Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is KidsFirst?
KidsFirst is a free co-parenting app with an AI Conflict Filter that softens hostile messages before they are sent. It helps divorced and separated parents communicate calmly, share a calendar, track expenses, and store documents — all in one place.
Is KidsFirst really free?
Yes. KidsFirst is always free for both parents. There is no paywall, no trial, and no credit card required. Every feature is available to every parent, every day, forever.
Why is KidsFirst free?
Because the families who need this most are often already stretched — paying for lawyers, court fees, and a second home. We’ve been on the wrong side of those bills. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between protecting your kids and paying for an app.
Who created KidsFirst?
KidsFirst was created by Vincent, an Australian founder who experienced high-conflict co-parenting firsthand with his own daughter. He built the app he wished had existed — one that puts children first by reducing parental conflict.
Which countries is KidsFirst available in?
KidsFirst is available in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It is free to download on iOS and Android in all three countries.
The AI Conflict Filter
What is the AI Conflict Filter?
The AI Conflict Filter is a feature unique to KidsFirst that detects hostile or aggressive language in a message before it is sent and rewrites it in a calm, neutral tone. It reduces conflict between co-parents so children are kept out of the middle.
How does the AI Conflict Filter work?
When you type a message, the AI reviews it before it is sent. If it detects aggressive or inflammatory language, it rewrites the message in a neutral, factual tone — for example, turning “You’re irresponsible” into a calm request about logistics. You can review the suggested rewrite before sending.
Can I turn off the AI Conflict Filter?
No. The AI Conflict Filter is always active and cannot be disabled — it is a core part of KidsFirst’s safety design. Its purpose is not to censor you but to ensure what gets sent is productive and focused on your children’s needs. If you prefer to communicate without AI filtering, you can continue to use other channels outside the app.
Does the other parent see the original message I typed?
No. Only the rewritten version is sent. This protects both parents from escalation and keeps the conversation focused on co-parenting.
Does KidsFirst use my messages to train its AI?
No. Your private messages are never used to train AI models. Message content is sent to our AI providers (OpenAI, Google Gemini, or AWS Bedrock) solely to process that specific message, and those providers are bound by confidentiality and privacy safeguards. If you believe a message was processed incorrectly, you can request a human review by contacting [email protected].
Features
What features does KidsFirst include?
KidsFirst includes:
- Secure Messaging with AI Conflict Filter
- Shared Calendar for custody schedules, pickups, drop-offs, and events
- Expense Tracking to log and share co-parenting costs transparently
- The Vault — secure cloud storage for shared documents and photos (school reports, vaccine records, etc.)
Does KidsFirst process payments?
No. The expense tracker is a record-keeping tool — you can log and view shared costs, but KidsFirst does not process actual payments or banking transactions.
Can I store documents in KidsFirst?
Yes. The Vault lets you store and access shared files — school reports, vaccine records, legal documents, photos — in one secure, organised place. No more digging through old emails or texts.
Compared to Other Apps
Is there a free alternative to OurFamilyWizard and AppClose?
Yes. KidsFirst is a free alternative to OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents, AppClose, 2houses, and Divvito. Unlike those apps — which charge between $77–$300 per year — KidsFirst is permanently free for both parents and includes an AI Conflict Filter that no major competitor offers.
What are the best co-parenting apps?
Popular co-parenting apps include KidsFirst, OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents, AppClose, 2houses, Divvito, CoParenter, and Fayr. KidsFirst is the only one that is always free for both parents and includes an AI Conflict Filter that rewrites hostile messages before they are sent.
Does KidsFirst have ads?
No. We won’t sell your attention — not yours, not your kids’.
Getting Started
What platforms is KidsFirst available on?
KidsFirst is available on iOS (iPhone and iPad) via the App Store and on Android via Google Play. It is free to download on both platforms.
How long does setup take?
You can download and set up KidsFirst in about five minutes.
Who can use KidsFirst?
KidsFirst is for parents, guardians, or authorised carers aged 18 and over. You must have the legal right to manage information relating to the children referenced in the app.
Does my co-parent need to download the app too?
Yes. Both parents need to have the app to communicate, share the calendar, and track expenses together.
How do I delete my account? You can delete your account at any time via in-app settings (Settings > Delete Account) or through the dedicated web portal at kidsfirst.app/delete-account. Your private data will be deleted within 30 days. Note that messages and events you have already shared with your co-parent will remain visible in their account to preserve the integrity of the co-parenting record.
Privacy & Safety
Is my data private?
Yes. KidsFirst is compliant with the Australian Privacy Act 1988, the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, and Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act 2012. Accounts are verified, and your personal data is not sold or shared for advertising purposes. Data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256).
Is KidsFirst safe for high-conflict situations?
Yes. KidsFirst is designed specifically for high-conflict co-parenting. In addition to the AI Conflict Filter, the app includes a Report User function so you can flag inappropriate behaviour. All accounts are verified parent accounts.
I am under a protection order. Can I use KidsFirst?
KidsFirst is a communication tool, not a legal enforcement agency. If you are subject to a Family Court Order, Protection Order, or equivalent, you are solely responsible for ensuring your use of the app complies with that order. We recommend consulting your legal adviser before using KidsFirst if you are subject to a non-contact or similar order.
Can KidsFirst records be used in court?
KidsFirst provides record-keeping tools for convenience, but we cannot guarantee that records, exports, or logs will be admissible in court or meet the evidentiary standards of all jurisdictions. You should verify admissibility with your legal counsel. The record is designed to be accurate and unaltered — once a message has been delivered and logged, it is not edited or deleted at user request (except where required by a valid court order).
Still have questions?
Contact us at [email protected] For privacy-related enquiries: [email protected]