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A mom asked a question at one of our live events that sparked a conversation on our team.

She created a phone contract with her kids that included mutual phone checks—meaning she could look at their phones, and they could look at hers. Then she asked: “Is that ok?”

In the moment, Mandy said yes—affirming the mom’s desire to build trust and model openness. But afterward, our team kept talking. Should phone rules go both ways? Are there situations where that might not be the best approach?

In this episode, Mandy and Merideth unpack both perspectives—exploring the balance between trust and leadership. They discuss real-life considerations like privacy, spouse conversations, work-related information, and the kind of content that can unexpectedly show up on a parent’s phone.

They also zoom out to digital safety—why “deleted” doesn’t always mean gone, the risks tied to sharing images, and how AI is changing the conversation for families.

You’ll walk away with practical guidance on creating a phone contract, involving your kids in the process, and adjusting boundaries as they grow.

Create Guidelines - nextTalk

Random Phone Checks? - nextTalk

Free Guide: Phone Contract (Faith-Based) - nextTalk

Is my kid ready for a phone? - nextTalk

Free Guide: Family Pact Kid Version (5+) - nextTalk

Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk

My kid has a phone with no guidelines. How do I go back? - nextTalk

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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admin@nextTalk.org
P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

Send us Fan Mail

What’s one simple parenting habit that builds trust?

In this episode, Mandy shares why saying what you mean—and following through—can shape how your kids see you for years to come. When parents are consistent with their words, it builds credibility, respect, and a sense of security in the home.

She also shares two additional thoughts for parents in the early years, including staying connected in your marriage and staying grounded in your faith.

This conversation is a reminder that small, everyday moments matter more than we think.

Look in the Mirror - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/

We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/

3 Things Not to Do if you want to Stay Married - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/your-family-is-the-most-important-team-you-will-ever-lead/


Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

Connect with us...
www.nextTalk.org
Facebook
Instagram

Contact Us...
admin@nextTalk.org
P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

Send us Fan Mail

Last year, we shared a parenting story that went viral.

It was a simple moment—but it sparked a wide range of reactions.

In this episode, we go back and read real comments from that post and respond.

Some were encouraging.
Some were critical.
Some made big assumptions from a single moment.

We talk through what those responses reveal about parenting, marriage, and communication—and why moments like this matter more than we think.

At nextTalk, we believe one honest conversation can make a real difference.

Website Title: We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post

Website Description: A parenting moment we shared last year reached millions—and the comment section told a bigger story.

In this episode, Mandy and Matthew revisit that moment and read real responses from the internet.

Together, they unpack what people saw, what they assumed, and what it reveals about how families communicate—especially in tense situations.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at parenting, marriage, and the role each parent plays in helping conversations move forward.

RESOURCES

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk

Three things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk

Fighting for Our Marriage with Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk

Marriage Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk

Parenting High Schoolers into Young Adults - nextTalk

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk

Putting Your Life on the Line - nextTalk

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - nextTalk

Body Changes and Attitude - nextTalk

When I hijack the moment… - nextTalk

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

Connect with us...
www.nextTalk.org
Facebook
Instagram

Contact Us...
admin@nextTalk.org
P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280