Synaptic pruning is the brain’s process of removing synapses, or connections, between brain cells. This process helps remove rarely used connections to ensure that there is enough brain capacity for more frequently used connections. The number of synapses in babies and children is about double the amount in adults, making it easier for babies and children to rapidly learn new tasks as they develop. The pruning process of these synapses typically begins during adolescence and continues into adulthood, until around one’s late twenties. This makes the adult brain more able to focus in-depth on complex tasks because there are fewer connections and changes taking place.

Your prefrontal cortex is developing and what it’s developing is empathy. You’re losing self-focus to be others-focused! God designed you to keep the greatest commandment.

If you have any influence in someone 20 years old and younger, you are assisting in the pruning process in their brain.

When you prioritize pursuing an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ over all else, it is likely that those we have influence over will too.

If you fight, yell, speak harsh words in front of kids and young people, those traits will be adopted.

You see, this generation is learning from us! Adults have the most influence in the lives of This Gen and we don’t realize it.

Don’t allow their faith in God and relationship with Jesus to be pruned because we weren’t intentional with our time with them.

It is much easier to get it right in the beginning than to fix it later…that is why Solomon, the wisest man born of natural birth, says “...and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

We can help shape what this generation values by evaluating what our actions have been communicating and making intentional changes.

Start with a 30 day digital detox (30 days off all technology, not essential to keep your job)

1. 1-1-1 Rule (phone free 1 hour a day, 1 day a week, 1 week a year)
2. No screens when you eat
3. No screens when you worship
4. No screens at big life events
5. Shape space around conversations, not the TV
6. Access to passwords (Spouse’s have one another’s passwords &
parents have total access to kids devices)
7. Screen time limits for everyone!
8. Phone stays on do not disturb (DND)
9. Notifications stay off
10. No social media apps on phone
11. Don’t start the day with your phone
12. Limit the unnecessary phone usage (in front of your kids)
13. One screen at a time
14. Only quality television (we should consume entertainment for art,
learning, formation and fun, stay away from sex and violence stuff)

Start a habit to reinforce a Godly/Christian value.
– Start a prayer streak with someone in ThisGen
– Have a weekly date night with your kids
– Find a service project in your community or serve