In today’s episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Dr. Steven Klein (Caron Treatment Center), a physician-scientist specializing in addiction medicine and brain health, for a vital conversation every parent needs to hear.

In a world of constant digital stimulation, many kids’ brains are under relentless pressure—often without parents realizing what’s really happening beneath the surface. Dr. Klein explains how chronic overstimulation affects the developing brain, why behavioral addictions like screens and gaming mirror substance addiction neurologically, and why “moderation” is often far more difficult than it sounds.

Together, Mandee and Dr. Klein explore:

• What true brain health looks like from a medical perspective
• How dopamine and reward pathways are impacted by constant stimulation
• Why children and teens are especially vulnerable to addiction
• The warning signs families shouldn’t ignore—sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, rising anxiety, and loss of interest in real life
• Why this is not a failure of willpower or parenting—but a brain-based issue

Most importantly, this episode offers hope. Dr. Klein shares how the brain can heal, what actually restores healthy regulation, and simple, practical steps families can take right now to reduce stimulation and support resilience, connection, and emotional well-being.

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen use—or simply want to protect their brain in a hyper-stimulating culture—this conversation will equip you with clarity, confidence, and encouragement. Protecting the brain may be one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this past year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2025 episodes. Happy New Year!

Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):

Building Executive Function: Why Play Matters More Than Tech with Mariana Carazo (#239)

Protecting Kids in the Digital Classroom: An Honest Look Into "Ed-Tech" with Andrew Liddell (#225)

From 16,000 Videos to Real Life: Colin’s Screen Detox Story (#231)

Get There Before The Trafficker: A Wake-Up Call for Parents with Aleda Renter (#230)

The Opt-Out Movement: Simplifying Family Life in the Digital Age with Erin Loechner (#226)

Offline and Intentional: A Conversation with Tin Can Founder Chet Kittleson (#235)

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie shares five simple but powerful strategies to help your family enjoy a peaceful, connected, ScreenStrong Christmas. If you’ve ever watched the holidays get hijacked by devices, meltdowns, or gaming marathons at grandma’s house, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you need to lead your family well this season.

You’ll learn:

• Why giving presence (not screens) creates a more meaningful Christmas morning
• How to plan tech-free traditions that help your kids settle in, connect, and regulate
• The importance of protecting sleep and slowing the holiday pace
• What to tell extended family about your low-tech celebration
• How to choose connection over perfection—and why it matters more than anything

Melanie also shares real stories from families who’ve removed toxic tech and discovered unexpected peace in their homes.

Make this the Christmas your kids will actually remember—not because of gadgets, but because you were fully present… and so were they.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• ScreenStrong Gift Guide (updated for 2025)
• Evan’s Soft Christmas Piano Album (perfect for calming evenings)

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin