Prince Harry and Meghan Markle often discuss parenting in ways that might seem exclusive to royalty. Yet, their insights about raising their children, Archie and Lilibet, reveal surprisingly relatable and human advice that many families can apply.
Emphasizing Real Moments Over Digital Perfection
Meghan and Harry consistently highlight the importance of being fully present during family life. They argue that genuine experiences matter more than picture-perfect moments or social media routines. Real laughter, messy situations, and authentic connections form the core of their parenting philosophy.
Meghan Markle has pointed out that a deep, guttural belly laugh cannot be replicated with emojis. She believes such spontaneous joy is crucial for children's development. When parents encourage these behaviors, they often find themselves playing more and engaging more deeply with their kids.
Insights from Public Appearances
During a virtual appearance at an Oprah book launch event hosted by Gayle King, Meghan elaborated on this idea. She joined authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price to discuss their new book, The Amazing Generation. The conversation focused on raising children in today's digital world.
"You cannot replace the feeling of a deep, guttural belly laugh," Meghan stated. "An emoji laugh does not provide the same physiological response that we need, that our kids need." She added that encouraging children to experience real laughter helps parents mimic those behaviors, leading to more playful and present interactions.
Cautious Approach to Technology and Social Media
Prince Harry addressed the topic of children and phones on Hasan Minhaj's podcast last year. He expressed concern about social media access for kids, noting that many parents lack awareness of the risks involved.
"I think because of what we know now, we will be way more cautious and hesitant about allowing our kids to have access to social media," Harry said. "But the problem is, so many parents don't have that awareness."
Practical Solutions for Phone Use
When asked about giving children cell phones, Harry acknowledged the dilemma many families face. He suggested that old-school phones might be a safer alternative for staying in touch without the distractions of smartphones.
"If you want to be able to contact your kid, maybe we should just be giving them the old-school phone," he proposed. "Our goal has to be to make sure that when our children get to that age, the situation now isn't the situation then. There's no reason why it should be."
Setting Age Limits for Social Media
Prince Harry also shared his thoughts on an appropriate age for joining social media platforms. He believes children should wait until their brains are fully formed and they have a stronger sense of self-identity.
"Twenty-one is a sensible age," Harry stated. "But the companies won't ever allow that. They will throw tens of millions of dollars to lobby against that." This remark highlights the challenges parents face against powerful tech industry interests.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's parenting advice blends royal experience with everyday practicality. Their focus on presence, real laughter, and mindful technology use offers valuable takeaways for families navigating the complexities of modern parenting.
