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. We will give you screen free activities to try, as well as book recommendations on the best parenting books about screen time.
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 cover topics from friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle, to critical thinking for kids, to screen free entertainment.
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/
Are you worried summer will turn into endless screen time battles? In this episode, Cynthia sits down with screen time expert and Better Screen Time founder Andrea Davis to share practical, realistic ways families can create a low-screen summer without stress, guilt, or perfection.
In this replay episode, Andrea gives parents the top 4 questions to ask your kids when school ends and you start your plan…. or when summer gets into a slump midway through.
Andrea explains how to reduce kids’ screen time by filling summer with meaningful activities, simple routines, hands-on hobbies, outdoor play, family goals, and boredom-friendly ideas that actually work. From toddlers to teens, this conversation is packed with actionable parenting strategies for creating healthier tech habits during summer break.
You’ll learn:
- How to create a family summer screen time plan
- Why boredom can move kids towards meaningful hobbies
- Screen-free summer activity ideas for toddlers, kids, and teens
- How to reduce screen time without constant fighting
- Why screen time shouldn’t be used as a reward
- Healthy phone boundaries for teenagers
- The best low-effort activities that keep kids occupied longer, note: open-ended toys are golden!
- How to encourage creativity, independence, and real-world skills
- Ways to help kids build healthier relationships with technology
Andrea also shares:
- Her “When You Want to Do Nothing” boredom-buster list
- Tips for collaborative family tech planning
- How to handle summer phone expectations with teens
- Why open-ended play matters more than expensive entertainment
If you’re looking for practical screen time tips, low-screen summer ideas, healthy digital habits, or realistic parenting advice for raising kids in the digital age, this episode is for you.
Perfect for parents of toddlers, elementary-age kids, tweens, and teens navigating:
- summer break
- screen addiction concerns
- smartphone boundaries
- boredom complaints
- social media limits
- family tech rules
- healthier routines for kids
Guest: Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time Host: Cynthia Dvorak founder of Screen Less Play More
For more on parenting in the digital age, visit ScreenLessPlayMore.com and the Screen Less Play More substack
What’s the best parenting podcast? Screen Less Play More!
screenless playmore
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