A Conversation That Made it All Worthwhile:
A Mom’s Story and Journey with Screen Boundaries

"I wanted to share our story to give hope to parents out there. We are constantly feeling the pressure to give in or give up. I saw Tessa speak back in 2015 when my oldest was just 2 years old. It changed my way of parenting [with screens] and I am forever grateful. However, I constantly am worried that I am too harsh or strict and needed to check in with my two boys Here’s how she’s set things up:

 

- **TV**: Only two TVs in the house—one connected to YouTube and the other limited to streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and NFL (all content viewable in shared spaces).

- **Computer**: A family laptop, always stationed in communal areas with parental controls, content filters, and password-protected browsing.

- **No Personal Devices**: The kids don’t have personal devices.

- **Family Phone**: A shared family phone, for calls and texts only, that stays in the kitchen.

- **Nintendo Switch**: Allowed on weekends with parental controls and time limits.

 

Despite her best efforts, she still wondered if she’d gone overboard. With a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, she sat down with her son to find out.

 

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**Mom:** “Do you wish you had more freedom with the internet and devices? How are you feeling about the current restrictions?”

 

**Son:** “No, I feel like I have enough freedom right now.”

 

**Mom:** (Surprised) “You do? Really?”

 

**Son:** “Yes, I don’t need anything else.”

 

**Mom:** “But don’t you feel left out? Or like I’m being too strict?”

 

**Son:** “No, Mom. I know we need your guidance right now. I know you’ll loosen up as I get older, and eventually, I’ll have more freedom. But I don’t want my little brothers to get addicted like my friends. So, I’m okay with this.”

 

**Mom:** (Jokingly) “Are you just saying this to get more?”

 

**Son:** (Laughing) “No, really. I have friends who are always getting grounded from their video games, YouTube, and phones, and I just think that sounds horrible. I’d rather not do any of that. When I tell friends I’ve never subscribed to anyone on YouTube, they look at me like I’m crazy. But they’re actually the crazy ones—they’re so obsessed.”

 

**Mom:** “Oh yeah, that’s exactly what I don’t want for you.”

 

**Son:** “Yeah, this one kid literally slapped me in the face and had a full breakdown when I didn’t know who a certain YouTuber was.”

 

**Mom:** (Surprised) “Wait, he slapped you in the face?!”

 

**Son:** (Laughing) “Yeah, we were at recess when we were like 9. That’s when I realized I didn’t want to be friends with him or anyone like that. He’s the reason I know what you’re doing. He’s the perfect example of what we don’t want to be like or have in our lives.”

 

**Mom:** (With a mix of pride and relief) “So, you’re good with it? For now at least. You can always come talk to me or ask for stuff, and we’ll figure it out together, okay?”

 

**Son:** “I know that, Mom!” (in a slightly exasperated but happy tone)

 

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This conversation might seem simple, but it was profound. For years, she’d questioned her decisions, especially when it seemed like *everyone else* was giving their kids more freedom, more devices, more internet. Hearing her son not only accept but understand her reasons was a profound reminder of why she’d taken such care.

 

**A Mom’s Reflection:**

 

In a world that often pressures parents to give in, to let go, or to give more, this was the affirmation she didn’t know she needed. Her son’s calm acceptance and appreciation of her boundaries showed her that, sometimes, it’s worth it to set limits and hold firm.

 

It’s not just about restricting screens; it’s about teaching values, boundaries, and the importance of real, intentional connection. And as this mom realized, it’s about building a sense of purpose that’s stronger than any screen.