This episode is a grounded, honest look at what it means to parent with intention in a screen-saturated world. Pilar MacKay-Smith shares how small, everyday choices rooted in communication, creativity, and connection quietly shape our children’s confidence, values, and sense of self.
What You’ll Hear:
- Why screen time isn’t the real issue — and what matters more
- How open conversation builds trust in a digital-first world
- The subtle ways childhood memories shape how we parent today
- How small, intentional decisions quietly change a child’s future
- Teaching kids that purpose and intent matter more than likes
- How creativity helps families stay connected beyond screens
Pilar’s personal breakthrough moment (it’ll give you chills)
The moment that changed how Pilar MacKay-Smith parents in the digital age came when she realized that trying to control screens was costing her connection.
She noticed that the more energy she spent managing devices and setting rules, the less space there was for real conversation. When she shifted her focus from control to curiosity asking questions, listening without fixing, and creating safety instead of surveillance her children opened up. That’s when she saw that trust, intention, and communication shape behaviour far more than screen limits ever could.
It was a small shift in approach but it changed everything.
Featured Guest: Pilar MacKay-Smith
Pilar MacKay-Smith is a soul-led parent, creative, and guide who helps families navigate the digital age with intention, connection, and heart. Her work blends open communication, creativity, and lived experience—supporting parents in raising thoughtful, confident children beyond screens and social pressure.
Follow Pilar: https://www.instagram.com/planetpili
Meet the Host: Adrienne Giffen
Adrienne Giffen is an executive recruiter, author of Unravel You, podcast host, and creator of the Now You’re Talking® conversation board game. Through her work, she helps people reconnect through meaningful conversations, shared values, and experiences that bring people closer together in today’s digital world.
Connect with Adrienne:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennegiffen/
Website: https://www.adriennegiffen.com/
Now You’re Talking® Game: https://nowyouretalkinggame.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NowYoureTalkingPodcast
Instagram:
Adrienne Giffen: https://www.instagram.com/adriennegiffen/
Now You’re Talking®: https://www.instagram.com/nowyouretalkinggame/
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Every podcast episode includes a question from the Now You’re Talking® game designed to spark meaningful conversations and deeper connection.
🎲 Explore the Now You’re Talking® conversation board game (currently available in the USA):https://www.adriennegiffen.com/buy-game
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Now You're Talking is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network. Check out Adrienne’s Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts
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