In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.

Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.

Together, we explore:

Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphones

The growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental health

The importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared values

What families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offline

This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
• Private community where you can feel supported
• Workbooks, parenting scripts, and printables
• Member-only Webinars
• Course Certificates for Continuing Education
• Access to our Certification Program
• Live Q & A Sessions for Parents & Professsionals
• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
• Robust Resource Library

Click here for more

To find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/

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In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.

Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children and adults alike. Dr. Brown shares compelling research and surprising insights on how play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, creativity, empathy, and resilience. He also discusses the dangers of a play-deprived childhood and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to foster playful experiences in a structured, screen-saturated world.

Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or educator, this episode will leave you rethinking the true value of play—and how we can reclaim it in our homes, schools, and communities.

To purchase Dr. Brown's book please visit https://a.co/d/dAI9xij

To learn more about his work go to:

Website: https://nifplay.org/

Instagram: @playinstitute

LinkedIn: @thenationalinstituteforplay

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
• Private community where you can feel supported
• Workbooks, parenting scripts, and printables
• Member-only Webinars
• Course Certificates for Continuing Education
• Access to our Certification Program
• Live Q & A Sessions for Parents & Professsionals
• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
• Robust Resource Library

Click here for more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brandon and Whitney Cawood discovered their child’s life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes, their world changed overnight. In this powerful episode, we follow the Cawoods—parents turned first-time filmmakers—as they dig deep into the science, health risks, and corporate practices surrounding synthetic food dyes. What began as a personal journey evolved into a nationwide investigation, exposing just how little we know about the additives in our everyday foods. Join us for a conversation that’s eye-opening, emotional, and a call to action for families everywhere

Their story is now a compelling documentary, To Dye For, which you can watch here: To Dye For Documentary.

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
• Private community where you can feel supported
• Workbooks, parenting scripts, and printables
• Member-only Webinars
• Course Certificates for Continuing Education
• Access to our Certification Program
• Live Q & A Sessions for Parents & Professsionals
• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
• Robust Resource Library

Click here for more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.