Dopamine Kids: Interview with Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD

Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD has written two books: Hunt, Gather, Parent What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans 2021and Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Foods 2026.

In my experience, people outside of the mental health field often write the best books. Dr Doucleff, whose degree is in chemistry, has provides a very clear explanation about how the neurotransmitter, Dopamine, is relevant to understanding why your child has trouble getting off of screens and why they might be such picky eaters. Her research into these topics is impressive, but more importantly is her capacity to explain the science in ways that anyone can understand. That is part of her gift. Drawing upon the latest work on habit formation, she also provides a template of how we can begin to free ourselves from screens and ultraprocessed foods. It is not about will power, but rather "Curating the Cues".

For more information: michaeleendoucleff.com