Screen Less Play More

How do you keep tweens and teens safe online without tracking their every move or destroying trust? Parenting coach Megan Saxelby joins us to talk about online safety, managing gaming and social media, and why kids need real connection, independence, free play, and the freedom to get dirty to grow into resilient teens.

Megan is so funny and relatable, and gives us parents actionable ideas to manage gaming at home, how to implement screen time boundaries, and keep kids safe on social media - without massive fights! She really emphasizes honesty and connection when implementing online safety for tweens and teens. (And she has some hilarious stories from her childhood. Her parents sound like the best!) We discuss how much kids need free play and independence, and that tracking kids is not the answer. Kids need time on their own to build resilence and grit!

You can learn more about Megan Saxelby and her company Wild Feelings at wildfeelings.co and her Substack https://wildfeelings.substack.com/

Megan, who taught middle school for 17 years, believes middle schoolers are the greatest humans alive. She shares why the cultural narrative around tweens and teens is so often wrong—and what parents can do instead to build stronger, more joyful, more resilient connections.

Together, host Cynthia Dvorak and Megan dive into: ✨ the power of play in parenting teens ✨ why adolescent behavior is developmentally appropriate, not defiance ✨ how to respond when kids make mistakes in a way that preserves mental health ✨ the real impact of technology on the teen brain ✨ Parenting strategies of how parents can stay connected—even when teens push them away ✨ why YOU are the subject-matter expert on your son or daughter or non-binary LGBTQ+ child.

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

If you want a great gift for your tween to teach them about healthy tech habits, checkout the new book by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price called "The Amazing Generation!" https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

Are you struggling to connect with your tween or teen—especially in a world dominated by screens, attitudes, and shifting moods? In this episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia Dvorak sits down with Megan Saxelby, adolescent expert and longtime middle school teacher, to completely reframe the way parents understand adolescence.

Megan, who taught middle school for 17 years, believes middle schoolers are the greatest humans alive. She shares why the cultural narrative around tweens and teens is so often wrong—and what parents can do instead to build stronger, more joyful, more resilient connections.

Together, Cynthia and Megan dive into: ✨ the power of play in parenting teens ✨ why adolescent behavior is developmentally appropriate, not defiance ✨ how to respond when kids make mistakes in a way that preserves mental health ✨ the real impact of technology on the teen brain ✨ Parenting strategies of how parents can stay connected—even when teens push them away ✨ why YOU are the subject-matter expert on your son or daughter or non-binary LGBTQ+ child.

This conversation offers practical tools and a refreshing, hopeful perspective for parents of adolescents who want fewer power struggles… and more connection, confidence, and calm.

You can connect with Megan Saxelby through her company Wild Feelings at https://www.wildfeelings.co/ or check out her VERY helpful Substack at https://wildfeelings.substack.com/

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

screenlessplaymore.com

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Middle schoolers are misunderstood—Megan calls them "the greatest humans alive."

• The negative narrative around adolescence needs a major rewrite. Being a teenager is hard, but being their parent doesn't have to be.

• Play—even small, simple play—builds connection with tweens and teens.

• Teens' "big feelings" and "big behaviors" are developmentally normal, not character flaws. Adults just need help understanding the adolescent brain.

• When teens mess up, it's a sign of unmet needs—not moral failure.

• Parents should lead with warmth, curiosity, and playfulness. Building connection with teens is important for your long-term relationship.

• Technology is complex; parents need nuance, not fear.

• You know your child best—trust your instincts.

• How to talk to teens: Connection is more effective than control during adolescence.

• Parenting teens is a long-game of relationship building. It's hard to understand adolescent development, but once you do, you can improve parent-teen connection, help emotional regulation in teens, and improve your bond.

• Play-based parenting isn't just for the diaper years. Middle school parenting should include tons of playfulness, memes, jokes, pranks, and love!
• Raising teenagers can be difficult in the digital world, and Megan has advice for digital parenting, screen time help for adolescents, and why it's not one size fits all with tech. Often LGBTQ youth need to see others like them online to help protect against suicide.

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Check out my Substack!

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/you-could-learn-a-lot-from-an-oompa

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/screen-free-sunday-is-the-best-thing

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/edtech-is-bad-for-kids-heres-how

Thanks for listening!

This encore episode remains one of the most replayed conversations in the Screen Less Play More vault.

Are your kids addicted to screens—or does it feel like it? In this episode of Screen Less Play More, executive function specialist Michael McLeod (Grow Now ADHD) explains why screen addiction in kids, digital overload, and excessive screen time are becoming some of the biggest challenges modern parents face.

Michael shares: "I've never worked with a single family who reduced screens and regretted it. Every one saw a new child—better sleep, better behavior, better social skills, and better success at school."

If you're dealing with iPad addiction, video game addiction, ADHD and screen time struggles, or daily meltdowns when it's time to turn devices off, you'll learn practical, research-informed strategies to finally get control of technology in your home.

Michael explains why executive function skills—not IQ or grades—predict lifelong success, and how too much exposure to screens weakens attention, emotional regulation, independence, and motivation. You'll hear how these skills develop through screen-free activities, real conversations, and relationship-based play.

Learn more about Michael and GrowNowADHD at their website.

More from Mike about kids & tech at: https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/

Host Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, guides a deeply actionable conversation covering:

• The real signs of screen addiction in children

• Recommended screen time limits by age

• How much screen time is too much for developing brains

• The connection between ADHD, behavior, and screens

• How excessive screen use impacts sleep, learning, mental health, and social skills

• What to do if you feel addicted to your phone too

• Evidence-based strategies for reducing screen time without fights

• How to set screen rules, create screen-free zones, and build healthy routines

• What a screen time parenting support coach is—and how they help families

• Easy, fun screen-free activities that build attention and emotional regulation

• How to raise tech-healthy, emotionally resilient, creatively engaged kids

This episode empowers parents who want a more balanced approach to technology, fewer battles, better behavior, and a calmer, more connected home. If you've wondered how to get your child off screens, how to stop power struggles, or how to build healthier digital habits, this conversation is for you.

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

AI safety for kids is key, and we have what parents need to know about chatbots, deepfakes, and digital literacy. Julia Storm of ReConnect debunks the myths around artificial intelligence and gives you the digital safety conversation that every parent needs.

Julia shares insights on how to guide children through the digital landscape while fostering critical thinking and self-awareness. She explains that AI chatbots can reinforce negative mental health issues in vulnerable children. She discusses with host Cynthia Dvorak that regulation of Artificial Intelligence technology is necessary to protect children. Parenting is tough in this new digital world, but Screen Less Play More makes it easier!

Takeaways:

• AI chatbots can create confusion for children who think they're interacting with humans.
• Children's brains are easily duped by realistic AI interactions. Some of the current popular chatbots are ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity AI, Grok, Pi AI, and the most dangerous to children is Character AI.
• One-way friendships with AI lack the fulfillment of real relationships.
• Children's input in AI interactions is ultimately valueless.
• Not all children respond to technology in the same way; vulnerability varies, especially if they are depressed, lonely, neurodivergent, ADHD, on the Autism spectrum, or anxious.
• AI can exacerbate existing mental health issues in children.
• Parents need to be proactive in regulating their children's access to AI.
• Media literacy is crucial in helping children discern real from fake content.
• AI-generated content poses new risks, including deep fakes and misinformation.
• Open conversations about technology can empower children to navigate digital challenges.

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

You can get more great info from Julia Storm at her website https://www.reconnect-families.com/ Should I Give My Child a Smart Phone For Christmas? No! Here's 50 reasons why: https://screenlessplaymore.com/should-i-give-my-kid-a-phone-for-christmas-no-heres-50-reasons-to-delay/

In this episode, we dive into Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff, exploring what modern parents can learn from the child-rearing practices of hunter-gatherer societies. Discover how less structured play, more independence, and strong parent-child connection can help raise resilient, confident, and happy kids. I'll give you a quick summary that you can listen to on the way to work, or during that never-ending laundry folding session.

Author Michaleen Doucleff studied three ancient cultures whose children are still happy and helpful, and boiled it down to two important things.

• Let your children help!! It may take longer, but it pays off.
• Don't yell at your children. I'm not kidding! It's soooooo hard but I give you Michaleen's tips here on how to do it successfully. She wants us to be as calm as "Mister Rogers stoned." I'm in!

Listen in to hear the main points- because I know you're too busy stepping on Legos and driving to the store to read a full book!

We cover key lessons including:

• How free play and outdoor exploration boost social, emotional, and cognitive development

• Why micromanaging or over-scheduling can harm children's growth

• How hunter-gatherer insights can help modern parents balance screen time, social pressures, and family connection

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers research-backed strategies to raise self-reliant, resilient kids while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

Listen now to get actionable tips for raising independent, confident children without over-monitoring or over-scheduling, straight from the lessons of hunter-gatherer parenting.

I hope you enjoy this summary of "Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans." By Michaeleen Doucleff.

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

Thanks for listening! Click "follow" or "subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!

How do we raise boys in the age of Andrew Tate and other toxic masculinity influencers? Julia Storm explains what the Manosphere is and how we can protect our kids from it.

Host Cynthia Dvorak and Julia Storm discuss:

• The Manosphere includes various groups that promote misogynistic ideas.
• Influencers can subtly introduce harmful rhetoric while providing positive content.
• Memes play a significant role in shaping boys' perceptions of masculinity.
• Misogynistic rhetoric can lead to dangerous beliefs about women.

Who to watch out for:

Fresh and Fit podcast, Andrew Tate, Logan Paul, Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, Theo Vaughn, iShowSpeed, Sneako, and Aidan Ross.

More from Julia Storm at https://www.reconnect-families.com/

Welcome to Screen Less Play More Podcast!

Thanks for listening! Click "follow" or "subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What happens when kids don't get to move, climb, or play freely anymore?

In this episode, Angela Hanscom, pediatric OT and author of Balanced and Barefoot, joins Screen Less Play More to talk about the developmental, emotional, and sensory toll of play deprivation — and why restoring free play may be the best thing parents can do for their children. The solution is so easy - let them play!

Why is play good for kids? Spinning in circles, rolling down hills, and jumping off boulders is not just for fun... it's developmentally NECESSARY for children to turn into healthy adults.

Kids are falling out of chairs, breaking pencil tips, hitting too hard when playing tag, and getting occupational therapy at alarming rates. What can we do?

In this episode, Angela Hanscom, the founder of Timbernook explores how free play (especially outdoor play) supports child development, sensory regulation, and emotional resilience. We discuss risky play, the need for recess, and the need for independent play in childhood, preschool, and elementary years. You'll love this especially if you're part of the Waldorf, Montessori, or Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

Welcome to Screen Less Play More Podcast!

Thanks for listening! Click "follow" or "subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant!

But it's not all about screens! Screen Less Play More is also about the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline. Look no further for executive tech strategies, research-backed tools, ideas for screen free entertainment, and screen free activites for kids from tiny to teenager. We are big on play, especially risky play, outdoor play, and the friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle.

Through interviews with experts, educators, and authors, we aim to make you more intentional parents, mindful parents, and happy parents! Whether you're into calm parenting, gentle parenting, or FAFO parenting- we have advice that will guide your decisions around digital technology and play based learning (and play just for the sake of play!)

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

screenless playmore

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

Kat Zilka was a high school teacher who realized that her students were in a real mental health crisis. She asked her students to write an essay about their relationship to their phones, and was shocked to read their confessions. "Honestly, if you were to read the essays and insert another substance, like alcohol or drugs into, in place of the phone or in place of social media, it would have been addicts crying for help."

Kat formed Dis/Connect to help teens cultivate a more healthy relationship with tech and social media. Our Screen Less Play More podcast interview has some fascinating insights.

Learn more about Disconnect at https://www.disconnectme.org/

Join my substack! https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/

Get more insider content from this podcast by joining The Players Club on Apple Podcasts!

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life!

You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! It isn't always just about discipline, it's about information, research, and facts.

Modern parents are constantly asking:

• What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?

• How can I reduce my child's screen time? How do I get my child off screens?

• How do I get my son off video games?

• What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids?

• What are the signs of screen addiction?

• What should I do if my child is addicted to screens?

• What do I do about kids and technology?
• How do I get my child off screens without a fight?
• How do you stop screen addiction?
• Does my child have a video game addiction?
• What are the benefits of play?
• How do I get my kids to play more?
• What are the benefits of reading to kids?
• What's the best podcast about screens and kids?
• What is the power of play?
• What is the Anxious Generation about?
• How does screen time affect sleep, physical health and mental-well being?
• Is my child's screen time interfering with their sleep?
• How to create healthy screen habits?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, was inspired by The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast and the great role of Ginny Yurich, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world!

Youtube link to this episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/

Is social media safe for kids?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s

https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Checkout the new book by Michaleen Doucleff! Dopamine Kids book

https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

Snapchat thought I was 15. What it showed me was shocking https://screenlessplaymore.com/snapchat-thought-i-was-15-what-it-showed-me-was-shocking/

Best Halloween books for kids

https://screenlessplaymore.com/halloween-books-to-read-with-your-kids-this-fall/

"Instead of doing what's best for the kids, we're doing what's easier or most practical." -

Linda Åkeson McGurk In this conversation, Cynthia and Linda Akeson McGurk explore the differences in parenting styles between the US and Sweden, emphasizing the importance of outdoor play, resilience, and a connection to nature. Linda shares her experiences growing up in Sweden and raising her children in Indiana, contrasting the cultural emphasis on free play and the benefits of outdoor activities. They discuss the impact of technology on childhood, the role of community in supporting outdoor play, and the need for a shift in parenting philosophies to prioritize children's well-being and creativity.

If you want even more from this episode, become a subscriber at Apple Podcasts and join THE PLAYERS CLUB.... Where 'Screen Less Play More' insiders get smart about screens and serious about play!

You can hear 13 bonus minutes from this episode where we discuss how outdoor play is essential for children's mental health and well-being, as well as how exposure to nature fosters a sense of environmental responsiblity in children. Linda addresses how children's anxiety and depression may stem from a lack of free play, and how parents' attitudes towards weather can influence children's willingness to play outside.

Listen at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/screen-less-play-more/id1808977425

Linda wrote the fantastic book "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather : A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids" (from Friluftsliv to Hygge) Get your copy at https://bookshop.org/a/116371/9781501143632

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak!

Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, this show will give you advice on managing tech and life! You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood!

Modern parents are constantly asking:

• What is free play and why is it important?

• How much free play time does my child need each day?

• What kinds of toys or materials support open-ended play?

• How can I encourage my child to play independently?

• What is the role of parents during children's play (when to intervene, when to step back)?

• Are there risks to letting children play freely?

• What if my child "doesn't know how to play" or seems bored?

• How do you balance structured activities versus free play?

• Does play actually support learning (e.g. academic, social, emotional)?

• What types of play help with language development, creativity, problem solving?

• How much outdoor time is healthy for preschoolers / young children?

• What are the benefits of outdoor play?

• What if the weather is bad (rain, snow, cold) — can children still play outside?

• What safety precautions should I take when kids play outside (insects, plants, hazards)?

• How do I support risky play (climbing, exploring) in a safe way?

• How do I encourage a child who prefers to stay indoors or play with screens to go outside more?

• What do I do about limited access to nature (urban settings, apartment life)?

• When is it "too hot" or "too cold" to let children play outdoors?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, is inspired by organizations like GrowNow ADHD, The Screentime Solution, Scrolling2Death, Protect Young Eyes, Screen Strong, OK To Delay, and 1000 Hours Outside, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world!

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Where can I find online training safety classes for tweens and teens https://screenlessplaymore.com/online-safety-training-for-tweens-teens/

Gift ideas to keep kids busy without screens https://screenlessplaymore.com/gift-ideas-for-screen-free-toys/

Classic outdoor games for kids https://screenlessplaymore.com/games-for-kids-to-play-outside/

How to start doing Screen Free Sunday! https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-free-days-are-easier-than-you-think/

Thanks for listening!

screenless

playmore

screen time battles

More questions that this podcast will answer!

• Why is free play important for preschoolers?"

• "How much time should a child spend in unstructured play per day?"

• "What are good open-ended toys for toddlers?"

• "Risks and benefits of risky play outdoors"

• "Outdoor play when it's cold / rainy / snowing with preschoolers"

• "How to limit screen time and promote play"
• "Does play help with language development?"

• "Signs that my child is overscheduled"

• "Does outdoor play reduce behavioral problems?"

What if the biggest mistake parents are making with technology is believing parental controls actually work?

In this episode of Screen Less Play More, parenting educator and former middle school teacher Emily Cherkin exposes the uncomfortable truth about parental controls, "kid-safe" tech, and why most digital guardrails fail long before parents realize it.

Emily explains how children easily bypass filters, why tech companies profit from parents' false sense of security, and how technology is increasingly being used to solve problems it created in the first place. We unpack why smartphones undermine independence, self-regulation, and real-world problem solving—and why delaying phones isn't deprivation, but protection.

This conversation goes beyond screen time limits to examine how school-issued devices, educational technology, AI tools, and constant connectivity are reshaping attention, learning, privacy, and childhood itself. Emily shares why phones don't belong in bedrooms, how modeling behavior matters more than rules, and what parents can do today to raise kids who are confident, capable, and emotionally resilient without relying on apps to do the parenting for them.

Emily and Cynthia's conversation will help you tremendously if you are dealing with the following:

• Are you struggling to limit your child's screen time without daily battles?

• Do parental controls really protect your kids online—or are they giving you a false sense of security?

• How much screen time is too much for your child's brain development?

• Are smartphones and iPads hurting your child's focus, independence, or social skills?

• Why does your child keep bypassing every parental control you set?

• How can parents model healthy technology use without being hypocrites?

• What skills are kids missing when screens replace real-world play and relationships?

• How do you teach media literacy so your child can spot ads, misinformation, and online manipulation?

• Are schools giving kids too much access to technology and AI tools before they're ready?

• How can we raise independent, critical-thinking kids in a world full of addictive apps and social media?

• What's the best way to balance screens, play, and family connection in today's digital world?

If you want even more from this episode, become a subscriber at Apple Podcasts and join THE PLAYERS CLUB.... Where 'Screen Less Play More' insiders get smart about screens and serious about play! You can hear ten bonus minutes from this episode where Emily discusses her lawsuit against PowerSchool, the state of young professionals today, and how to make your kids media savy!

Welcome to Screen Less Play More Podcast!

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More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant!

But it's not all about screens! Screen Less Play More is also about the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline. Look no further for executive tech strategies, research-backed tools, ideas for screen free entertainment, and screen free activites for kids from tiny to teenager. We are big on play, especially risky play, outdoor play, and the friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle.

Through interviews with experts, educators, and authors, we aim to make you more intentional parents, mindful parents, and happy parents! Whether you're into calm parenting, gentle parenting, or FAFO parenting- we have advice that will guide your decisions around digital technology and play based learning (and play just for the sake of play!)

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

screenless playmore

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!