★★★★★ Pro-Connect
“One of the things that resonated most with me is the distinction between being anti-phone and being pro-connection... people moments matter.” — Michelle
Relationships Before Screens
Technology isn't going away.
The goal isn't a screen-free family. It's learning to manage technology so technology doesn't manage us.
The Family Phone Contract: Relationships Versus Screens gives parents a practical plan to reduce screen-time battles, build healthy technology habits, and keep relationships at the center of family life.
#1 Amazon Hot New Release eBook
Top New Release in Parenting Teenagers
Is This Happening in Your Family?
Screens are part of everyday life. But sometimes, without realizing it, they begin taking up more space than we intended.
Are screens becoming the center of too many conversations—and arguments—in your family?
You don't need to eliminate technology.
You need a plan for keeping people and relationships first.
What is a Family Phone Contract?
A Family Phone Contract is more than a list of rules.
It's a plan your family creates together to set clear expectations for how and when technology fits into your lives.
Set Expectations
Decide together when, where, and how screens will be used.
Build Healthy Habits
Help children learn to manage technology responsibly—not simply follow rules.
Put Relationships First
Create boundaries that make room for conversation, connection, and the people right in front of us.
The goal isn't perfect screen habits. It's intentional ones.
Where it all started
Our family's original phone contract.
What You’ll Find in the Book
You don't need another book telling you screens are a problem.
You need help deciding what to do about them.
First Phone
Know what to consider when deciding if your child is ready for a phone.
Family Boundaries
Create screen-time expectations that reflect your family's values and priorities.
Less Conflict
Reduce repeated reminders, negotiations, and arguments around screens.
Responsibility
Help children develop healthy technology habits and learn to manage their own choices.
Parent Leadership
Look at the habits we're modeling—not just the rules we're setting for our kids.
Stronger Relationships
Make more room for conversation, connection, and being present with one another.
★★★★★ Thought Provoking Book
“I want my grandchildren to embrace technology for all of its capabilities yet I am concerned that too much screen time will impact their ability to communicate with others and develop interpersonal relationships.”
— Robin G.
★★★★★ The right book at the right time…preteens & screens
“The book gave practical tips on how to reset expectations, think about our own use of screens and modeling behaviors, and helpful discussion tactics as a family.”
— Amazon Customer
★★★★★ Minimize screen time and create responsibility
" I read it in its entirety in about 90 minutes. It’s an easy read. It’s insightful and offers practical ideas for minimizing screen time, creating responsibility (for both children and adults) and developing human connection.”
— C. Marshall
Read More Reader Reviews on Amazon →
Free Resources
Simple tools to help your family put relationships before screens.
Start with Table Talk: Fun Family Conversation Starters — an easy collection of questions designed to help your family put the phones down, laugh, talk, and connect.
Download it FREE and you'll also be the first to know when I add new family resources and tools.
Meet the Author
Monica Swanson is a technology leader, business consultant, parent, and author. Blending professional leadership experience with lessons learned raising her own family, she brings a practical, real-life approach to helping families build healthier technology habits and stronger relationships.
Why I Wrote This Book
Years ago, when our kids were getting their first phones, my husband and I created a simple family phone contract. We weren't trying to keep technology out of their lives. We wanted to help them use it responsibly while keeping people and relationships first.
Technology has changed dramatically since then, but that goal hasn't.
I wrote The Family Phone Contract to give families a practical way to create healthy technology habits—and keep relationships at the center.
Bring the Conversation to Your Community
Phones and screens aren't going away. Let's help families use technology intentionally while keeping relationships first.
Monica speaks to parent groups, schools, churches, community organizations, podcasts, and other audiences.
Popular topics include:
- Relationships Before Screens
- Creating a Family Phone Contract
- Preparing for the First Phone
- Building Healthy Technology Habits
- Parents as Technology Role Models
Interested in having Monica speak to your group?