We tell ourselves it’s about safety.
But what if tracking our kids is quietly costing them confidence, independence… and trust?

With apps like Life360 becoming the norm, many parents are asking: Are we protecting our children — or projecting our anxiety onto them?

In this episode, we unpack what constant monitoring does to developing autonomy, whether location-sharing normalises surveillance, and how to balance safety with healthy independence.

If you’ve ever checked the app “just in case,” this conversation might change how you see it.

KEY POINTS
Why over-monitoring may increase anxiety — for parents and kids
The developmental cost of constant surveillance
How tracking impacts trust, autonomy, and competence
When location sharing can work — and when it crosses a line
The difference between safety conversations and safety control

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“When parents outsource their anxiety management to technology, children pay the developmental price.”

RESOURCES
Lenore Skenazy – Free-Range Kids
Let Grow movement
Claire Rowe (psychologist & parenting writer)
Should We Be Tracking Our Kids? [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask yourself: Is this about safety — or my anxiety?
Replace monitoring with problem-solving conversations.
Gradually expand your child’s freedom in age-appropriate ways.
If using location sharing, make it mutual and transparent.
Focus on teaching capability, not controlling outcomes.

We tell ourselves it&rsquo;s about safety. But what if tracking our kids is quietly costing them confidence, independence&hellip; and trust?
With apps like Life360 becoming the norm, many parents are asking: Are we protecting our children &mdash; or projecting our anxiety onto them?
In this episode, we unpack what constant monitoring does to developing autonomy, whether location-sharing normalises surveillance, and how to balance safety with healthy independence.
If you&rsquo;ve ever checked the app &ldquo;just in case,&rdquo; this conversation might change how you see it.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why over-monitoring may increase anxiety &mdash; for parents and kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The developmental cost of constant surveillance</li>
<li aria-level="1">How tracking impacts trust, autonomy, and competence</li>
<li aria-level="1">When location sharing can work &mdash; and when it crosses a line</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between safety conversations and safety control</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;When parents outsource their anxiety management to technology, children pay the developmental price.&rdquo;
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lenore Skenazy &ndash; <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/">Free-Range Kids</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://letgrow.org/">Let Grow</a> movement</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.clarerowe.com.au/">Claire Rowe</a> (psychologist &amp; parenting writer)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/should-we-be-tracking-our-kids">Should We Be Tracking Our Kids?</a>&nbsp;[Article]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Ask yourself: Is this about safety &mdash; or my anxiety?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Replace monitoring with problem-solving conversations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gradually expand your child&rsquo;s freedom in age-appropriate ways.</li>
<li aria-level="1">If using location sharing, make it mutual and transparent.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on teaching capability, not controlling outcomes.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Hidden Cost of Tracking Your Kids

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/015fe60f-a136-4d12-a101-b3ea017da371/transcript