Video games, phones & family balance: Teaching kids healthy tech habits free of guilt or power struggles with Ash Brandin

Joining me is Ash Brandin, educator and author of Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash brings a fresh, nonjudgmental perspective to how families can navigate technology with intention and respect.

Together we explore:

- Why the "less is better" approach to screens often creates guilt and power struggles, plus a strategy that is more effective.

- How to use Ash's "ABCs of screen time" framework (access, behavior, and content) to make intentional choices that meet everyone's needs.

- The importance of respect and collaboration in setting screen boundaries (and boundaries in general) which help kids learn to be active participants, not passive rule-followers.

- How video games are a form of play that, used intentionally, can build autonomy, resilience, and connection.

- Practical strategies to help kids notice their internal states, regulate emotions, and transfer those skills beyond screens.

Whether you're navigating video games, phones, or family movie nights, this conversation offers practical tools and a compassionate perspective to help your whole family build a healthier relationship with technology.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 https://www.thegamereducator.com/

📚 Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family

📚 The Gamer Educator Substack

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@thegamereducator

📱@drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🔗 I'm so excited to be partnering with PokPok to offer you an exclusive discount. You'll get 25% off, plus a 7-day free trial to see how it works for your family. Go to drsarahbren.com/pokpok and introduce your child to screen time that feels more like playtime.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about regulation and screen time with Alé Duarte

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about EdTech with Andy Liddell

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how smartphones really affect kids' mental health with Dr. Wendy Rote

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about battling over screen time with The Screentime Consultant Emily Cherkin