iPad meltdowns. YouTube rabbit holes. Daily battles over "just five more minutes."

If screen time is your biggest daily struggle, you're not alone. In this honest, practical episode, Olga tackles the modern parent's toughest challenge managing screens in a world that didn't exist when we were kids.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Age-appropriate screen time guidelines (that actually work in real life)
• The critical difference between "good" and "bad" screen time
• Why screens trigger such intense meltdowns and how to prevent them
• The "when-then" approach that eliminates negotiating
• Visual timer tricks that make transitions smooth
• How to create a family media plan everyone agrees to
• The 5 rules of healthy screen habits (for kids AND parents)
• Why co-viewing changes everything

Real Stories, Real Solutions: Meet Sarah and her son Ethan, whose 30-minute iPad sessions turned into hour-long meltdowns until they implemented these strategies. Plus, Olga's vulnerable confession about her own phone addiction and what changed when her daughter called her out.

The Truth About Screen Time: This isn't about eliminating screens or achieving some screen-free utopia. It's about finding BALANCE. Making sure technology serves your family not the other way around.

Your Homework This Week: Hold a family meeting (make it fun bring popcorn!) and create YOUR family's screen time rules TOGETHER. Kids who help create the rules are more likely to follow them.

What You'll Learn:

✨ Research vs. Reality: What the AAP says vs. what's actually doable ✨ Quality over quantity: Not all screen time is created equal ✨ The dopamine effect: Why kids literally can't stop on their own ✨ Transition strategies: 5 tools that eliminate meltdowns ✨ Tech-free traditions: Building connection without screens ✨ Parent screen habits: How YOUR phone use affects your kids ✨ The family media plan: Step-by-step creation guide

Key Strategies Covered:

• Visual timers that make "5 more minutes" concrete
• Transition warnings (10 min, 5 min, 2 min)
• Calm-down time AFTER screens
• "When-then" for delayed gratification
• Screen-free zones (bedrooms, dinner table, car)
• Co-viewing for active engagement
• Leading by example with YOUR devices

You're not trying to be perfect. You're trying to find balance. Start with ONE change. Progress, not perfection.

🔗 CONNECT WITH OLGA:
Instagram: @ParentingWithoutPanic
YouTube: @ParentingWithoutPanic
TikTok: @ParentingWithoutPanic