Screen time battle with my teenager

1w ago·1 min read

I finally took my 14 year old's phone away at dinner time and bedtime and it's been an actual war. He says I'm the worst parent ever, that it's not fair because his friends have theirs, that he needs it for homework (he doesn't). I know I'm doing the right thing based on everything I've read about sleep and development but man is it hard to stick to when he's this angry at me. Anyone else dealing with this? Does it get easier or am I just ruining our relationship over screen time?

4 comments170 views

Comments(4)

RRick M.Regular1w ago

The war phase is real but stick with it. After about 2 weeks the pushback usually dies down because he figures out you're not budging. You're teaching him a valuable lesson about boundaries even if he hates you for it right now.

EEvan M.Regular1w ago

Props for actually doing it. So many parents say they will but then cave. How's he reacting to the phone-free meals so far?

JJake M.Regular1w ago

This is the right call. I know it sucks but 14 year olds need those boundaries even if they fight like hell against them. He'll probably thank you when he's older.

VVincentRegular1w ago

Hang in there. The first two weeks are always the hardest. Once the anger phase passes you might actually see him engaging more at dinner, or at least not thinking about his phone constantly.