In 'Dopamine Nation,' Dr. Anna Lembke delves into the scientific discoveries that explain why overindulgence in high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli leads to pain. The book combines personal narratives from her clinical practice with the latest psychology research to illustrate how to find contentment and connectedness by keeping dopamine in check. Lembke discusses the impact of modern addictions, such as those related to smartphones, food, and other behaviors, and provides strategies for managing consumption and transforming lives. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery[1][3][5].
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
I took a break from social media in December, and I could not believe the difference in my mood and clarity. This episode is not here to guilt us as parents - but to equip us! My guest, Niro Feliciano, is a psychotherapist, mom of four kids and regular contributor on The Today Show. She speaks in a language we can understand. She shares about brain science and how the dopamine high/low pattern is really impacting the moods and wellbeing of our children (and us).
I saw Niro’s reel on the “dopamine deficit” weeks ago and reached out to her immediately to continue that conversation on this podcast. Her reel is one that you can share with your teens. If you are seeing signs of depression and anxiety in your teens - do not miss this episode.
My favorite part is when she gives grace at the end. Don’t go straight to condemnation of your parenting. If you feel you have failed your kids with technology. It’s not too late to make changes and help them through the reality of living in a digital world.
Who is ready to try a quick 24-hour or weekend reset and report back?
Enjoy!
Courtney
00:00
Weather and Family Updates
06:01
Navigating Parenting Teens
12:02
Understanding Dopamine Deficit
18:01
Recognizing Symptoms of Dopamine Deficit
23:42
Understanding Temperament and Personality Types
30:24
Embracing Parental Imperfection and Growth
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Courtney DeFeo
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Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Niro
This Book Won’t Make You Happy - Niro’s book on contentment
All Is Calmish - Niro’s newest book (pre-order available)
Niro’s instagram reel on Dopamine - show your kids!!
Niro’s January segment on The Today Show - Grace!
The Anxious Generation
Dopamine Nation
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids 
