145: Managing Screen Time and ADHD: Expert Tips from Ashley Gobeil
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Release Date: 02/06/2025
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay explores the connection between B vitamins and ADHD in children. From emotional outbursts and brain fog to poor sleep and focus issues, Dana shares why certain B vitamins—especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12—may be at the root of lingering challenges, even when parents have cleaned up their child’s diet and added supplements. She breaks down how genetics like the MTHFR, SHMT1, and FUT2 mutations can affect how kids process these nutrients and why getting the “wrong” form of a vitamin might be making things worse...
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In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay welcomes back child and parent therapist Ashley Gobeil to dive into a game-changing conversation for families navigating ADHD. Have you ever found yourself snapping at your child and then immediately feeling guilty? You’re not alone, and it may be more about your nervous system than your parenting skills. Dana and Ashley explore what’s really happening inside your body when you’re triggered and how understanding your own regulation is the foundation for becoming the calmest person in the room, even when your child is not. Ashley brings...
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In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay explores a hidden root cause of ADHD symptoms that most parents (and even doctors) overlook—Clostridia overgrowth, specifically C. diff. If your child struggles with meltdowns, mood swings, anxiety, or sleep issues—and nothing has worked—this episode could be a game-changer. Dana breaks down what C. diff is, how it affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, and why many kids are being misdiagnosed when the real problem lies in their gut. Dana Kay is an ADHD health practitioner, author, and mom who has helped...
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In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay dives into a topic that’s sure to challenge the status quo—popular ADHD multivitamins. With eye-catching labels and lofty promises, these supplements flood our social media feeds and store shelves. But are they really helping our kids? Dana reveals why most of these well-marketed products are nothing more than expensive band-aids—and what to focus on instead. Dana Kay is an ADHD health practitioner, author, and parent who knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate the overwhelming world of ADHD solutions. Through her journey with her...
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Making dietary changes for a child with ADHD can feel like an overwhelming uphill battle—but what if the biggest obstacle isn’t your child’s resistance, but your own fear of change? In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, host Dana Kay is joined by Andrea Daigle, an expert ADHD coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they unpack how shifting your mindset as a parent can make the difference between constant frustration and long-term success. From reframing the process as an opportunity for growth to managing social situations with confidence, this conversation is packed with...
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Managing ADHD naturally can feel overwhelming, but what if there were powerful plant-based remedies that could help? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay explores the best herbs for ADHD, breaking down the science behind how they support focus, reduce stress, and regulate emotions. She covers research-backed benefits of herbs like Rhodiola Rosea, OPCs, ginkgo, and ginseng—offering practical strategies for incorporating them into your child’s routine. Dana Kay, a leading ADHD health practitioner, has helped thousands of families find natural, effective solutions for...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay dives into the pressing issue of screen time and its effects on children, especially those with ADHD. Joined by therapist Ashley Gobeil, who has over 15 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health, the discussion unpacks how technology impacts emotional regulation, impulsivity, and overall well-being.
Ashley provides valuable insights into the neuroscience behind screen time’s effects on ADHD brains, as well as practical strategies for parents to manage it. From setting boundaries to navigating meltdowns and fostering healthier habits, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to create a balanced approach to technology in their homes.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
- Healthy Habits for Digital Kids: Managing ADHD and Screen Time - FREE PRINTABLE - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/free-guide-managing-adhd-and-screen-time
- ADHD Thrive Jumpstart 4 Parenting Program - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting
Key Takeaways:
[3:14] The Impacts of Screen Time on ADHD Symptoms
[11:21] How Screen Time Affects Emotional Regulation and Dopamine Loops
[11:47] Social and Cognitive Effects of Excessive Screen Time
[12:04] Strategies for Managing Screen Time Effectively
[16:08] Setting Boundaries Around Screen Time
[20:21] Tips for Navigating Screen Time Detox and Alternatives
[36:35] Practical Scripts and Tools for Parents
Memorable Moments:
"Screen time can act as a temporary escape for kids, but it doesn't increase their internal regulation."
"For children with ADHD, screen time often becomes a way of seeking dopamine, creating a reward loop that’s hard to break."
“Screen time doesn’t just overstimulate—it can actually decrease a child’s ability to control impulses."
"Excessive screen use inhibits imagination, natural play, and the development of critical emotional processing skills."
"We’re not here to eliminate screens completely but to find a healthy balance that supports emotional and mental well-being."
"Screen time is designed to leave children wanting more—it’s a bucket with a hole that can never be filled."
"Setting boundaries is hard but essential. It’s okay for kids to feel big emotions when limits are set—it’s part of learning."
"Boredom isn’t a bad thing—it’s an opportunity for kids to build creativity, imagination, and self-regulation."
"Start small, stay consistent, and be proactive about setting screen time rules—it will pay off in the long run."
"Healthy screen habits are a team effort. Explain your decisions to your kids, and adjust based on what works for your family."
Dana Kay Resources:
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- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
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📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
- Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/
💻FREE MASTERCLASS
- Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl
⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS
- ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
- ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
- Dye-Free for ADHD Course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY