Send us a text

You know that fantasy where your kid looks up from their tablet and says, “Sure, Mom, I’d love to play outside!” Yeah… me neither. That’s why I called in Katherine Martinko, author of Childhood Unplugged and professional voice of reason, to talk about how to get our kids (and let’s be honest, ourselves) off the screens without moving to the woods or starting a commune.
Katherine lives what she calls a “digital minimalist” lifestyle. No TV. No tablets. Her three boys don’t even have phones yet, and somehow, they’re thriving. She’s not anti-tech; she just believes it should be a tool, not a toy. And after reading her book and chatting with her, I’m officially rethinking my own Wi-Fi dependency.
We dive into what’s really going on with kids and screens, why they’re so hard to resist, how they’re rewiring our kids’ brains, and why your kid probably spends less time outside than an inmate (yes, really). Katherine breaks down how parents can build environments that make the analog world more appealing, without guilt, shame, or pretending we’re perfect Montessori moms.
There’s also a fascinating discussion about feminism and screen time, because apparently, trying to raise unplugged kids can feel like one more impossible standard for women to live up to. Katherine brings nuance, compassion, and a ton of practical strategies for reclaiming your kids’ attention span (and maybe your own).
What’s Inside:

• How to create a home that encourages play and creativity without screens
• The shocking truth about how little outdoor time kids actually get
• When to let your teen have a phone (and why social media should wait until adulthood)
• Why emotional regulation starts offline and how to help kids reconnect with the real world

What does “connected” really mean to you? Is it scrolling beside your kid on the couch or actually laughing together over a board game? Swapping the scroll for real-life connection could change your whole family vibe. So tell me, what would your version of a screen-free day look like? Let me know on Instagram!

Mentioned in This Episode:
Katherine Martinko
Katherine Martinko Substack
Katherine Martinko’s book Childhood Unplugged
Oonagh Duncan on Instagram
Fit Feels Good
Leave me a voice note on Speak Pipe!