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 Takeaways

• Screens 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 Mentioned

• Casey’s website & coaching: besproutable.com/teens
• Joyful Courage Podcast: Listen wherever you get your podcasts
• Instagram: @joyful_courage
• Facebook 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: www.bark.us
• Ted Talk Exposing the Costs of Social Media (mentioned in episode)

🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]

🎧 Loved this episode?

Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!

OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:

🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content

🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?

Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!

🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!

Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 

🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website

🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy