056: What Makes Gadgets So Addictive & How To Prevent Digital Dependency

It is no longer a secret. Digital devices are designed to be addictive. That should be an automatic red flag when it comes to anything our children handle and interact with. Not only does this mean that it is important we monitor their use, but that we also must think about alternatives.    But how can you offer a good alternative when gadgets are all your child seems to want?    It's time to get to know brain chemistry a little better! If you know how the gadgets are tricking you and your child, then you can actually be more intentional about getting what you need in healthy ways. Electronic devices are tricking the brain to believe you have everything you need inside the screen, which is what creates dependency. They automatically activate brain centers that release “happy chemicals” and make us believe we can’t get that goodness anywhere else.     But that is not true.    The same neurotransmitters and reward centers in the brain are activated when we get what we need from real life experiences. Choosing real life experiences over artificial ones can save your child from a future digital addiction.   The neurotransmitters of wellbeing are: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin. I walk you through what triggers each one of them and discuss the natural ways we can get them through real life experiences. Have a listen!     Want to explore another important issue? Sign up here for the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting training.   Podcast Host: Julia Pappas, Psychologist & Parent Coach With questions and comments, please reach out on Instagram @theparentingpresence. Additional info is available at theparentingpresence.com   

Om Podcasten

The "parenting presence" is the inner strength and gentle wisdom available to any parent who is willing to spend time to get to know themselves. Parents who learn how their own emotional regulation works, how their needs are met, and how actions are guided by thoughts and interpretations — also discover an amazing source of influence and guidance available to them in parenting. Why? Because when parents know the rhythms of their own inner workings, they are also able to discover what makes their child tick. We have many questions when it comes to parenting and just about everywhere we turn – someone’s got the answer! But how do you tease out what really matters? The PARENTING PRESENCE framework is your guide to parenting essentials and it consists of THREE CORE ELEMENTS. It is based on simple principles of child development and incorporates deep personal values everyone holds as a parent. This is a podcast about the most essential parenting skills we need in order to raise children with confidence and intention. Isn’t it so much better to know with certainty what to do, rather than follow random advice? Exactly! Join Julia Pappas, Psychologist and Parent Coach, on the mission towards informed parenting simplicity. What to do when children have strong emotions? What if the child’s behavior is out of control? How to manage our own anger and frustration? Find answers to your burning questions and get strategies that work today and bring maximum impact for long-term sustainable relationship with your children. For show notes, downloadable parenting resources, and more information, please explore each episode.