305. Can Screens Benefit the Whole Family? with Ash Brandin

Listen to this episode from Brave Writer on Spotify. Do you ever catch yourself treating screens like contraband—tolerated in tiny doses, never to be openly celebrated? Ash Brandin, author of Power On: Managing Screen Time for the Benefit of the Whole Family, urges us to view screens as morally neutral and to focus on how they can serve the whole family’s needs.In this episode, Ash shares their “Screen Time ABCs”: Access that adapts to context rather than rigid caps, Behavior as neutral data rather than blame, and Content choices that create better stopping points. They offer practical tactics like sticky-note reminders for Minecraft, reducing scarcity with predictable access and occasional “yes days,” using body doubling for schoolwork, and setting YouTube Kids to Approved Content Only to eliminate ads and algorithms. Ash also addresses AI, encouraging us to teach kids digital literacy and vetting skills rather than fear.Their perspective replaces guilt with guidance, helping families connect through technology instead of fighting against it. Tune in to hear Ash’s thoughtful strategies and mindset-shifting advice.Resources:Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: @thegamereducatorRead Power On: Managing Screen Time for the Benefit of the Whole Family by Ash BrandinFall class registration is open! Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingJoin us at the Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: