Feel like I sound like a broken record saying no to gaming and YouTube. My kids think we're the strictest parents ever. But then I see kids with unlimited access and honestly it scares me. We're trying to be intentional but also reasonable. What boundaries are you all setting? Need some perspective from other dads trying to do this right.
Your kids thinking you're the strictest parents ever is probably the best feedback you could get honestly. Means the boundaries are actually sticking.
Every parent I know who's actually happy with their kids' behavior is the one saying no to gaming and YouTube constantly. The ones who gave up on that battle seem way more stressed. Stick with it.
The broken record comment is real and it sucks but kids eventually understand why you did it. My oldest is 16 now and he actually gets why we were strict about screens. He's way ahead of his friends who have zero limits.
You're not alone in sounding like a broken record. It's honestly the parenting version of that movie Groundhog Day. But unlimited access kids seem way more wired and unhappy from what I've seen. You're probably doing better than you think.
What does 'trying to balance' look like for you? Like do they get any gaming time or is it basically off limits? Curious how other people handle this because it's the thing I argue about most with my wife.
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The fact that you're scared for the unlimited access kids tells me you're paying attention to something real. Screen addiction in kids is legitimate. Your kids thinking you're strict is actually a good sign you're setting boundaries.