I've tried Apple Screen Time, some random apps from the store, and honestly nothing feels right. They're either too strict and my kids find workarounds, or too loose and I'm not seeing what I need to see. We need something that blocks stuff but also lets them have some privacy because they're getting older. Anyone found something that actually works without being a total pain to set up?
My son's doing karate and honestly we just use the built-in Apple stuff. It's not perfect but it's simple enough that we're not fighting it constantly. The apps that try to be too clever usually just create a frustration battle.
We've gone back and forth on this a lot with two kids. The workarounds are real no matter what you pick, so I'd say don't overthink it too much. Find something that works 80 percent of the time and accept that's the best you're getting.
Built-in controls are probably your best bet honestly. We did model rockets with my son and honestly just keeping him busy with stuff he's into does more than any app ever did. The tech is just backup.
The random apps from the store are such a waste of time and money. I went through like five before just sticking with what came built in. Less headaches.
I've been using Google Family Link and honestly it does the job. Not perfect but it gives me visibility without feeling like Big Brother. The app reports are actually useful.
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None of them feel right because they're all kind of fighting against what kids naturally want to do. I use Apple Screen Time but I pair it with actual conversations about why we have limits. That's the real parental control.