Screen Less Play More

By Cynthia Dvorak

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Image by Cynthia Dvorak

Category: Parenting

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Subscribers: 1
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 39

Description

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/

Episode Date
They Were Good Parents. Social Media Still Harmed Their Kids | The Team Behind 'Your Attention Please' Documentary
May 11, 2026
The Formula to Get Kids Off Screens Without a Fight | Michaeleen Doucleff on The 5 step "Dopamine Kids" Reset for Parents
Apr 22, 2026
Does Risky Play Scare You? Why Tree Climbing, Nature Play & Outdoor Freedom Help Kids Grow Safer and Stronger | Josée Bergeron
Apr 02, 2026
Why Kids Need Dirt, Danger, and the Outdoors (Even If They'd Rather Be on Screens)
Mar 11, 2026
Too Much Screen Time At School? Why Parents Are Suing Education Technology Apps - Emily Cherkin
Mar 04, 2026
5 Internet Safety Mistakes I Wish I'd Known About Sooner - What Every Parent Should Know
Feb 13, 2026
Why Kids Who Delay Smartphones Don't Binge Later: Screen Addiction Myths, Safer Phones & Laws Protecting Kids Online | Part 2 with Clare Morell
Jan 08, 2026
Screens Aren't Sugar, They're Fentanyl - Why Screentime "Moderation" Is Failing Our Kids
Jan 07, 2026
How to Keep Tweens and Teens Safe Online - Without Tracking, Over-Monitoring, or Killing Independence | Parenting Coach Megan Saxelby
Dec 13, 2025
Parenting Teens Can Actually Be Great: Research-Backed Tools for Adolescence with Megan Saxelby
Dec 03, 2025
Fan Favorite Replay! Help! My Kids Are Addicted to Screens! | Executive Function Expert Michael McLeod on ADHD, Tech Use, & Better Parenting Strategies
Nov 26, 2025
Kids & AI: How To Keep Them Safe From Chatbots, Deepfakes, and A.I. Videos | Julia Storm of ReConnect
Nov 20, 2025
"Hunt, Gather, Parent" | Book Bite | Why Yelling Doesn't Work & How To Get Kids To Help
Nov 07, 2025
Helping Boys Resist The Manosphere, and What The Heck Is It? | Julia Storm of ReConnect
Nov 05, 2025
The Hidden Consequences When Kids Don't Play, Climb, or Move Freely Anymore - Angela Hanscom
Oct 22, 2025
Most replayed! Kids Are In A Digital Crisis - And What We Can Do | Kat Zilka of Dis/Connect
Oct 15, 2025
There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather - Rethinking Parenting With Linda Åkeson McGurk | Screen Less Play More
Oct 08, 2025
Parental Controls on Phones Are Failing and Here's What Parents Can Do Instead - Emily Cherkin
Oct 01, 2025
The Anxious Generation | Quick Summary of The Main Points because You Don't Have Time To Read! | Screen Less Play More
Sep 26, 2025
Talking To Kids About Porn is WAY Easier Than You Think || Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes || Screen Less Play More Episode 20
Sep 08, 2025
Are Playgrounds Too Safe? The Benefits of Risky Play | Rachel Ramsden | Screen Less Play More Episode 19
Aug 28, 2025
Snapchat Thought I Was 15, What It Showed Me Was Shocking | Sarah Gallagher Trombley | Screen Less Play More Episode 18
Aug 11, 2025
The Problem With EdTech | Common Myths Debunked | Amy Tyson of EverySchool.org | Screen Less Play More episode 17
Jul 31, 2025
How Generative AI Can Rot Your Brain, (And How To Raise A Reader) | Natalie Wexler | Screen Less Play More Episode 16
Jul 23, 2025
Why is play important for children? | Deb Lawrence IPA USA | Screen Less Play More Episode 15
Jul 14, 2025
It's time to ban phones in school | Melinda Murphy | Screen Less Play More Episode 14
Jul 01, 2025
The Secret Science Addicting Kids to Screens | Dr. Richard Freed, author of "Better Than Real Life" | Screen Less Play More Episode 13
Jun 24, 2025
My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened | High School Teacher Gilbert Schuerch | Screen Less Play More episode 12
Jun 17, 2025
Are Screens Addicting Your Kids? The Truth Parents Need to Hear
Jun 11, 2025
How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports, and Why It Matters | Linda Flanagan, author of "Take Back The Game" | Screen Less Play More Episode 10
Jun 03, 2025
Hidden dangers of Snapchat, Roblox, and group texts | Sarah Gallagher Trombley, former Snapchat exec | Screen Less Play More Episode 9
May 28, 2025
How do I explain AI to my child? | Donnell Probst of the National Association for Media Literacy Education | Screen Less Play More Episode 8
May 21, 2025
Is My Child Ready For A Phone? And your summertime tech survival guide - Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time | Screen Less Play More Episode 7
May 07, 2025
What kids learn through play is essential - Sally Swiatek, early childhood expert | Screen Less Play More Episode 6
Apr 30, 2025
When Should My Kid Get a Phone? A Therapist's Guide to Social Media, Screen Time, and Teen Mental Health
Apr 24, 2025
Are Phones and Apps Replacing the Awkward Moments That Kids Actually Need?
Apr 22, 2025
Preparing kids for the SAT isn't as hard as you think - Charlotte Winters | Screen Less Play More episode 3
Apr 17, 2025
How to Raise Kids Without Smartphones: Screen Time, Social Media, and The Opt-Out Family with Erin Loechner
Apr 16, 2025
Why Kids Are in a Digital Crisis — How to Protect Them from Screen Addiction | Kat Zilka of DisConnect
Apr 15, 2025