Prince William recently expressed concern about how to raise his kids amid all this technology. True to form, he’s put a no-phones policy in place for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as well. The Duke of Cambridge says that having strong family connections and spending more time outdoors are two fundamental ingredients to childhood development. He and Catherine, Princess of Wales, prioritize spending quality time together as a family, ensuring their children grow up in a supportive and nurturing environment.
William’s upbringing shaped how he fathers today. He grew up witnessing the disruption of his parents’ divorce as a preteen. Today, he’s focused and committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for his children. It’s this childhood experience that informs his approach to today’s challenges, especially the deep and subtle impact of technology on young minds—arguably the challenge of our era.
Emphasizing Family Time
In a time where leisure is increasingly spent in front of screens, William tells us how important it is to interact with one another sans devices. He states, “We sit and chat, it’s really important. None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about.” This pledge to maintaining open lines of communication creates a space for the family to engage with one another in a more meaningful way.
William feels that it is very important to focus on the home space, creating a warm, safe environment. He remarked, “You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love. That all has to be there… but you take that and you learn from it.” By creating space for family mealtimes, he automatically guarantees that they are all sharing experiences and growing their relationships with one another.
The couple instills values in their children through participation in various hobbies. Prince George loves playing football and ice hockey and Princess Charlotte takes classes in ballet and netball. Young Prince Louis clearly enjoys trampolining, an energetic and boisterous pastime that is a great way to work off energy, says William.
Outdoor Activities Over Screen Time
Even Prince William is getting in on the act, calling outdoor play an essential component of childhood. He believes that keeping children busy with sports not only promotes physical health but fosters teamwork and social skills. “Charlotte does her netball as well and her ballet and so keeping them busy with sports and being outdoors is really important,” he noted.
He further elaborated on the importance of these outdoor activities by sharing a glimpse into their family life: “They end up jumping up and down on the trampoline, beating each other up, most of the time.” These lighthearted encounters foster imagination and resourcefulness that serve the siblings both individually and together.
Additionally, he encourages his children to explore musical instruments, although he humorously acknowledged the challenges they face in mastering them. “I’m not sure how successful we’re being with that,” he said, highlighting the importance of embracing imperfections in childhood development.
Reflecting on Parenting Influences
William’s new parenting philosophy is rooted in his upbringing, having grown up a royal — and often lonely — child himself. His parents’ divorce is still the elephant on his mind. It influences how he chooses to parent his own kids today. He stated, “For me, the most important thing in my life is family… if you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time.”
This perspective informs not only his practical application of technology but the entire social-emotional climate of their home. He understands that trauma in childhood can echo down the years even into adulthood. He is passionate about providing a better space. This speaks to his motivation as a father to provide his children with the kind of childhood he didn’t have.
William admits that adults need to pay attention to how we use devices as well. “But you know what—the grown-ups are guilty of it too,” he confessed, underscoring the importance of recognizing and respecting each other’s space at every age.
