Less screens, sweets: Anti-dopamine parenting
Screen time and junk food are prevalent in modern parenting, but limiting them can be a challenge. Neuroscientists now say that they have discovered the reason behind this, which lies in the brain chemistry of children. Too much dopamine, a molecule involved in behavior and cognition, induces an urge for such items. The surge caused by these activities taps into ancient neural circuits that cause repeated bursts of dopamine in the brain. There’s something about sugary foods and screens that makes the brain think they are necessary, and hence some children tend to crave excesses of such indulgences. Here’s how Anti-dopamine parenting can help parents set limits for kids and curb addictive behaviors.
What is dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries information between brain cells. Historically, dopamine has been linked to motivation and mood. Still, new research is now shedding light on how this response triggers desire, too. In other words, because of dopamine, one feels that they want something instead of just liking or disliking it.
Why is dopamine a slippery slope for kids?
For kids, activities like watching TV, eating junk food, and playing video games can all result in a dopamine boost that needs to be continually fed to keep feeling good. But the problem is that dopamine’s effects are temporary. So, once a child eats the first chip and gets a quick dopamine spike, the levels drop again — making the child crave another spike. This is precisely how dopamine can easily become addictive.
What is anti-dopamine parenting?
Anti-dopamine parenting is a new strategy proposed by neuroscientists to help parents limit their child’s excessive engagement in dopamine-raising behaviors. These new theories tap into brain mechanics that drive desire in kids, and the wealth of information that parents can use to guide kids towards less addictive behaviors.
How to implement anti-dopamine parenting?
There are specific things that parents can do to limit a child’s excessive engagement in dopamine-raising behaviors:
- Limit screen time for children
- Limit access to junk foods
- Encourage play and outdoor activities
- Control the environment to help prevent the generation of dopamine in the brain
Limit screen time for children
Parents should limit screen time for kids to less than two hours a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Moreover, they must consider installing effective parental controls or monitoring systems to regulate their child’s screen time and usage.
Limit access to junk foods
Avoid stocking up on junk foods and high-calorie snacks that can prompt a dopamine rush. Instead, encourage healthy eating options, like fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber meals that can help kids feel full and satisfied for longer periods.
Encourage play and outdoor activities
Encourage physical play and outdoor activities, which can help promote the production of neurotransmitters other than dopamine.
Control the environment to help prevent the generation of dopamine in the brain
Use blackout curtains, remove electronic devices, and create a low-lighting environment before bedtime. Also, keep the TV out of the bedroom and mealtimes to lessen the attraction to screens and sweet stuff.
Conclusion
Anti-dopamine parenting is critical in curbing addictive behaviors in children. Parents should limit screen time, access to junk food, encourage outdoor activities and generally control the environment to limit the presence of addiction triggers in the child’s life. Remember, it’s not the child vs. parents; rather, it’s the dopamine that causes the addiction, so approach it in the right way.
FAQ
What is dopamine, and why is it essential in the brain?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps carry information between brain cells, which is vital in critical behaviors and cognitive activities like motivation, mood and triggering desire.
What is anti-dopamine parenting?
Anti-dopamine parenting is a new strategy proposed by neuroscientists that equip parents with actionable steps and tips to help limit their child’s excessive engagement in dopamine-raising behaviors.
Why is dopamine a slippery slope for kids?
Dopamine is a slippery slope for kids because once the effects of dopamine wear off, they keep wanting more of what triggered it, leading to an easy pathway to addiction.
What are some things parents can do to limit the excessive generation of dopamine in their child’s life?
Reduce screen time, limit access to junk foods, encourage outdoor physical activities, and control the environment to limit the generation of triggers that induce dopamine production.
What are some healthy eating options that parents can offer to their kids instead of high-calorie snacks?
Parents will do well to make available healthy food options such as fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber meals that help kids feel full for longer periods and help reduce their tendency to crave junk food.