Screens are everywhere — but how do we keep them from taking over our kids’ lives? In this special ally episode, Jaimie sits down with Casey O’Roarty, a positive discipline trainer, parent coach, and host of the Joyful Courage podcast, to talk about raising kids in a high-tech world.Casey shares practical strategies for balancing independence with safety, building critical thinking skills, setting real limits, and creating a united front with other parents. This candid conversation also weaves in Jaimie and Casey’s personal lives — both are supporting spouses through cancer — and how “life is lifing” for them while they navigate parenting tweens and teens.You’ll leave this episode feeling less alone, better equipped, and maybe even inspired to hold a family meeting tonight about screens.🏳️‍🌈 Key TakeawaysScreens are a privilege, not a right. With privilege comes responsibility and hard rules.Start basic and build up. If possible, begin with a simple phone and add features gradually.Model what you want to see. Check your own screen habits and talk openly about them.Use “no-phone zones” instead of only time limits. Meals, bedrooms, family movie nights, and cars are good places to start.Collaborate with other parents. A united front makes it easier to hold boundaries.Validate first, explain second. Teens listen better when they feel understood.Add real-life experiences. Independence, chores, sports, and outdoor time help offset tech use.Consider monitoring tools. Apps like Bark can give alerts without constant snooping.Family meetings work. Create a safe space for kids to contribute to tech rules and solutions.🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈Casey O’Roarty is a Positive Discipline Lead Trainer and parent coach, the adolescent lead and co-founder of Sproutable. A mom to a 19-year-old and a 22-year-old, she hosts the Joyful Courage podcast for parents of tweens and teens. Casey is passionate about helping parents show up with connection and consistency so their teens can truly thrive.🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code QUEERFAM25 at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedCasey’s website & coaching: besproutable.com/teensJoyful Courage Podcast: Listen wherever you get your podcastsInstagram: @joyful_courageFacebook Group: “Joyful Courage for Parents of Teens”Recommended reading: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt & 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World by Jean Twenge (mentioned in episode)Bark monitoring app & Bark Phone: