Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Food w/ Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
About this episode
Aliza Pressman discusses the impact of dopamine on children's behavior and offers strategies for healthier habits with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff.
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to unpack what dopamine actually is—and how understanding it can completely shift the way we approach screens, food, and motivation in our kids’ lives. We talk about why dopamine isn’t about pleasure but about desire, and how that “do it again” loop can pull kids toward things that don’t actually make them feel good in the long run. We discuss practical, doable ways to redirect that drive—by replacing, not restricting—so kids naturally want the activities that support their well-being. We also explore why willpower isn’t the answer, how small environmental changes can make a big difference, and how starting tiny can help create lasting habits for a calmer, more connected home. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Pre-order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans https://draliza.com/pre-order/ Subscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.com Follow me on Instagram for more: @raisinggoodhumanspodcast Wayfair: Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day Minnow: That’s shopminnow.com code MEETMINNOW15 for 15% off…
People in this episode
Host: Aliza Pressman
Guest: Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
Topics covered
- dopamine
- screens
- motivation
- well-being
- parenting strategies
Keywords
- dopamine
- parenting
- screens
- motivation
- well-being
- habits
- environmental changes
Sponsors
Wayfair, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Little Spoon
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans
More episodes of Raising Good Humans
- Are You Oversharing With Your Kids — or Not Sharing Enough?
- Is Anxiety Your Secret Weapon?
- The Family as a Team: Why It Matters & How to Build It at Home
- Understanding Status: The Science Behind Respect and Influence (And What It Means for Parenting) w/ Professor Alison Fragale
- Real Ways to Stay Regulated When Parenting Feels Overwhelming w/ Dr. Elisha Goldstein
- How to Reduce Mealtime Tension
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Raising Good Humans podcast page.