Screen Time and Child Development

What if the root of our youth mental health crisis isn’t just academic pressure or social media—but the quiet erasure of childhood itself? In this gripping and deeply practical episode, ADHD executive function expert Mike McLeod to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for his most urgent conversation yet. Together, we dive into the realities of raising kids in a screen-saturated, performance-obsessed culture—and what it’s costing them. From summer packets to chatbots replacing real relationships, we explore how childhood has been engineered for burnout, and why reclaiming play, boredom, and independence is the antidote our kids desperately need.

Mike makes a compelling case that parenting doesn’t need to be more complicated—it needs to be simpler, more connected, and more rooted in what actually works. He lays out three critical skills to focus on this summer: people skills, executive function, and the ability to persevere through boredom. If you’ve ever felt the ache that something about modern childhood is off, this conversation will give you language, vision, and tools to chart a better path forward. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing less of the wrong things and giving our kids their childhood (and future) back.

**

Learn more about Mike and all he has to offer (including his phenomenal podcast) here

A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: 

• Geviti: Visit https://www.gogeviti.com/1000hoursoutside for 20% off your first three months of membership!

• Active Skin Repair: Visit www.ActiveSkinRepair.com  to learn more about Active Skin Repair and their commitment to 1% for the planet and use code: 1000hours to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products

• Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. 

• Crowd Health: Learn more at www.joincrowdhealth.com and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS. 

• GoMinno: Download the Minno App or visit www.GoMinno.com  to become a member TODAY!

• BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices