Let's talk, parent-to-parent.
Screen time.
Two words that can drive a canyon-like chasm between the closest of families.
Now I’m NOT going to pull the fear card to tell you about the evils of technology.
Chances are you already know.
What I do want to highlight is the fact...
…technology is here to STAY.
It’s up to us, as parents, to decide whether we want to continue running from it, relying on flip phones for the longest time ever, taking away internet privileges and feeling angry about the whole situation…
OR
… can we create strong, intentional, self-reliant teens who go on to become responsible, focused and self-aware adults with enviable social skills despite the great gadget apocalypse?
Do I sense you raise a skeptical eyebrow?
I don’t blame you—nearly every parent has the same question.
Hi, I’m Andrea Davis,
Mom to 5 and a former Secondary Ed. teacher turned screen-time-navigator for families who are ready to stop buying into the fear and anxiety and start using it to create stronger, better, happier families.
I believe we don’t have to battle tech. We have to befriend it and then, empower our teens to use it wisely so when they go out in the world, they’re better prepared, they know what to expect and they are ready to handle the challenges and the consequences.
I believe in hope and guilt-free parenting. We already have a lot to deal with. The last thing you need is someone shoving more to-dos on your plate.
You need a fellow mom who understands it’s okay to not have everything figured out all the time.
You need a researcher who finds what you absolutely need to know about so you can stop paying attention to the fear-mongering that media outlets can indulge in.
You need a friend who happens to have a framework she’s tested on her family.
I’m that friend, that researcher, that mom.
As a mom to 5 kids, teenager down to kindergartener, I’m right there in the trenches with you.
I’m personally invested in figuring this out because I have to do this FIVE times! #sendchocolate
I’ve read the books, listened to the TED talks, gone down research rabbit holes all.night.long.
I studied teen development and behavior as part of my degree.
I taught 7th-grade History, and I taught Spanish at Purdue University.
I served in many volunteer positions where I worked with teenagers, ages 12-18, for several years.
And I then, formulated, created, AND tested inexpensive and yet lasting solutions that work when untangling the tech world with and for your teens.
I’ve also implemented much of this within our own home through teaching and conversations with my kids.
Everything I share with you, you can bet I’ve done it with my teen.
It’s teen-tested and family-approved.
So…how do you start building a stronger connection with your teen?
By understanding that tech isn’t the enemy.
You’re not battling tech.
You’re navigating it, along with your teen, and when you navigate it right, you’re able to use it to build stronger connections and better relationships and create happier times for your family, as a whole.
But the truth is we’ve been made to believe...
This generation is doomed because they’re glued to their smartphones and Snapchat accounts.
You have to have a black-and-white, all-or-nothing approach to tech.
If kids do get addicted to porn or gaming or even, social media, it’s a reflection on our parenting skills.
Tackling tech needs to be done perfectly else you’re bound to fail.
Anyone who uses their cell phone for more than 4 hours a day is bound to get anxiety or depression.
Untangling Teens and Tech
A relationship-first approach to creating tech boundaries to help you worry less and connect more with your teen (Without driving each other crazy!)
Untangling Teens and Tech is a step-by-step program designed to help you create stronger, better tech boundaries.
You can (FINALLY!) say goodbye to shouting matches, frustrated Google searches, and drastic disconnect-with-your teen measures.
You’ll understand how to connect more with your teen. You will open up communication channels and build a strong relationship that will last a lifetime.
Over the course of 12 video modules with bite-sized lessons, you’ll understand everything you need to know about:
Here’s how you’ll do ALL of this without spending MORE than 10 minutes a day:
MODULE 01: Proactive Parenting in a Tangled World
In this module, you’ll discover how to lean on what YOU already know so you can help your teen to navigate tech wisely without getting all preachy.
You’ll learn how to model positive tech habits yourself and you’ll master my High-Five approach that makes it effective (and easy!) for us to connect AND teach our teens about becoming resilient and developing life skills they need in a “skip and scroll” culture.
MODULE 02: What You Should Know About Teenagers
In this module, you’ll understand how the teenage brain functions and how the brain decides what behaviors to hang on to and which ones to let go of and how YOU can use this knowledge to help them develop good tech habits.
You’ll also discover how to help and support your teen as they navigate friendships, independence, and discovering their identity.
MODULE 03: Connect With Your Teen
Connection is the heart and soul of this program and as a parent, it is my mission to help you strengthen your connection with your teen without letting a screen stand in the way of that.
In this module, you’ll uncover exactly how to meet your teen where they are and play to their strengths. You’ll learn how to peel back the layers and uncover what really matters to them.
MODULE 04: Strong Sense of Self
In this module, you’ll encourage and empower your teen to create their sense of self by understanding who they are and what their values are.
With easy, teen-approved exercises, your teen will learn how to use their value system to guide the decisions they make, especially when it comes to what goes on social media.
MODULE 05: Explore the Research Together
Lean on my personal experience with my teen here and discover how you can start to explore the latest research with your teen.
Together, you’ll learn how to distill and discuss the good and bad effects of technology so you can not only make your teen more aware of the addictiveness that tech brings but also continue to help them explore ways to make decisions that help them become the master of their device and not the slave.
MODULE 06: Building Self-Awareness
Untangle the complicated world of social media by understanding when, if and how you can introduce it.
Navigate managing gaming, endless video streaming, and everything that comes with prepping your teen for internet access on a device.
Also, and more importantly, discover how we can talk to our teens about the potential pitfalls of pornography in a healthy and helpful way.
MODULE 07: Managing Time and Distractions
Can you teach your teen to be indistractible in the digital era? Can you actually help teens improve concentration and focus skills? Can these really be learned?
This is the module where you’ll master Jedi tricks to implement to help your teen stay more focused on school work and not let their device dictate their day.
MODULE 08: Being Mindful of Mental Health
In this module, you’ll understand how to help your teen tune out and recharge their body and soul in healthy ways.
You’ll learn everything there is to know about taking planned breaks from optional technology.
MODULE 09: Using Tech to Do Good
The differentiation between creating and consuming digital content is KEY and in this module, you’ll learn how to talk to your teens about this.
You’ll understand the difference between creating and consuming and you’ll know exactly how to help your teen to use tech to help and serve others. I believe in looking around and seeing who you can help and this lesson will show your teen exactly how to do that.
MODULE 10: Collaborative Expectations
Respect is a two-way street and this module focuses on how to understand and respect our teens so we can create collaborative expectations.
You’ll learn how to create tech boundaries that both of you can live with, unlike a cellphone contract that feels dictatorial to our teens. You’ll also learn whether or not to monitor your teen’s digital activities, how much to monitor, and if you do, some of our favorite tools to do so.
MODULE 11: Help! We’re a tangled mess already.
This module will help you if you feel that your teen and you are already disconnected from each other.
You’ll learn exactly where to start and how to reign in your teen’s tech use without losing your mind.
You’ll lean on my experience and knowledge of habit formation and addiction and design a plan to help your teen kick poor tech habits and turn to their family instead of always turning to a screen.
MODULE 12: Keep Going!
This final lesson will give you the parent-to-parent encouragement and gentle guidance you need to give yourself grace and permission as you continue to connect with your teen without letting technology get in the way.
PLUS… You’ll strengthen your connection with your teen with these BONUSES!
The Ready-to-Connect Relationship Booster: An easy-to-use printable of 25 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Teen
On-Demand Teenspiration Suite: A curated collection of some of our family’s favorite TED Talks and quick reads for your teen and you to enjoy together.
The “Connect More” Card: What you see every day, you bring into your world. This is why you’ll get a set of printable Hand-lettered Reminder Cards to put in your phone case, your wallet, on your mirror, on your nightstand, or to use as a bookmark to help you stay connected with your teen.
In contrast, the reality is…
This generation has great potential. They just need a lot of direction and guidance.
As parents, we need to be equipped to offer that in a positive, constructive, and empowering way.
Teens will use screens, both at home and at school.
You don’t need to take away their phones, tablets or laptops. You just need to know how to set boundaries that don’t make kids feel that you’re simply imposing your will on them.
You can start small. With a single change, you can create a positive impact. And it’s okay if you continue to figure it out as you go along.
You don’t have to continue to feel overwhelmed, angry, or frustrated with the situation.
You can choose a proven system, a teen-tested framework for helping your teen foster a healthy relationship with tech.
These parents found solutions for handling tech with their kids...
Helping parents around the world to see that they are not alone in wanting their families to use screens wisely.
“Andrea and Tyler have created a MUCH-needed resource for parents and families at Better Screen Time.
Their suggestions and strategies are principle-based and easily applied to busy family life--but more than anything, they are helping parents around the world to see that they are not alone in wanting their families to use screens wisely.
In a world where screens seem to be "taking over" (and not always in an awesome way), Better Screen Time helps families to see that digital devices can be used for GOOD.”
-Eric & April Perry, Founders of learndobecome.com
We don't need to know everything about technology to become a leader over it.
"As a former video game addict and father of 4, the principles, insights, and questions Andrea presents are monumentally important as we raise children in the digital age.
Andrea's lessons are easy to follow and are the perfect length to watch with your spouse or an accountability partner.
I've found that we don't need to know everything about technology to become a leader over it.
If we follow these principles, I believe we will see the change we've been looking for."
- Spencer Sessions, father of four and leadership mentor for parents
It is easier to encourage my kids to limit their screen time.
"Andrea’s first course, Creating a Tech-Healthy Family, was so powerful. I’m grateful for the practical ideas to change some of my personal tech habits.
I’ve seen that as I’ve improved in these areas it is easier to encourage my kids to limit their screen time.
The course gave me specific questions to ponder and discuss with my spouse/family.
Every effort we make to help ourselves as parents in this digital age is worth it!
I love that Andrea is in the thick of it just like I am. I know that she’s researched this important topic and read from the best books so I trust her advice and expertise!!
Her courses are such a great way to get over your fears and take action regarding technology use in your home."
-Heidi Doxey, mother of five and former teacher
Course Curriculum
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Welcome!
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M01 L1: Why Our Teens Need Us NOW
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M02 L2: Be the Change
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M02 L1: Knots Are Normal
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M02 L2: Our Teens Need Our Confidence
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M03 L1: Untangle the Relationship
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M03 L2: Be at the Crossroads
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M03 L3: Play to Their Strengths
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M03 L4: Meet Them Where They Are
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M04 L1: Why A Strong Sense of Self Matters Now More Than Ever
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M04 L2: Wiring the Internal Filter
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M04 L3: Creating a Vision of the Future
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M05 L1: TED Talks and Live Events
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M05 L2: Pick One Book
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M06 L1: Self-Awareness with Social Media, Video Games, and Video Streaming
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M06 L2: If, When, and How to Introduce Social Media
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M06 L3: Managing Gaming
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M06 L4: Preparing for Internet Access on a Mobile Device
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M06 L5: What About Pornography?
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M07 L1: The Reality of an 'Always-On' World
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M07 L2: How to Minimize Distractions and Stop Wasting Time
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M07 L3: Homework Help
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M08 L1: Healthy Recharging
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M08 L2: Planned Breaks from Optional Technology
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M09 L1: Creating Vs. Consuming
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M09 L2: Reaching out and Helping Others
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M09 L3: Creating a Business that Serves
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M10 L1: Why a Cell Phone Contract Doesn't Always Work
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M10 L2: Creating a Pledge Together
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M10 L3: To Monitor or Not, and How?
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M10 L4: How To Stay on Top of the Latest Apps
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M11 L1: Untangle the Mess
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M11 L2: Preserve the Relationship and Make a Plan
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M11 L3: Simplify and Recruit Help
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M12 L1: Love Your Teenager; Be Gentle With Yourself
You’re protected at all times by my “Just Look Around and See Who You Can Help” Guarantee
As a former Secondary Ed. teacher turned stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Better Screen Time and the creator of this program, I take your trust in me very seriously.
I always tell my kids, “Just look around and see who you can help.”
This course was born out of that need to help my fellow parents navigate the turbulent tech waters with something more than just a technological band-aid.
Which is why if you, at any time during the first 30 days of enrollment, feel that this course is not helping you to connect with your teen and set screen boundaries that are best for your family, email me and I’ll refund your money.
Helping YOU create a stronger, richer, happier family experience is what I’m ALL about.
$199
Full Access
“I don’t really have time to go through an online course to figure out screen time boundaries.”
Answers to this and all the other questions that have you second-guessing whether this program is perfect for you…
Q1. I don’t really have time to go through an online course to figure out screen time boundaries. Will this work for me?
I hear you. I’m parenting 5 kids and I’m an in-the-trenches-with-you mom. I know how rushed mornings can be and how busy evenings are.
Which is why the lessons in this course are intentionally tailored to be no longer than 10 minutes or so.
That’s ALL you need to be able to start connecting with your teen and stop feeling angry, overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated about the screens that stand in the way of a stronger relationship.
Q2. Why do I have to pay a couple of hundred dollars for this? It’s going to be a stretch on our budget.
You always have the option of doing your own research and going down the Google rabbit hole to find solutions to a problem that’s here to stay.
Or you can take me up on my offer to have ready-to-use, research-based frameworks and family-tested solutions that actually work, saving you tons of time and also, money.
This course is based on hundreds of hours of research and an equal number of hours of testing out strategies so you don’t have to do all of that. Plus, if you really think about it… it’s so much cheaper than counseling which may be necessary for some situations, but many intentional parents can work through this at home.
AND...you get the opportunity to connect with your teen!
Q3. My teen won’t listen to me. We are really struggling to get along. I’ve already messed this up. Is it too late for us?
No, it’s only late if you let it stay that way.
If you decide to make a change today and go from yelling matches and slamming doors to calmly discussing screen time and boundaries, you can start repairing your relationship with your teen while helping him/her navigate tech and screens in a way that’s responsible and constructive instead of damaging and consumptive.
Q4. I’ve tried everything. I don’t see how an online course is going to help me learn how to deal with this mess.
I hear you and feel you!
The truth is… You can’t read the label from the inside of the bottle. It’s easy to feel stuck and feel like we’ve tried everything, but sometimes we just need a new perspective.
We need someone with an outside perspective to help us determine our next steps and to walk alongside us.
This isn't just another online course from a big company.
It’s a proven path from a fellow parent who is walking right alongside you!
We break it all down step-by-step, so all you need to do is follow along and focus on your relationship with your teen while you make a few changes together along the way. It’s the next right thing!
Q5. Is this course just for the parents or can I watch it with my teen?
Yes, this course is for parents only. You don’t need to convince your teen to watch it or put them in front of yet another screen.
You are your teen’s best teacher and I’ll give you the tools to make this as easy as possible.
Q6. I have a pre-teen and a teen. Will I be able to come back to the course later to go through for my 2nd kid?
You have LIFETIME access to the program for as long as I’m running the program. You can come back to it later and as many times as you’d like so you can keep working on strengthening your connection with your teen and setting boundaries that work perfectly for everyone.
Q7. I still have questions about whether or not this course will be perfect for my situation. Who do I talk to?
Sure thing! You can reach out to me at [email protected] and either I or a team member will personally respond to you and help you make a decision that’s best for your family and you.
Let’s make untangling tech to connect with our teens a reality
Parent-to-parent, the truth is…
Our teens need us. Now more than ever.
They need us to step up and show up for them.
Just like we’ve always done.
