Okay, it's almost Halloween….

and while my kids are buzzing about costumes and candy, I'm thinking about a different kind of monster: the ones lurking in our digital devices. 

Sound familiar? We just did our own "trick-or-treat" safety sweep, not just for stranger danger at the door, but for what’s happening on their screens.

My spouse and I spent an evening digging into app store limits, fiddling with YouTube Kids filters, and — honestly — having a few debates about "late-night settings" that felt more like a tech battle than a parental duty. 

It's a constant push and pull, isn't it? One minute, you're applauding Snapchat's founder for his strict anti-screen stance for his own kids; the next, you're trying to figure out if Instagram's new PG-13 limits work for your teenager.

Dr. Becky, the parenting expert, talks about finding that sweet spot between emotional support and firm boundaries. And when it comes to technology, those boundaries feel less like a gentle fence and more like a digital fort. You want to give them freedom, sure, but you also want to protect them from the things you can't see, the content that slips through, the late-night rabbit holes.

So, what's a parent to do when the digital world feels like a funhouse mirror – sometimes delightful, other times distorted, and often quite disorienting? We can't bury our heads in the sand. We have to be proactive.

This week, let's talk about taking back some control. Let's make sure our kids are exploring a digital neighborhood that's safe, not spooky.

For more on making sense of the digital world with your family, these posts offer valuable insights:

• "When a Chat Thread Turns Dark: How Parents Can Respond to AI, Screens, and Teen Distress" – This piece offers crucial guidance on talking to your kids about AI and protecting their mental health online. It's a heavy topic, but an important one.

• "How to Use AI for Homework Without Increasing Screen Time (Back-to-School 2025)" – Practical tips for using AI for learning without adding to the screen time battle.

🎃 The "One-Hour Safety Sweep" Guide 🧹 

Ready to tackle those digital monsters? This Halloween, let's commit to a "One-Hour Safety Sweep." Grab a coffee (or a handful of candy, I won't tell) and set aside 60 minutes to review your family’s digital settings. Our new guide walks you through:

• Checking app store purchasing limits.

• Refining YouTube Kids content filters.

• Implementing device-free times or late-night power-downs.

• Talking to your kids about online safety in an open, honest way.

It's not about being perfect; it's about being prepared. Share this guide with another parent who might need a little digital peace of mind this spooky season.

🎤 Ready to Make 2026 Your Breakthrough Year for You AND Your Family? 

Join Me at the Goal Achievers Summit — Orlando, Dec 29-30! 🌟 

Forget just another conference. 

This is a two-day, life-changing reset for people who are DONE playing small and READY to make big moves. 

Here’s the deal: 40 world-class speakers (including me!), Thousands of actionable ideas for every area of your life - including family, All dedicated to helping you create the year you’ve always wanted. 

Grab your $100 ticket (normal prices are $997 for 2-days, but I have a limited amount at $100 for my closest friends and family and I would LOVE for you to join me in Orlando)!

Until next week,

Warren S.

The AI Dad