attention can affect the way they read, often leading to a preference for shorter, easier-to-digest content such as articles or social media posts. The constant switching between apps and activities on digital devices makes it difficult for children to develop the concentration needed for longer, more complex reading tasks. However, not all children are impacted in the same way. The environment, the types of content consumed, and the amount of time spent on devices all play a role in determining how devices influence reading habits.

Can Digital Devices Enhance Children’s Reading Habits?

While there are concerns about digital devices fostering distractions, they also have the potential to positively influence children’s reading habits. Many digital platforms and apps are designed specifically to encourage reading. E-books, interactive stories, and educational apps offer engaging ways for children to explore new material. Unlike traditional books, which may be limited to printed words and pictures, digital platforms can provide multimedia content, such as audio, video, and interactive features, that can enhance the reading experience.

For instance, children’s e-books often include animations and sound effects that bring stories to life, making reading more engaging. This can be particularly beneficial for reluctant readers, as the interactive nature of digital books may capture their attention in ways that printed books may not. Additionally, some apps provide quizzes, games, and rewards that motivate children to complete reading tasks, making the process more enjoyable. This integration of technology into the reading experience can stimulate interest in reading and encourage children to explore a wider variety of genres and topics.

The accessibility of affordable digital reading options like e-books also plays a role in shaping habits. E-books and online libraries offer an extensive range of content that allows children to explore books, articles, and educational resources on topics of interest. This access to an infinite selection of material can promote independent reading and foster a sense of curiosity.

How Do Digital Devices Impact the Development of Reading Skills?

The way children engage with digital devices can influence the development of important reading skills, such as comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. While traditional books often promote deeper comprehension, digital texts present a different set of challenges. Research suggests that digital reading can lead to more fragmented reading experiences. Since digital content is often designed to be quickly consumed, children may find it harder to retain information or analyze material in a meaningful way.

On the other hand, interactive e-books can support the development of reading skills in unique ways. Many digital books allow children to highlight text, look up unfamiliar words, or make annotations. These features can encourage active reading and help improve vocabulary retention. Moreover, some reading apps are designed to provide immediate feedback, which can be valuable in helping children correct mistakes and reinforce learning. In this way, digital devices can serve as a tool for skill-building, especially when used in combination with traditional reading methods.

However, the key challenge is ensuring that children strike a balance between digital and traditional reading. While digital devices can support skill development, they may not provide the same cognitive benefits as reading printed books. The process of turning pages and focusing on long passages of text without interruption is essential for the development of critical thinking and sustained attention. Therefore, it’s important to encourage a mix of digital and traditional reading to ensure children develop a well-rounded set of reading skills.

Are There Benefits to Reading on Digital Devices?

Digital devices can offer several benefits when it comes to reading. One significant advantage is accessibility. Digital devices allow children to access reading material anytime and anywhere, whether at home, on the bus, or while traveling. This convenience can encourage more frequent reading and make it easier for children to incorporate reading into their daily routines. For instance, a child who may not have the time or resources to visit a library regularly can easily download books to their tablet, ensuring they always have reading material on hand.

In addition, digital devices can help children develop a sense of independence in their reading habits. With personalized apps and e-books, children can choose what they want to read based on their interests and reading level. This sense of autonomy can foster a love for reading and encourage children to explore new topics, genres, and authors. Furthermore, many digital platforms allow parents and educators to track a child’s progress, providing valuable insights into the child’s reading habits, interests, and areas for improvement.

How Digital Devices Affect Children’s Reading Habits

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There is also the potential for digital reading materials to be more inclusive, catering to children with varying learning needs. Some apps provide text-to-speech features, highlighting words as they are read aloud, which can be especially beneficial for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Other features, such as adjustable font sizes and background colors, can help children with visual impairments or those who struggle with reading comprehension.

Interestingly, some children may also benefit from audio-based content like podcasts that combine storytelling with learning. These formats can complement traditional reading by offering new ways to absorb information and engage with narratives, especially for auditory learners.

How Can Parents and Educators Manage the Impact of Digital Devices on Reading Habits?

While digital devices can influence children’s reading habits, parents and educators can play a pivotal role in managing their impact. One of the most effective strategies is setting clear boundaries for device usage. Limiting screen time and ensuring that children have ample opportunities to read traditional books can help maintain a healthy balance. Encouraging reading as a family activity, where parents or guardians read with children or share their reading experiences, can also foster a love for reading and create a positive environment for literacy development.

Another helpful approach is to provide a diverse range of reading options, both digital and traditional. Parents and educators can introduce e-books and educational apps alongside printed books, allowing children to experience both forms of reading. This way, children can enjoy the convenience and interactivity of digital devices while also benefiting from the cognitive advantages of reading traditional books.

Parents and educators can also encourage children to engage in discussions about what they’ve read, whether it’s from a digital device or a printed book. Talking about the material can help improve comprehension, critical thinking, and retention. Asking open-ended questions, encouraging children to summarize what they’ve learned, and offering opportunities for creative expression based on the reading can all enhance the learning experience.

The effect of digital devices on children’s reading habits is multifaceted. While they present some challenges, such as potential distractions and fragmented reading experiences, digital devices also offer numerous opportunities to engage children in reading. When used thoughtfully and in balance with traditional reading, digital devices can enhance literacy, provide greater access to diverse reading materials, and support the development of essential reading skills. By setting appropriate boundaries and providing a variety of reading options, parents and educators can help children navigate the digital landscape while fostering a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

My Husband Died, Now What? A Lifeline for Widows Facing Grief and Financial Uncertainty

The Chicago Journal Staff on September 4, 2025

By: Lauren Mitchell

For many widows, the death of a husband brings not only overwhelming grief but also a surge of financial confusion and vulnerability. Questions arise almost immediately: Do I have enough to live on? Can I trust anyone to guide me? What should I do with this life insurance check? Too often, in the fog of grief, widows find themselves vulnerable to exploitation.

Debra Morrison, CFP® and Grief Coach, has dedicated her career to helping women navigate this challenging time. Though she is not a widow herself, she has spent decades assisting grieving women, helping them process their loss while managing the unfamiliar terrain of finances. Her book, My Husband Died, Now What?: A Widow’s Guide to Grief Recovery & Smart Financial Decisions, was inspired by both compassion and frustration—and from one unforgettable case that significantly influenced her career.

The Moment That Sparked the Book

Debra had already worked with many widows, but one case affected her deeply. A woman she refers to as “Betty” had been sold a variable annuity that was completely unsuitable for her needs by a so-called “friend”—a fellow church member who was also an insurance agent. Betty, still struggling with the loss of her husband, had mentioned needing money to replace her car and make urgent home repairs. Instead of addressing her needs, he focused on her fear, asking, “You don’t want to take any risk with this money, do you?” Through tears, she responded, “No.” He then convinced her to transfer her entire death benefit into an annuity with severe withdrawal penalties.

When Betty came to Debra months later, she was devastated. “How could he do this to me? He was our friend!” she sobbed. Debra, deeply upset by the betrayal, took up the case—working pro bono for 13 months, handling paperwork, depositions, and even dealing with the state Insurance Commission. Eventually, she succeeded: Betty received her original deposit plus interest, while the agent was charged back $68,000 in commissions!

That victory marked a pivotal moment. “I knew then that women HAD to be warned,” Debra recalls. Her book now serves as both a protective guide and a practical resource for widows—helping them avoid predatory sales practices while providing steps for emotional recovery.

Shattering Misconceptions About Grief

In her role as a Certified Grief Coach, Debra also noticed how poorly society understands grief. One of the most harmful misconceptions, she argues, is the idea that “time heals all wounds.” “Time alone does not heal grief,” she explains. “Just as time won’t heal a broken tibia, grief recovery requires intentional steps, tools, and support.”

Her book offers strategies and exercises to help widows accept their new reality and release lingering shame or guilt. She stresses that grief is highly individual—no one moves through the stages in a neat, predictable order. Above all, she urges those supporting widows to refrain from judgment. “The grieving process is not the time for finger-pointing. It’s the time for listening.”

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Debra warns that widows often make hasty, costly decisions in the early months of grief. Common missteps include rushing to pay off a mortgage, relocating to be closer to children, or entrusting their inheritance to a broker without a clear plan. Each of these choices can lead to tax consequences or impose unnecessary financial burdens and long-term setbacks.

That’s why she recommends a six-month “No Decision Zone.” During this period, widows should focus solely on grieving—not selling homes, not investing lump sums, and not making irreversible commitments. When emotions are heightened, decision-making can be impaired. Only after the fog of grief has begun to lift can clear financial planning become viable.

Feedback That Fuels Her Mission

For Debra, the most meaningful validation has come from the widows she works with. Even before her book was published, she shared an early draft with a high school classmate who had been widowed three times. That friend read the manuscript overnight and emailed her at dawn, saying, “On page __, you nailed it. On page __, this was absolutely my experience.”

“I wept when I read her message,” Debra recalls. “There is nothing more rewarding for an author than knowing your words brought comfort and relief to someone in pain.”

Advice for Children Supporting Their Widowed Parent

Debra’s guidance extends not only to widows but also to their families. She cautions children against rushing to clean out their father’s belongings too soon. “There is deep comfort in smelling his cologne on a shirt or resting against his pillow,” she explains. Preserving these sensory connections helps the widow process her loss at her own pace.

She also encourages children to handle death notifications, ensure healthy food and hydration are available, and provide daily support calls after the funeral. “Crying depletes hydration and electrolytes,” Debra notes, “so even something as simple as sugar-free Gatorade can help.” Small acts of care, consistency, and presence can have a significant impact in those early weeks.

A Larger Movement Toward Empowerment

Debra views My Husband Died, Now What? as part of a larger movement toward women’s financial empowerment. She hopes widows will form study groups to read and discuss the book together, combining emotional healing with practical financial planning. She also created the accompanying Reflections Journal for either individual or group use. Beyond widowhood, her work also focuses on addressing systemic issues: the financial disempowerment of women, the gender pay gap, the exploitation of vulnerable groups, and the cultural silence around grief.

A Legacy of Hope and Clarity

At the heart of Debra’s mission is a dual purpose: to honor the grief journey while helping prevent financial exploitation. By recommending that widows seek a Fiduciary CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, she gives them access to trusted guidance—free from product sales, commissions, or hidden fees. And by speaking openly about grief, she helps women find both acceptance and strength.

Her book is more than just a guide; it’s a lifeline. It gives widows permission to grieve, tools to protect their finances, and the reassurance that they are not alone. Through My Husband Died, Now What?, Debra has taken her decades of expertise and turned it into a valuable resource for women at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

As she puts it simply: “Grief and finances may collide, but with compassion, patience, and wise counsel, widows can move forward with dignity, clarity, and hope.”

For more information about My Husband Died, Now What?: A Widow’s Guide to Grief Recovery & Smart Financial Decisions, or to purchase the book, visit Amazon.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or emotional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional counsel regarding their specific circumstances before making any financial or personal decisions.

Why Upper Body Training Matters More Than Just the Bench Press

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on September 4, 2025

Upper body training often gets reduced to one exercise: the bench press. It’s the lift that gets the most attention in gyms, locker rooms, and casual conversations about strength. But focusing only on that one movement misses the bigger picture. Upper body training isn’t just about pushing weight off the chest. It’s about building a foundation that supports athletic performance, protects against injury, and improves movement across every sport. For athletes who feel stuck or frustrated by plateaus or nagging shoulder issues, the problem might not be effort, it might be imbalance.

Upper Body Training Supports Total Athletic Function

Athletes rely on their upper body for far more than brute strength. Whether throwing, sprinting, grappling, or jumping, the upper body plays a key role in stabilizing movement and transferring force. Shoulders, arms, and the upper back help control posture, absorb impact, and guide motion. When these areas are undertrained or unevenly developed, performance suffers.

A strong upper back, for instance, helps maintain posture during long runs and supports explosive movement during changes in direction. The shoulders and rotator cuff muscles stabilize the arm during throws, swings, or tackles. Even grip strength, often overlooked, affects how well athletes hold equipment, control opponents, or maintain balance under pressure.

Upper body training that includes pulling, rotating, and stabilizing movements helps athletes move better, not just lift heavier. That’s why programs that go beyond the bench press, adding rows, carries, presses from different angles, and mobility work, tend to produce more durable and versatile athletes.

Why Balance Matters More Than Max Weight

The bench press is a powerful tool, but it’s also easy to overdo. Pushing heavy weight without balancing it with pulling movements can lead to tight shoulders, poor posture, and limited range of motion. Athletes who focus only on pressing often develop imbalances that show up as pain, stiffness, or reduced performance.

Training the upper body with balance means including horizontal and vertical pulling, rotation, and stabilization. Movements like pull-ups, face pulls, and landmine presses help counteract the forward-leaning posture that heavy benching can create. These exercises also strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder joint, reducing the risk of injury.

For athletes who’ve struggled with shoulder discomfort or feel like their upper body strength isn’t translating to their sport, the issue might be too much emphasis on pushing and not enough on control. Building strength through a variety of patterns helps the body stay aligned, mobile, and responsive.

Upper Body Strength Helps Prevent Injury

Injury prevention isn’t just about stretching or warming up. It’s about building strength in the muscles that stabilize joints and absorb force. The upper body, especially the shoulders and upper back, plays a major role in protecting against common athletic injuries.

Strong scapular muscles help control shoulder movement and reduce strain during overhead actions. The rotator cuff, when trained properly, supports the shoulder through dynamic motion. Even the muscles around the spine and ribs help maintain posture and reduce stress on the lower back.

Athletes who train their upper body with variety and intention tend to recover faster and stay healthier. That’s especially important during long seasons or intense training cycles. Staying active during offseason draft preparations often includes strength work that targets these stabilizing muscles, helping athletes stay ready without overloading their joints.

Upper Body Power Translates Across Sports

Power isn’t just about how much weight can be lifted. It’s about how quickly force can be produced and transferred. Upper body power helps athletes throw harder, punch faster, and sprint with more drive. It also supports balance and coordination during complex movements.

Training for power involves explosive movements like medicine ball throws, push presses, and plyometric push-ups. These exercises teach the body to generate force quickly and efficiently. They also help connect the upper body to the lower body, improving full-body coordination.

Athletes who compete in sports that require quick reactions, sudden changes in direction, or high-impact collisions benefit from upper body power. It helps them stay stable, absorb contact, and recover quickly. That’s why upper body training is a staple across disciplines, from field sports to combat sports to track and field.

Upper Body Training Builds Confidence and Control

Strength isn’t just physical, it’s psychological. Athletes who feel strong in their upper body often carry themselves with more confidence. They move with purpose, react with control, and trust their body under pressure. That confidence can influence performance, decision-making, and resilience.

Why Upper Body Training Matters More Than Just the Bench Press

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Upper body training also improves body awareness. Exercises that require coordination, balance, or control help athletes tune into how their body moves. That awareness supports better technique, faster adjustments, and smarter recovery.

In cities known for athletic development, like Chicago’s standout sports culture, upper body training is often part of a broader system that includes movement education, recovery strategies, and sport-specific drills. It’s not just about lifting, it’s about learning how to move well and stay strong under pressure.

Why Every Athlete Benefits from Upper Body Work

Upper body training isn’t reserved for bodybuilders or powerlifters. It’s essential for athletes across all sports and skill levels. Whether sprinting, swimming, or skating, the upper body supports movement, absorbs force, and helps maintain control. Ignoring it or training it in a limited way can lead to missed opportunities and preventable injuries.

Athletes who feel stuck in their progress or frustrated by recurring shoulder issues often benefit from reassessing their upper body training. Adding variety, focusing on balance, and including mobility work can make a noticeable difference. It’s not about lifting more, it’s about moving better, staying healthy, and performing with confidence.

Upper body training wins because it supports the whole athlete. It builds strength, protects joints, improves coordination, and enhances performance. And it does all of that without needing to chase numbers on the bench press. For athletes who want to train smarter and feel stronger, the upper body deserves more attention, and more respect.