“k” counts.
Silence doesn’t.
Better Answer helps parents get a timely reply from their kids. Send a check-in or a task. If there’s no real answer by the deadline, Apple’s Screen Time limits their phone until they reply. Phone, Messages and the apps you choose always stay open.
How it works
Set up once on each phone. Then it runs on its own.
- Start a family. A parent creates the family and gets a kid code and a parent code.
- Join. Kids join with the kid code; the other parent joins with the parent code.
- Approve Screen Time. On the kid’s phone, a parent approves with their Apple ID and picks the apps that stay open.
- Check in. Send a message, a task or “call me now.” A real reply unlocks the phone right away.
Built for real families
Firm when it needs to be, never in the way of an actual answer.
Countdown timers
Every check-in shows how long is left, going yellow, orange, then red.
Any real reply counts
“k,” “omw,” “at Jake’s,” 👍 or “hahaha” all unlock. Keyboard mashing doesn’t.
Locks on time
The limit starts at the deadline even if the app is closed, using Apple’s Screen Time.
Call me now
When it’s urgent, one tap limits the phone until they call or text back.
Tasks with proof
Chores can require a photo. Either parent approves, and the other is told.
Ride, food, money
Jump to Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Venmo and more, and drop a quick note in their inbox.
For parents
- Send check-ins and tasks to one or more kids
- See live timers and who still owes a reply
- Approve “I called” and finished tasks
- Unlock a phone from yours at any time
For kids
- One inbox, sorted by what locks first
- Reply however you text; short is fine
- Phone, Messages and your chosen apps stay open
- Answer and you’re unlocked instantly
Private by design
No ads, no tracking, no selling data. Screen Time choices stay on your kid’s phone. Delete your account or your whole family from inside the app at any time. Read the privacy policy.