1KHO 325: Play is the Best Thing For Your Child | Mike McLeod, Grow Now ADHD
Aug 5, 2024
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Mike McLeod, a speech pathologist and ADHD expert, discusses the transformative power of outdoor play in this engaging conversation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD beyond attention deficits, focusing on executive functioning skills. Mike warns against the negative effects of excessive screen time on children's development, advocating for imaginative play instead. He shares practical strategies for parents and educators to navigate the challenges of raising children with ADHD, and the vital need to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Mike McLeod emphasizes the transformative role of outdoor play in developing children's executive functioning and overall well-being.
The podcast highlights common misconceptions about ADHD, illustrating its complexities beyond mere attention deficits to include executive function delays.
The detrimental impact of excessive screen time on emotional health and real-world skills is urged, advocating for a significant reduction or removal of screens.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Personal and Environmental Health
Active Skin Repair emphasizes that personal health and environmental health are interlinked, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness. The product serves as a non-toxic solution for various skin damages, such as cuts and burns, particularly relevant for those enjoying outdoor activities during summer. The brand's commitment to donating 1% of its sales to grassroots environmental initiatives further reinforces this connection, encouraging consumers to consider the ecological impact of their choices. By promoting effective, safe skincare while also supporting environmental causes, Active Skin Repair presents a model of responsible consumerism.
Understanding ADHD and Executive Functioning
The discussion highlights the misconceptions surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its relationship with executive functioning. It points out that ADHD is often misunderstood as merely an attention deficit, whereas it involves a delay in developing the brain's executive function system. This misunderstanding extends to educational environments where teachers may lack proper training to address the needs of students with ADHD. By clarifying that ADHD includes self-regulation and other cognitive functions, the conversation aims to foster a better understanding among parents and educators.
The Role of Play in Child Development
Play is presented as a crucial component for developing executive functioning and overall well-being in children. Engaging in unstructured outdoor play helps bolster mental flexibility and emotional health, which are vital for the growth of executive skills. The importance of varied experiences and interpersonal relationships during play is emphasized, suggesting that outdoor activities offer far-reaching benefits not found in screen time. The anecdote about how children used to engage in imaginative play highlights the adverse effects of excessive screen exposure, illustrating the necessity of fostering creativity and playfulness.
The Dangers of Screen Addiction
The conversation outlines the alarming impact of screens on children's development, especially for those with ADHD. It argues that excessive screen time can lead to addiction, emotional dysregulation, and diminished real-world skills. The podcast suggests a radical approach of removing screens entirely to foster healthier behaviors in children, portraying screens as both experience killers and a source of instant gratification that hampers life skills. The anecdote about withdrawal symptoms reinforces the idea that while it may be challenging to eliminate screens, the subsequent benefits to mental health and behavior can be transformative.
Empowering Parents through Training and Resources
A strong focus is placed on empowering parents with resources and training to better support their children with ADHD. Parent coaching is highlighted as a key strategy for navigating the challenges of executive dysfunction and behavioral issues, fostering independence in children. The conversation encourages parents to seek out community support and educational programs that equip them with effective parenting tools. By promoting a shift in perspective about ADHD and practical behavioral strategies, parents can create conducive environments for their children to thrive.
In this insightful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes Mike McLeod, an expert in ADHD and executive functioning. Mike shares his journey from aspiring teacher to renowned speech pathologist, highlighting his innovative approach to understanding and managing ADHD. They delve into the often misunderstood aspects of ADHD, the importance of executive functioning, and the detrimental impact of screen time on children's development. Mike offers practical strategies for parents and educators, emphasizing the transformative power of outdoor play and varied experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to support children with ADHD and foster their independence and imagination.