Episode 244: The Phone Battle You’re Not Supposed to Win

Cynthia and Dr. Ken dive into one of the biggest parenting struggles right now—adolescents and their phones. From screen time issues to kids finding creative ways around the rules (hello, burner phones and smartwatches), it’s clear this isn’t going anywhere. Dr. Ken reframes the whole conversation by reminding us this isn’t about controlling phones—it’s about raising young adults. That means setting clear limits (like when phones aren’t allowed), expecting pushback, and holding boundaries without being shocked when they try to get around them. We also talk about what doesn’t work (reward systems and over-controlling) and what actually helps—shifting toward conversations, ownership, and preparing them for life after your house. And of course, we hit the frustration every parent feels—when they’re technically following the rules but still glued to their phone. If this is a struggle in your house, you’re not alone—and this episode will help you think about it in a healthier, more realistic way. If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Music provided by the great John David Kent - Advertising Inquiries: Privacy & Opt-Out:

You can listen to Episode 244: The Phone Battle You’re Not Supposed to Win online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 244: The Phone Battle You’re Not Supposed to Win is an episode from Feeding The Mouth That Bites You by Kenneth Wilgus, Cynthia Yanof.

This episode is 31:51 long.

This episode was published on Mar 31, 2026.

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