Ask HN: How do you manage kids' accounts?

fckgw · 2025-12-31T18:31:42 1767205902

If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, get them separate iCloud accounts with their own email and join in a family plan. You can manage their devices and setting from one location. You can also use the Passwords app, create a family group and add the shared passwords there so there's a central access to everything.

My family does this except we use 1Password app instead of Passwords. Kids have their own devices, allowance is paid via Apple Cash and they can use either Apple Pay or their virtual card number to buy things in the real world or online. Google and game account credentials are stored on their device or on their PCs via Chrome plugin (which Apple Passwords has as well).

rawgabbit · 2026-01-02T03:59:13 1767326353

I second this approach.

BrianGrug · 2025-12-30T14:15:27 1767104127

When I taught, we'd do the following

1. Each kid gets their own email 2. Each kid gets a password manager 3. The emails are managed by the parents, sometimes as a child account (Gmail) 4. Use a VCC service to generate a VCC for each child with a spending limit/require approval for all transactions. Keep it in the password manager so they can easily use it anywhere

Once the emails are managed, setting up parental controls on the devices themself should be easy.

On another note, keep the barrier low. Let them figure out a way to get past it. This is what they actually want to learn about, and by doing this it kinda "forces" them. This is how most kids that I've taught got into tech.

shinryuu · 2025-12-30T19:52:22 1767124342

What do you mean, keep the barriers low?

tacostakohashi · 2025-12-31T15:01:45 1767193305

Basically, you just need a password manager.

I use https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KeePass

You can store the other details in the notes - e.g. which card / account is used for payments, what are the password reset questions & answers, which address is set for delivery.

Then, when you change credit cards / addresses / emails, etc., it's easy enough to find all the accounts you used the old one for and need to update.

WarOnPrivacy · 2025-12-29T23:45:16 1767051916

We do locally stored spreadsheets and text files for passwords.

Sometimes I made passwords out of details I wanted them to remember.

eimrine · 2025-12-30T04:00:08 1767067208

I would rather have a no device then having to even discuss its usage with an old fart. The most important knowledge of using the Internets is where to find a good porn and not able to admit it makes you a shitty person who wants to promote its shitty morale using technical means for that. Just buy some GNU/Linux computer with VPN, ready for torrents, - don't be the wannabe marionette keeper.