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 a podcast featuring inspiring people with grit - passion, perseverance and an unwavering dedication in protecting, and loving, nature and wildlife. Whoop! Whoop! Host Erika Gilsdorf (that’s me!) is an international, award-winning video producer, who leaves the camera behind (for the most part) to let conversations breathe authentically in a podcast that spans diverse guests and topics. I include mental health guests, too who help us cope with all the crap and find joy amidst all the junk happening to our outdoors. Uffda…it’s a lot! (I’m a Minnesotan if you can't tell). Most importantly, this is a podcast about inspiration, hope, action, and connection. We have each other my friends!

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.