“Anti-dopamine parenting” can help manage children’s cravings for screens or sweets by understanding the role of dopamine in the brain.
The science: Both smartphones and sugar-laden foods trigger surges of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in motivation.
* Research shows that dopamine primarily generates desire, making people want things or continue doing what they’re doing.
Parenting tips: Knowing that dopamine surges can create cravings and agitation in children allows parents to develop strategies to handle these situations.
* Wait 5 minutes after stopping an activity; put the trigger (e.g., screen or sweets) out of sight.
* Look for the “Goldilocks” activities that provide the right amount of dopamine without causing negative behaviors afterwards.
* Create “microenvironments” or specific areas in the home where problematic devices or foods are only allowed, to help manage cravings.
Takeaway: Understanding the role of dopamine in children’s cravings for screens and sweets can empower parents to better manage and limit these activities.
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