I Grew Up “Nutria Hunting” and Drinking Hose Water. Now I’m Taming Algorithm Dragons for My Kids
Hello, World!
Why We Use BARK Parental Controls and Products
(and Why You Probably Should Too)
The Truth? OK… I’ll spill…
We Were those “No Devices” Parents
IKR?
I’m a “young” Gen X parent.
Which means I was raised half-wild, half-unsupervised, and 100% off the grid.
We drank water straight from the hose.
We rode in the backs of pickup trucks—no seatbelts, no helmets, and definitely no sunscreen.
We disappeared until nightfall with nothing but a rusty bike, a pack of Big League Chew, and maybe a BB gun.
Definitely a BB gun.
Our version of “screen time” was squinting at the one channel that played Inspector Gadget at 3:30 p.m. after school—if the antenna cooperated.
And if you were lucky, you had an older sibling to punch you in the arm during commercials.
Nobody tracked our location.
Nobody asked what we were doing.
And no one ever said “digital footprint” unless they were talking about muddy sneakers in the kitchen.
Fast forward to now—
and I’m a full-blown “no devices in the bedroom” mom who still throws my kids outside yelling,
“GO OUTSIDE AND FIND SOMETHING TO DO!”
… like I’m living in The Sandlot reboot.
“I want you to get out into the fresh air and make some friends. Run around, scrape your knees, get dirty.
Climb trees, hop fences. Get into trouble, for crying out loud.
Not too much, but some.
You have my permission.
How many mothers do you know who say something like that to their sons?
- Mom, The Sandlot (1993 Movie)
Image credit: Fan illustration inspired by The Sandlot. Used under Fair Use for commentary purposes.
But… real-talk:
We can’t raise analog kids in a digital world.
And pretending we can just “keep them offline” is the fastest way to lose visibility into what’s really going on.
If we don’t guide our kids through the digital maze?
They’ll start navigating it behind our backs—with burner accounts, borrowed screens, and apps they hope we never find out about.
That’s why I’ve used BARK since 2020.
It’s not about control.
It’s not about spying.
It’s about staying in relationship with your kids as they navigate the most complex digital landscape in human history.
BARK gives me:
Smart alerts for cyberbullying, sexual content, mental health keywords, and red flag conversations
GPS-powered location tracking with immediate check-ins
Text, app, email, and YouTube monitoring even on platforms other tools can’t reach
One dashboard, one app, and one place to know what matters—without reading every word
Nothing is going to be perfect out there, ofcourse.
Nothing will parent better than you. That’s the heavy-lifting.
But it gives you the intel to stay ahead of the damage—
…before your kid hits a digital wall they can’t undo.
And it lets me parent in the real world—not the fantasy one I grew up in.
“Your kid has a device. You have zero visibility.
And you’re just hoping nothing goes wrong? That’s not a strategy.
I use Bark—because I’d rather know what’s happening than guess.”
Explore Bark’s top-rated devices for digital safety →You wish you had 10 Years Ago
I’ve used BARK for over 5 years—and I recommend it to every parent I coach.
You can monitor texts, social media, YouTube, web searches, location, screen time, and more—without losing the relationship.
You’ll know what matters.
You’ll catch things before they spiral.
And your kid will know someone’s got their back.
Shop the Bark Watch and Phone →
When you use our partner link to purchase, you are supporting our Podcast at no additional cost to you. Just real tools that make parenting smarter—not harder.
“Every device is a door.
Bark lets you keep the dangerous ones locked—without slamming every door shut.”
Real Questions Parents Are Asking About BARK
What’s the best parental control app for monitoring text messages?
BARK uses AI to monitor platforms other apps can’t touch—including Apple’s Messages. It flags bullying, violence, and risky conversations—without showing you every word.
How do I keep my kids safe online without spying?
BARK keeps you informed—not invasive. You get alerts when something’s off, so you can respond—not overreact.
What’s the most trusted parental control for Gen X parents like me?
Think of BARK like the digital seatbelt our generation never had. Since 2015, it’s become the go-to tool for millions of families—covering TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and more.
Can I monitor my child’s phone without invading their privacy?
Yes. BARK doesn’t give you full message transcripts—it flags risks. That means your child keeps autonomy, and you stay looped in when it matters.
How does BARK compare to Apple parental controls?
BARK goes where Apple can’t. It uses encrypted analysis to flag content Apple can’t access—giving you an edge in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Is BARK good for teenagers?
Absolutely. Teens aren’t on YouTube Kids anymore. They’re in Discord chats, TikTok scroll holes, and Reddit threads. BARK meets them there—and brings you with it.
How can I block dangerous websites and still track my kid’s location?
BARK gives you both: site filtering and GPS check-ins—all inside one simple app. No need to install five different tools.
Want real visibility into your child’s digital life without spying?
Try Bark free with my partner link.
This is the exact tool I use with my kids—and you can try it free today.
AND - when you use our partner link for your purchases and subscriptions, you are supporting our Podcast at no additional cost to you.
It’s a Win-Win!
Want real visibility into your child’s digital life without spying?
Try Bark free with my partner link.
This is the exact tool I use with my kids—and you can try it free today.
AND - when you use our partner link for your purchases and subscriptions, you are supporting our Podcast at no additional cost to you.
It’s a Win-Win!
Want to Parent Like It’s 2025 Without Losing Your 1985 Sanity?
Download the free cheat sheets I made for Gen X moms who still mash buttons.
✔ Real tools, real-world rules, and a smarter way to parent through the digital chaos.
✔ Two instant downloads:
– The Gen X Mom’s Guide to Raising Tech-Savvy Kids
Whether your kid’s already online or just asking for a phone, these will save your sanity and your signal.
BARK’S 2025 Product Lineup: Parent Approved Devices for Every Stage
The Bark Phone
Overview:
A smartphone designed specifically for children, integrating Bark’s monitoring software directly into the device. It offers tamper-proof controls, contact and app installation approvals, remote alarms, and customizable screen time limits.
Multiple Pricing Plans Available for Low Barrier Entry, allowing a large swath of digital families to secure their kids’ devices:
Notable Review:
“With powerful monitoring features and complete control over apps and content, it provides peace of mind while allowing children to explore safely.”
— Amazon Customer Review
“You don’t need to helicopter your kid.
You just need the right tool - I’ve used Bark since 2020 and wouldn’t parent in the digital age without it.”
🛡️ BARK™ for Gen X Moms
Because “Just Turn It Off” Isn’t a Strategy Anymore
You can’t raise analog kids in a digital world.
But the parenting advice out there is either guilt-inducing, out-of-touch, or straight-up tech denial.
Meanwhile, your kid is navigating group chats, hidden apps, and location tracking—and you’re just trying to keep up without blowing up.
BARK gives you the tech that actually has your back.
It flags violent content, inappropriate messages, sketchy images, predator behavior, and more—so you know what matters without reading every text.
Get My Free Digital Parenting Cheat Sheets
Especially For Gen X Moms Who Still Mash Buttons
(+ all who could use device monitoring controls)
Download both guide for instant access now
The Gen X Mom’s Guide to Raising Tech-Savvy Kids
Step-by-step survival strategies
Safety without surveillance
The exact Bark Phone + Watch setup available in 2025 from the App we use in our home.
