Dopamine Kids: Five Steps to Free Your Family from Digital Dependency and Ultra-Processed Foods

The revolutionary new book from the international bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent. Why do video games include missions? Why does junk food give us cravings? Because they tap into dopamine, the neurotransmitter that motivates us to want more. Companies and developers use knowledge of how dopamine affects our children’s brains to sell them screens, games and ultra-processed foods. In Dopamine Kids, Michaeleen Doucleff, bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent, empowers parents with this same knowledge, but instead shows how to utilize it to reinforce positive habits, activities and lifestyle choices. Through five simple and science-backed steps, she demonstrates how to identify unhealthy hobbies and re-direct your child’s motivation to build positive ones. Swap binge-watching with reading. Replace the excitement of screens with the thrill of outdoor activities. Substitute ultra-processed foods for the joy of baking. By understanding and harnessing the power of dopamine, we can help our children build independence, concentration, strong mental health and, above all, thrive in an ever-changing world.