Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits: an OT’s Guide to a Balanced Digital Diet

Today we are talking about the parenting challenge of screen time and how it impacts your neurodivergent child. I introduce the balanced diet approach to screen time. Show notes: 00:00 – Introduction Welcome to Growing Strong Roots. Host Lee-Anne Bloom introduces herself and the mission of Oak Bloom OT. 00:28 – The Challenge of Parenting Lee-Anne shares her experience as a mom and therapist, and her goal to provide science-based strategies for resilient parenting. 00:51 – Setting the Stage Encouragement to "root down together" and help families bloom. 00:59 – The Screen Time Dilemma Introduction to the episode’s main topic: the impact of screens on neurodivergent children. 01:25 – The Reality of Modern Childhood Lee-Anne reflects on how today’s children face constant digital stimulation and social pressures. 01:49 – Navigating Screen Challenges Discussion of the difficulties for neurodivergent children and families in managing screen time. 02:19 – Research and Real-Life Solutions Lee-Anne shares her research and personal experience, emphasizing the importance of not just removing screens but replacing them with meaningful activities. 02:45 – The Double-Edged Sword of Screens Screens can be helpful for parents but also create real problems, especially for motivation, mood, and relationships. 03:07 – The Impact on Children How screen time affects self-regulation and the parent-child relationship, especially in neurodivergent brains. 03:37 – Neurological Recovery After Screens Explaining the intense reactions children may have after screen time and the science behind it. 04:01 – Transitioning from Screens to Real Life The challenge of moving from digital motivation to real-world activities. 04:08 – The Balanced Plate Metaphor Introducing the "balanced plate" approach to free time, inspired by Daniel J. Siegel’s "The Yes Brain." 04:35 – Screens as Dessert Comparing screens to dessert: enjoyable in moderation, but not the main course. 05:05 – Building a Healthy Plate of Free Time How to create a balanced mix of activities for children, including focus time, movement, creativity, and connection. 05:42 – Focus Time (Protein) Encouraging activities that build focus and confidence, like puzzles, reading, and building. 06:09 – Movement (Vegetables) The importance of physical activity for regulation and well-being. 06:33 – Creative Play (Carbs) The value of open-ended, imaginative play in child development. 07:09 – Connection (Condiments) The role of parent-child connection in making all activities more meaningful and digestible. 08:09 – Screens (Dessert) Screens as a treat, best enjoyed after a balanced "meal" of other activities. 08:31 – Using the Plate at Home Practical tips for building a daily routine that balances focus, movement, creativity, and connection. 09:15 – Leveling Up: No-Screen Days Introducing the concept of "screen days" and the benefits of having days without screens. 09:43 – Handling Pushback Advice for parents on managing resistance and holding boundaries around screen time. 10:17 – Consistency and Grit Encouragement to stay strong and consistent as a parent. 10:43 – Looking Ahead Preview of future episodes on screen-related aggression and maintaining connection. 11:11 – Closing Final thoughts and thanks from Lee-Anne Bloom. Questions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? Want to book me for a parenting or development consultation? Contact us. Help grow the show by leaving a comment here! yours, Lee-Anne Transcript [00:00:00] Hello and welcome to Growing Strong Roots, an occupational therapist's perspective on parenting, self-regulation, and resilience. I'm your host, Lee-Anne Bloom, owner and occupational therapist at Oak Bloom OT in Oakland, California. At Oak Bloom, we provide holistic occupational therapy for children focusing on increasing functional life skills through interest-based learning and family involvement. [00:00:27] As a mom and a therapist working with families for many years, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient. [00:00:50] Let's root down together, water those roots so individuals and families can bloom to their fullest potential. [00:00:59] Hi everyone. Welcome back. Today we're gonna talk about one of the biggest parenting challenges in our time right now, and that is screens and how it uniquely impacts your neurodivergent child or children. Let's be real. Parenting in the age of screens is intense, especially when you're raising a child with A DHD, autism or other neurodivergent needs. [00:01:25] I don't know about you, but I didn't grow up with an iPad constantly demanding my attention. I wasn't going into this battle of dopamine depletion and endless games and ...