Screen Less Play More
Screen Less Play More
Podcast Description
Parenting doesn't have to be this hard! Screen Less Play More Podcast will help you raise balanced, thriving kids in the digital age.
We give you the latest research on play, screen time, children's health, and technology... and hopefully a laugh or two!
We believe that kids need to return to the play-based childhood of the past and get rid of the phone-based childhood that is causing so much anxiety and addiction.
So take a listen, screen a little less, and play a little more!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes centered around child development, screen time management, and the impact of technology on youth, with episodes addressing critical topics such as the effects of digital communication on relationships and personalized approaches to educational success, including preparation for standardized testing.
Parenting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to screens. Screen Less Play More is the podcast that helps modern parents raise healthy, balanced, and confident kids in a world dominated by technology.
Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak, each episode blends practical strategies, expert interviews, and the latest child-development research on screen time, play, mental health, digital habits, and healthy tech boundaries. You’ll learn how to reduce screen use without power struggles, encourage independent and imaginative play, and support your child’s development from the baby years through the teen years.
If you’ve ever wondered how to manage phones, gaming, social media, or kids’ tech requests — or how to bring back more free play, outdoor time, creativity, and childhood joy — this show gives you clear, realistic answers. Discover why unstructured play and risky play boosts emotional resilience, how nature supports healthy brain development, and what parents can do to prevent screen overuse, digital addiction, and burnout. This is the place for busy moms and dads to learn about digital health, healthy screen habits, and how to manage kids and technology. We give you ideas for screen-free activities, screen-free Sunday, and family dinner.
We also cover EdTech and it’s influence on modern schools, why you might want to opt-out, and how to manage Chromebooks and laptops in the classroom. Ed Tech is not technology education, and we explain the difference to you and how kids can learn valuable media literacy. We also stress the importance of bell to bell cell phone bans in schools, as well as why more play and recess can be the solution to slumping test scores.
Cynthia uses her experience as a mom of two neurodivergent boys to help you manage screen time in regards to ADHD, autism, Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences. She knows what works for her family, and will help yours too!
You’ll hear episodes on:
Age-appropriate screen time guidelines
The negative effects of too much screen time.
Helping kids who are struggling with gaming or social media, including addiction.
Building healthier tech habits as a family.
What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?
Play-based learning, Montessori/Waldorf/Reggio Emilia and homeschool approaches.
Encouraging outdoor play in all weather.
Is social media safe? Can I make social media safe? What are the best parental controls for smartphones?
How to make room for boredom, creativity, and independence
How to reduce screen time without fights.
Raising resilient, curious, emotionally healthy kids.
Simple, screen-free activities toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids love, plus the screen-free toys you can use to get some rest as a parent.
Whether you’re parenting babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, Screen Less Play More gives you inspiring ideas and relatable conversations to help your family thrive. If you’re a busy parent wanting more connection, more play, and fewer tech battles — you’re in the right place.
Take a listen, screen a little less, and play a little more — your kids’ childhood depends on it.
Website: screenlessplaymore.com
Instagram & Facebook: @screenlessplaymore
screenless playmore
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore
Substack: https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/
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.
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.
More from Mike about kids & tech at: https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/
Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here’s 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone
Need screen free toy and gift ideas? Here’s your screen free gift giude for Christmas and the holidays!
What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?
Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price’s new book “The Amazing Generation”
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