EP60: Screen Time ADHD and Kids Attention Spans What Every Parent Should Know

In this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Ms. Amber tackles a topic that hits close to home for many parents and educators: Screen Time, ADHD, and Kids' Attention Spans – What Every Parent Should Know. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood education and parenting five children, she shares her heartfelt concerns and observations about how technology is influencing our children's development, behavior, and relationships.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers thoughtful insights, practical strategies, and a call to action to step back, set boundaries, and protect our kids' childhood experiences.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 04:36] Introducing the Topic

• Ms. Amber reflects on the evolution of technology from her childhood to raising her kids during the iPhone era.

• Personal insights into how parenting decisions around screen time have lasting impacts.

• A shift observed in children's attention spans and social interactions over the years.

[04:37 - 08:59] The Rise of Screen Time and Its Effects

• Average screen time for children under 8 has surpassed two hours per day.

• How fast-paced technology overstimulates young minds and affects focus.

• Stories from Ms. Amber’s experience as a mom and educator navigating these changes.

[09:00 - 15:00] ADHD, Attention Spans, and Technology’s Influence

• ADHD in simple terms: challenges with focus, self-control, and sitting still.

• Observations of an increase in children diagnosed with ADHD or on the spectrum.

• The possible link between overstimulation from screens and a decline in attention spans.

[15:01 - 20:59] The Need for Connection and Play

• The importance of real-life, meaningful relationships for children and adults.

• How screen time impacts kids' ability to engage in creative play and form deep connections.

• Personal anecdotes on the value of outdoor play, reading, and imaginative activities.

[21:00 - 24:00] Practical Strategies for Healthy Screen Time

• Balance screen time with active play and slow-paced activities like puzzles, blocks, and books.

• Tips for modeling healthy habits as parents: turn off devices during key moments to engage with children.

• Earned screen time as a tool for teaching patience and discipline.

[24:01 - 25:00] Closing Thoughts

• "Small changes today can lead to big improvements for our kids tomorrow."

• Ms. Amber's call to action: Set boundaries, step back, and prioritize meaningful moments over screens.

 

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You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com 

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

 

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“ There is harm that it's causing the relationship between screen time, social media and kids attention spans.  Like we have to pause and think like, what is it doing to our children, to our next generation and what kind of messaging is. Being sent to our kid.” -Ms. Amber

“ Our kids are growing up into adults. Do they have meaningful relationships with other humans?” -Ms. Amber

“ Technology is influencing all of us as humans.”-Ms. Amber

“ We have to parent our kids.” -Ms. Amber

“ Yes. Technology is amazing. Yes. Technology is great. Yes. We have to embrace technology because it's not going anywhere, but I think we need boundaries. We have to set them within ourselves as well.”-Ms. Amber

“ Remember, the small changes today can lead to big improvements for our kids tomorrow.”-Ms. Amber