So many of us live a hectic lifestyle; we run in circles trying to get everything done. Add kids to the mix; well, it’s difficult, especially once they want to venture into the online world. Until I partnered with Google and started using the Family Link App from Google, I spent more time trying to keep track of my kids’ device usage than anything else. This was not an easy task with a 13-year-old daughter who seems to think it’s okay; my mom doesn’t find out, lol. OMG, I AM DREADING THE TEEN YEARS WITH THIS GIRL.
Madisyn is my youngest, and she doesn’t sneak to get on the tablet; she just plain forgets how to hear. When it comes time to do homework, chores, or anything else, she suffers from selective hearing. Yes, she straight up tunes me out, so if I’m not there to see her get off the device or she gets her hearing back suddenly, she cluelessly continues playing on her tablet.
Family Link by Google Helping Parents Set Digital Ground Rules
Well, that is until I downloaded the Family Link app from Google in the Google Play Store a while back. Which, I will tell you right now if you have kids, download the app and set it up. You will be glad you did; it makes keeping up with everyone’s device usage easy, and it’s fun for this mom. Oh, it is fun. There is one feature I use too much—Lock Device.
The “Lock Device” feature is my favorite, and it works great for teens who think it’s okay as long as mom doesn’t find out and children with selective hearing. When they are supposed to be doing their homework, I don’t go talk to them about it for the 731 time. Nope, I grab my phone and touch a button—lock device. Okay, I will admit it sometimes I even tell my Google Home Assistant to do it and giggle about it because the girls moan and groan because they don’t want to do their chores or homework. WIN FOR MOM!
Yes, the Lock Device feature is my favorite. I use it all the time and plan on using it until they are over the age of 18 and paying their own bills, lol. In my house we have rules, even as far as technology usage is concerned.
By using the Family Link from Google, you’ll be doing several positive things for your family. Here are a few ways the Family Link app has helped my family:
Help your family create smart and healthy digital habits
As an adult, I understand how hard it is to make yourself follow rules when it comes to the digital world, but we have to remember our children are watching and learning. Which is why the Family Link app from Google is where it’s at if you are looking to set digital rules? Using the Family Link app, you can guide them while they explore the digital world, learn, and play.
View their activity
Parents need to know what their child is doing online so they can guide them to healthy online habits. Since all screen time is not the same, parents can use the Family Link app to help their child make good choices about what they do online. Parents have access to activity reports showing how much time their child is spending on their favorite apps.
Guide them to parent approved apps
Something I’ve learned over the years is that children respond better when they think they are being guided rather than told what to do. So the Family Link app is perfect for helping parents guide them to good content online. With the Family Link App, parents receive notifications and can approve or block apps their children are trying to download. Parents can also control in-app purchases and hide certain apps on their device.
Feed their curiosity with teacher recommended apps
Find teacher-recommended apps you can add to your child’s device. Plus, it makes road trips easier.
Set those limits
As parents, we have to decide how much screen time is enough for our children, and the Family Link app allows us to do just that. Yes, you can set limits and a bedtime for your child’s device. This will help them, and maybe even you will find a good balance.
Lock it up
You already know how I feel about this feature! Whether it’s time to go play outside or your kids are like mine and suffer from selective hearing, this feature is amazing. Yes, you can lock a device whether it’s time to take a break or your kids forgot how to hear. It gets their attention, lol.
Know where your kids are
Okay, this is by far the best feature because we want to know where our kids are and if they are safe. Am I right? I sure do, and Family Link allows you to find your child when they are away from home using the Family Link app. If your child has their device, you’ll know where they are.
To set up your family link, you’ll need:
- An Android phone or tablet for your child that runs Nougat.
- An account with Google.
- Android, phone, tablet, iPad or iPhone.
If you have those things, you can get started quick and easy. Just head to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the Family Link app. After it is installed, you’ll start your family, which will allow you to link your account to your child’s, and you can invite other family members to join your family.
Next, you’ll create your Family Link! Yes, this is an important part of where you connect to your child’s Google account and gives you control over your child’s account until they are older. Follow the on-screen directions and set up your child’s device. It’s super easy and doesn’t take long unless you are like me and have to stop in between every darn screen to go tell my kids to get off their tablet and get their rooms clean.
It’s seriously easy and totally worth it. Pssst… and trust me the “Lock Device” feature, give it a try. Hurry and download the app, you’ll love it!
This is a sponsored post as part of the Mom It Forward network. All opinions are my own.
