In this episode of Parent Tech, I sit down with Al Nowatzki, a generative AI QA lead, to discuss the impact of AI and AI companions on children and parenting. We also take a trip down memory lane, discussing Al's experience hosting a Star Wars podcast with his kids, which helped spark discussions about real-world issues through fiction. We discuss AI companions among teens, with Al emphasizing the need for parents to be proactive and informed about the technology. If you’re thinking abo...

In this episode of Parent Tech, I sit down with Ash Brandin, IG: TheGamerEducator, and the author of the upcoming book “Power On.” We discuss practical strategies for managing screen time, the importance of creating systems and rules, and the ways screens can be effectively integrated into family life. Ash shares insights from their background as an educator, outlining the 'ABCs of Screen Time' and how to balance access, behavior, and content. We also discuss the motivations behind gami...

In this episode of Parent Tech, I talk with Dr. Susan Walker, Professor Emeritus of Family and Social Science at the University of Minnesota and the author of a textbook on technology and the family. We cover the historical context of parenting and how today's technology fits into a much longer story. We explore how parenting is different today and the ways parents use technology. Dr. Walker offers a grounded, judgment-free perspective: parenting has always been about your values, your goals,...

Have you ever wondered how the apps your kids use are designed? Or wish they were designed better? In this episode we'll go inside Pok Pok, an Apple-award-winning kids app that's designed to promote calm play and exploration. This conversation with Pok Pok Founder and CEO Melissa Cash and Founder and Chief Creative Officer Esther Huybreghts covers screens and parenting, their design process, and how investors responded to their idea to make an app with no ads, no levels or points, and no text...