- Because we believe that every child - ADHD or not - deserves the opportunity to soar.
192 – Screen Time Meltdowns in ADHD Kids with Sondra Bakinde and Mariana Gordon
ADHD Thrive Institute
192 - Screen Time Meltdowns in ADHD Kids with Sondra Bakinde and Mariana Gordon
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A child can appear calm on a screen and unravel seconds after it turns off. That reaction isn’t bad behavior or poor discipline — it’s a nervous system crash driven by dopamine, overstimulation, and an abrupt loss of regulation.
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay sits down with Sondra Bakinde and Mariana Gordon, co-founders of Mindful Mantis, to unpack what’s really happening in a child’s brain and body during screen time. They explain why screens activate the sympathetic nervous system, how dopamine crashes trigger fight-flight-freeze responses, and why kids with ADHD feel these shifts even more intensely.
You’ll learn how to spot early signs of dysregulation before meltdowns erupt, why restriction alone often backfires, and how simple transitions can support a child’s nervous system instead of overwhelming it. Sondra and Mariana share practical, realistic tools — including bridging the dopamine gap, predictable transitions, connection before direction, and their Pause & Play Method — all designed for real families, not perfect ones.
If screen time feels like a daily struggle in your home, this episode will help you reframe what’s happening and respond with more calm, clarity, and confidence.
Key Takeaways [01:21] Why parents immediately blame themselves [02:13] Why this isn’t a discipline issue [04:39] How screens pull energy out of the body [06:04] The dopamine crash explained [08:27] Fight, flight, or freeze in kids [11:16] Why ADHD intensifies screen reactions [14:42] Early warning signs parents often miss [18:11] Recovery vs restriction after screens [20:06] Bridging the dopamine gap [29:56] The Pause & Play Method introduced [36:53] One grounding step parents can try today
Memorable Moments “I am literally dealing with a feral raccoon in a human body.” “Screens pull energy outward into the eyes, the mind, the nervous system.” “That sudden shift can feel very threatening.” “The body whispers before it shouts.” “We focus less on restriction and more on recovery.” “Urgency feels like danger. Slowness feels like safety.” “Never end stimulation without grounding.”
Dive into a unique podcast experience where we explore innovative and natural strategies to support children with ADHD.
The Soaring Child Podcast hosted by Dana Kay, offers you a chance to listen in on conversations that could change the way you think about ADHD management.
As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts.
Her goal with the Soaring Child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life.
Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child.
