How to help your child have a healthier relationship with screens: The psychology behind what actually works with Catherine Price

Catherine Price returns to the podcast to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing parents today: how to help kids build a healthier relationship with screens. Drawing from her new book, The Amazing Generation (co-authored with Jonathan Haidt), this conversation explores how to move from power struggles and fear-based messaging to approaches that build insight, agency, and real buy-in from kids themselves.

Together, we explore:

• Why simply telling kids to "get off screens" often backfires.
• What kids are actually getting from screens (and what they're missing).
• How to explain to kids that tech companies are designed to capture attention in a way that makes them feel empowered.
• Why "real world" experiences are critical for development and how screens can crowd them out.
• Practical ways to support connection and independence without defaulting to smartphones.
• How to have conversations about screens that don't lead to shutdown or conflict.
• Simple shifts that can help your child become more aware, reflective, and intentional with technology.
• Why building a full, engaging life offline naturally reduces screen time.

This conversation is about more than just screen time. It's about helping kids develop the awareness, confidence, and agency to make choices that align with the kind of life they actually want to live, and how we, as parents, can support that process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Catherine Price

📚 The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World

🔗 Free Guide: The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance: Your 7-Day Plan for Fewer Fights and More Fun

📚 How to Break Up with Your Phone, Revised Edition: The 30-Day Digital Detox Plan

📚 The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again

📱 IG: @catherinepriceofficial

🎧 242. Have phones displaced our ability to play and have fun? How to be intentional with your tech use with Catherine Price

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren

🔗 Upshur Bren Psychology Group

📱IG: @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Whether it's screen time battles, feeling stuck in constant pushback, or trying to help your child make healthier choices without power struggles, these patterns can be hard to shift on your own. Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers in-person and virtual therapy and parent coaching to help you build insight, strengthen connection, and create meaningful, lasting change. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services or schedule a free 30-minute consultation to find the right support for your family.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why screens and ultra-processed foods keep kids wanting more (but never satisfied) with Michaeleen Doucleff

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about teaching kids healthy tech habits free of guilt or power struggles with Ash Brandin

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why kids remember more when they write by hand with Dr. Audrey van der Meer

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangers of EdTech with Andy Liddell