At the 2022 I Am Mom Summit, speaker Tanner Clark—a motivational speaker, teen advocate, and father of four—delivered a powerful reminder that resonates deeply with parents navigating the digital age: our presence matters more than our phones.
Though he jokingly admits he’s “clearly not a mom,” Tanner draws on his experiences as a dad and his years of working with teens to highlight a truth many of us need to hear: our kids need us fully present, especially in the small, everyday moments.
One story that shaped Tanner’s perspective was a late-night encounter with his young daughter. She came into his room with a seemingly small complaint—her toe hurt. In the past, he might have offered a quick hug and sent her back to bed. But that night, Tanner felt something different. He put down his phone, pulled her close, and decided to hug her until she let go. Five minutes later, he realized how many meaningful moments he had missed by giving only “two-second hugs” instead of the attention his children truly needed.
From this, Tanner shared two vital lessons:
Kids need intentional, individual time every single day. Love them as much as they need to be loved—not just as much as we think they do.
We have the power to control our digital distractions. A single second of strength—choosing to put down the phone—can change everything.
Tanner also shed light on the challenges teens face today: comparison, FOMO, and the toll of endless screen time. With smartphones consuming hours of their lives, teens are fighting a quiet but dangerous “attention war.” Parents, he argues, have the responsibility to model healthier habits and to choose connection over distraction.
His message was clear and heartfelt: The relationship you have with your kids must always be more important than the one you have with your phone. By being intentional, asking how our kids are really doing, and showing up fully in those small but significant moments, we give our children the love, security, and strength they need to thrive.
About Tanner Clark
Tanner Clark has spent nearly a decade empowering teens to recognize their worth and potential. Through school assemblies, church talks, and his growing social media presence (@realtannerclark), Tanner inspires teens—and parents—to use their “Second of Strength” to set aside distractions and reclaim true connection.
