Reclaiming Connection: Parenting & Phones with Chet Kittleson, Founder of Tin Can

In this episode of Between Us Moms, we sit down with Chet Kittleson, dad, entrepreneur and founder of Tin Can — a modern take on the landline phone, created to give kids voice-to-voice connection without the distraction of apps, games, or social media.

Chet shares the journey behind Tin Can: how a simple observation at a school pick-up line led to an idea for rethinking how kids and families communicate in a hyper-digital world. He talks candidly about how his own experiences informed his mission to build “all talk, no smarts.”

We dive into key parenting questions like:

• How do we strike a balance between giving our kids connection and guarding against screen overload?
• What does independence look like for a kid in today’s tech landscape?
• How can parents set up a communication device that supports friendship, planning, and voice-to-voice interaction — without opening the floodgates of apps and notifications?

You’ll hear practical tips, real-life stories from Chet’s family, and inspiration for making intentional tech choices in your home. Whether you’re gearing up for the “first phone” conversation, delaying a smartphone, or simply looking for healthier ways to connect — this conversation offers a refreshing lens and actionable ideas for families.

Tune in and join us for a thoughtful, hopeful look at how we can reclaim meaningful connection in a world full of screens.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Learn more about Tin Can and how it works: Tin Can
• Follow Chet’s thoughts on parenting, tech, and childhood at his LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn+1

This is a must-listen for every parent navigating the intersection of childhood, phones and connection.

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