NPR's Life Kit answers parents' questions about their kids' screen use. Education consultant Ana Homayoun says it's all about empowering your kids to make good decisions when you're not around.

From distracted parenting to "sharenting," an honest look at our own use of electronic media can make us into more skillful parents and better role models. Here's what to remember: - Put your phone away whenever possible when you're with your kids. - If you want calmer children, be a more focused parent. - Before you post a picture or share a cute story about your kids on social media, think twice and get their permission if possible. - Don't use technology to stalk your children. -...

Emotional outbursts. Lost sleep. These are signs that your kids are spending too much time with digital devices. Here's what you can do about it. Here's what to remember: - Pay attention to your children's emotional relationship with screens, not just how much time they are spending with them. - Don't just make technology rules based on time. - Do guard bedtimes and mealtimes. - Don't expect taking away the phone to solve all your family's problems. - Mentor your kids; don't just...

The family that plays video games together stays together. When parents become digital mentors, children can learn empathy and resilience and prepare for careers. Here's how to harness the advantages of screen time. Here's what to remember: - Whenever possible, share screens with your kids. - Balancing screen use is about much more than time. - Be smart about content. - Look for what's positive about your kids' screen time so you can help those positive things grow.

Balancing our kids' screen use means more than saying no. We explore how screens can bring families closer together and how being thoughtful about your own relationship with screens can make you a better parent.