S.S Coulter: Reclaiming Childhood Joy – Reducing Screen Time, Boosting Imagination, and Empowering Families

Why does it feel like screens are stealing our kids’ imagination, our attention spans, and even our peace at home? Why are so many families exhausted, disconnected, and overwhelmed by technology—even though we know it’s supposed to make life easier? If you’ve ever wondered how to break the cycle of device dependence without guilt, shame, or overwhelm, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest, S. S. Coulter—or Shannon—is leading a screen-lite movement that’s changing how families reconnect with real life. Through Planet Fassa, she empowers kids to rediscover creativity, curiosity, and childhood joy through books, fun activities, and simple daily habits. She also equips adults to Break the Chain of tech overload, helping them model the confidence, presence, and creativity we want the next generation to inherit. Her work comes to life in this conversation, where she shares practical solutions, real-world stories, and the neuroscience behind why screens are so addictive—as heard throughout the episode

Get ready for an honest, hopeful, and deeply important conversation about reclaiming connection, rebuilding imagination, and taking back our families from the constant pull of screens.

Quotes:

• "I’m trying to get people to make their phones their servants versus their masters."
• "Our best memories are when we’re with people—you don’t make your favorite memories staring at a screen."
• "It’s not our fault that we’re addicted to screens—they’re made to addict us."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Set daily screen-free times for both parents and children; be intentional in modeling the behavior you want to see in your family.
• Swap some habitual screen time with offline activities—choose simple, low-material tasks to spark imagination and creativity.
• Reconfigure your device settings (use black-and-white or red-light filters, enable "bedtime mode," or create physical distance from devices) to make phone usage less addictive.
• Reflect and discuss as a family: “What are our favorite memories, and how many of those happened on a screen?”
• Connect with your community or peer group to share successful screen-free activity ideas and support each other in building new habits.

Conclusion:

S. S. Coulter reminds us that reclaiming our families from screen overload isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. When we understand why technology hooks us and how it shapes our kids’ developing brains, we can finally take back control with confidence, compassion, and simple daily choices. Shannon’s mission proves that imagination can be rebuilt, connection can be restored, and joy can return to our homes one small habit at a time. Her message is a powerful call to lead by example, create healthier rhythms, and give our children the childhood—and future—they truly deserve.