Episode 19

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Published on:

6th May 2026

Managing Kids' Screen Time with Author Erin Walsh

Today’s episode on the challenge of balancing technology or screen time for the kids in our lives I think is really relatable to so many of us. But, how is this related to the Global Grit Experience that's about nature and the outdoors? Well, when kids and teenagers would rather be looking at a screen inside than doing something outside, we’re losing that important connection to nature and the outdoors in our kids.

My guest today is FABULOUS to give us some info and tips (without shame) on how to help us with the ever changing technology pressure on our kids.

Erin Walsh is the co-founder of Minnesota-based Spark & Stitch Institute. Her work has been featured in publications like the Washington Post, Minnesota Public Radio, Psychology Today, and Parents.com and she co-authored the bestselling Tenth Anniversary Edition of Why Do They Act That Way? And, her latest book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, is out now.

Erin is also a parent herself and she gets it. Navigating technology for the kids in our lives is hard. But, she's hear to help. Take a listen.

Erin also shared some resources with us below:

Book:

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/books/erin-walsh-its-their-world/

First Device Guide:

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/learn/free-resources/first-device-guide/

New Device Agreement:

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/First-Device-Agreements.pdf

I'd Rather Inventory:

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/Id-Rather-Inventory-2020.pdf

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About the Podcast

The Global Grit Experience
Stories of inspiring people with grit protecting nature, wildlife and the outdoor places we love.
The Global Grit Experience is about caring for nature, wildlife and each other by sharing stories of people making a difference in small and big ways. Real people, doing the work, who we can learn from, find some inspiration, and gather our grit to step up for the protection of our natural world. Erika Gilsdorf is an international, award-winning video producer and uses this podcast to be able to dive a bit deeper into a variety of environmental topics that are relevant, authentic and inspiring in today's challenging times. It's a podcast built on stories of hope, connection and action.

About your host

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Erika Gilsdorf

Hi! Thanks for being here! I’m Erika, the Global Grit Experience podcast creator and host. Though the podcast format is fairly new to me, I’ve been sharing stories close to 20 years in Minnesota, the U.S. and around the world. Some of those I’ve worked with include The Minnesota Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, General Mills, United Airlines, and National Geographic. I’m an outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, and climate and nature activist. I chose ‘grit’ because everything worth pursuing takes grit - passion, perseverance, courage, curiosity, hope and an unwavering determination to protect. Nature deserves a bit of our grit. Thanks for giving some of your grit for the love of nature.