If you’ve ever tried to set limits on your kid’s phone use and ended up in an argument, you’re not alone. One listener reached out with a common parenting dilemma: her 13-year-old son is glued to his phone, has unrestricted access to social media, and spends his free time either on his phone or playing Fortnite. She wants to set boundaries—but she also doesn’t want him to be mad at her for doing it.
In this episode, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about setting tech limits: there will be pushback, and that’s okay. I break down exactly how to approach this in a way that protects your relationship while making boundaries clear and enforceable. We talk about why relying on a teen’s self-control is a losing game (for all of us, honestly), how to set limits that actually work, and how to shift the conversation from control to connection.
You’ll Learn:
✔️ The four types of tech limits every parent should consider
✔️ Why boredom is actually good for your kid—and how to help them push through it
✔️ How to frame tech boundaries in a way that fosters responsibility, not just obedience
✔️ The surprising way humor and social media can help teens think critically about their own screen use
If you’ve been feeling exhausted from the constant power struggles over tech, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in.
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🎙 Tune in next week for real-life relationship questions, insight that builds empathy, and practical steps to create happier, healthier relationships.
Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.
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