Episode 22: Scrolling Through Childhood: What’s Lost, What’s Left, What’s Next
Release Date: 01/06/2026
Stream of Dreamearly
In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, host Alana Rifkin Gelnick speaks with AI expert David Nicholson about the rapid rise of large language models like ChatGPT, and their impact on children and society. They discuss the risks of children using AI without proper guidance, the importance of adult involvement, and the need for clear boundaries and critical thinking. The conversation covers AI’s potential biases, the dangers of overreliance, and the value of creative play, offering practical advice for parents and educators navigating this evolving technological landscape. David's LinkedIn...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
What happens to childhood when boredom disappears, attention fragments, and scrolling replaces staring out the window? In the first episode of the new year, Alana Rifkin Gelnick sits down with Dr. Yoni Schwab for a grounded, honest conversation about technology, screen use, and the children we’re raising inside it. This is not a “ban the phone” episode. It’s a thoughtful look at what screens give us, what they quietly take away, and how families, schools, and communities can respond with intention rather than fear. Together, Alana and Dr. Schwab explore how the unprecedented speed of...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
In this episode of "Stream of Dreamearly," host Alana Rifkin Gelnick welcomes Dr. Kareem Ghalib, a compassionate child psychiatrist, for an enlightening conversation about pediatric psychopharmacology. Together, they explore the importance of thorough evaluation and the role of behavioral therapy before considering medication. Dr. Ghalib demystifies common medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and thoughtfully addresses parents’ concerns about side effects and off-label use. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Ghalib highlights the value of collaboration, transparency, and truly...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
Today’s podcast features the dynamic Dr. Sarah Roer. Together, we shed preconceived notions dictating holiday expectations and celebrations in favor of prioritizing physical presence and a recommitment to our core values. Through this new lens we hope to reframe the holiday experiences. , by Gary Chapman , by Dr. Aliza Pressman , by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish with Dr. Aliza Pressman on Danielle Renov's Instagram
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana Rifkin Gelnick speaks with Dr. David Rosmarin, a clinical psychologist and anxiety expert. Together, they explore how anxiety is often misunderstood and stigmatized, and discuss practical, research backed strategies for transforming anxiety into a source of strength. The conversation covers the importance of emotional courage, interpersonal connection, resilience building through exposure, and letting go of control. The episode offers compassionate, actionable advice for parents, leaders, and anyone seeking to thrive with anxiety. Visit Dr....
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
In this episode of "Stream of Dreamearly" we welcome life coach, Aly Pain to discuss how parents and teachers can support teens through disappointment and failure. Aly emphasizes the importance of empathy, presence, and normalizing failure. The conversation explores how teens process emotions differently from adults and offers practical strategies for building resilience, fostering connection, and encouraging growth. Aly highlights the value of compassion and acceptance, reminding parents that struggle is a vital part of every young person’s journey toward self-confidence and emotional well...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, I sit down with Dr. Siggie, parenting expert, to unpack the messy and meaningful world of sibling dynamics. We talk about why siblings fight even in the most loving homes and how those conflicts serve as a training ground for future relationships. Dr. Siggie shares some of the mistakes parents make and simple scripts to use when things get heated. You’ll walk away with practical tools to ease rivalry, nurture harmony, and help each child feel seen, laying the foundation for stronger, lasting relationships, starting in your home. To visit Dr. Siggie's...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
As back-to-school time approaches, both children and parents often experience a mix of emotions. With the rhythm of life shifting from summer's ease to the structure of the school year, it can bring lots of feelings. In this episode, we discuss strategies to ease this transition, offering practical tips to make the coming weeks more manageable—and maybe even enjoyable. Check out the Dreamearly Instagram page ! Click if you want to order a family book (this is a blank book that parents can decorate for their child and leave it in his backpack so he can look at it in school...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
What if the magic of camp didn’t have to end when summer does? In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana sits down with some of the incredible leaders of Camp Morasha - Jeremy Joszef, Rabbi Rothwachs and Sharon Richter - to explore how Jewish summer camp nurtures identity, values, and joy in powerful, lasting ways. From Shabbat parties to storytelling, immersive tefilla/prayer to screen free connection, camp becomes a living classroom that shapes character and sparks Jewish pride. Together, they share practical ways families can bring the spirit, creativity, and intentionality of camp...
info_outlineStream of Dreamearly
Journalist and author Marina Lopes joins Stream of Dreamearly to talk about her bold and brilliant new book, Please Yell at My Kids. From forest camps in the Netherlands to longhouses in Malaysia, Marina takes us on a global journey to rethink the way we raise kids and the myth that we have to do it alone. We talk about guilt, community, independence, and the small shifts that make a big difference. This episode is for every parent who’s ever felt like they’re doing it all and wondered if there’s a better way. To order Please Yell at My Kids . Visit Marina...
info_outlineWhat happens to childhood when boredom disappears, attention fragments, and scrolling replaces staring out the window?
In the first episode of the new year, Alana Rifkin Gelnick sits down with Dr. Yoni Schwab for a grounded, honest conversation about technology, screen use, and the children we’re raising inside it. This is not a “ban the phone” episode. It’s a thoughtful look at what screens give us, what they quietly take away, and how families, schools, and communities can respond with intention rather than fear.
Together, Alana and Dr. Schwab explore how the unprecedented speed of technological change has outpaced our ability to adapt, and why kids (and adults) are struggling with attention, anxiety, boredom, and regulation in new ways. They unpack why boredom is not something to fix but something to protect, how constant stimulation reshapes developing brains, and what kids are actually saying about their own screen use and their parents’.
This conversation moves beyond data and into real life: late night group chats, phones at the dinner table, the loss of shared moments like car rides and waiting, and the surprising relief kids feel when phones are taken out of the equation.
Most importantly, this episode offers practical hope. Dr. Schwab shares realistic, doable ways to create phone free spaces, rebuild attention and regulation, and bring presence and connection back into everyday family life. From the power of camp and Shabbat to the simplicity of a phone pile at dinner, this episode reminds us that kids don’t just tolerate boundaries around screens, they often crave them.
If you’re a parent, educator, or leader navigating the tension between knowing screens are here to stay and worrying about what they’re doing to our kids, this episode will help you think more clearly, act more intentionally, and feel less alone.
Click on these links to learn more about the Shefa Center and the Shefa School.
Visit Shefa on Instagram:@theshefaschool and @theshefacenter.