What happens when kids don't get to move, climb, or play freely anymore? In this episode, Angela Hanscom, pediatric OT and author of Balanced and Barefoot, joins Screen Less Play More to talk about the developmental, emotional, and sensory toll of play deprivation — and why restoring free play may be the best thing parents can do for their children. The solution is so easy - let them play!

Why is play good for kids? Spinning in circles, rolling down hills, and jumping off boulders is not just for fun... it's developmentally NECESSARY for children to turn into healthy adults.

Kids are falling out of chairs, breaking pencil tips, hitting too hard when playing tag, and getting occupational therapy at alarming rates. What can we do?

In this episode, Angela Hanscom, the founder of Timbernook explores how free play (especially outdoor play) supports child development, sensory regulation, and emotional resilience. We discuss risky play, the need for recess, and the need for independent play in childhood, preschool, and elementary years. You'll love this especially if you're part of the Waldorf, Montessori, or Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

Welcome to Screen Less Play More Podcast!

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What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

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Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Thanks for listening! Parenting is hard, but you can do this!!!