Savannah Guthrie Shares Why Her Kids Are Not Allowed to Have Phones
Why Savannah Guthrie Says No to Phones for Her Kids
Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has candidly shared her reasons for not allowing her children to have their own smartphones. As a mother of two—Vale, 11, and Charley, 8—Savannah and her husband Michael Feldman have made a conscious choice to delay giving their kids personal cell phones. Their goal is simple but profound: to help their children fully experience childhood without the distractions and pressures that come with early smartphone use.
During the World Mental Health Day Gala hosted by Project Healthy Minds in New York City, Savannah revealed her firm stance on social media and smartphones. “My conversation about social media is, ‘No,’” she told E! News. “And my conversation about a smartphone is, ‘No.’” Despite acknowledging that her children are curious and eager to engage with technology, Savannah hopes to hold off as long as possible to encourage them to live in the moment and enjoy their youth.
Balancing Technology and Childhood: The Guthrie Approach
While Savannah’s children do not have their own phones, she has found a balanced approach that allows them limited access under supervision. For example, Vale is occasionally allowed to borrow her mother’s phone when she wants to connect with friends. However, this privilege comes with clear boundaries. Savannah even had Vale sign a “smartphone contract” to set expectations and rules for responsible use.
More importantly, Savannah emphasizes open communication within her family. She encourages her children to express their feelings freely, fostering an environment where emotions are welcomed but behaviors are guided. “We do talk about our feelings,” Savannah explained. “All feelings are welcome, all behavior is not. You can always share how you’re feeling in this house. We’re not afraid of feelings.”
This approach not only helps her children navigate their emotions but also teaches them resilience. Savannah often reminds her kids that feelings, like weather systems, come and go. “No matter how you’re feeling, these moods come and you feel sad. It’s like a weather system coming in. It’s just like a storm and it takes up the whole sky. But weather systems come in and they go,” she said.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in the Guthrie Family
Savannah’s commitment to mental health extends beyond her family. She has been vocal about the significance of discussing mental health openly, inspired in part by her colleagues. She recalled a powerful moment when her co-anchor Carson Daly shared his struggles with anxiety on-air. “That was a healing conversation,” Savannah said. “It showed the way for a lot of people to feel less alone.”
This openness has influenced how Savannah approaches parenting and public conversations alike. By fostering a supportive atmosphere at home and advocating for mental health awareness publicly, she hopes to set an example for other families navigating the challenges of growing up in a digital age.
Conclusion
Savannah Guthrie’s decision to keep her children phone-free underscores a thoughtful parenting philosophy centered on presence, emotional openness, and mental well-being. By delaying smartphone use, she aims to protect her kids from the pitfalls of social media and encourage them to enjoy their childhood fully. If you’re interested in learning more about mindful parenting and creating healthy boundaries around technology, follow Savannah’s example and prioritize open communication and emotional support in your family. Stay tuned for more insights on parenting and mental health by subscribing to our newsletter today!
