Educate and empower families to spend less time with tech and more time on the essentials of a healthy childhood!
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A framework for schools and community programs!
Welcome to the Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R. garden!
Technology constantly changes, but kids' developmental needs do not. We use a garden analogy to help explain what kids have ALWAYS needed to grow and thrive.
SOIL is the foundation of a garden that provides a strong base.
In childhood, that is NUTRITION, SLEEP, and LOVE/ATTACHMENT.
The SUN helps the flowers grow strong and healthy.
In childhood, the P.O.W.E.R. ACTIVITIES - Play, Outside time, Work or chores, Engaging with others, and Reading - foster growth.
CLOUDS can block the sun. This is not a concern as long as the flowers still get plenty of sunshine. But if the sun is covered too often, the flowers won't grow to their full potential.
In childhood, SCREEN TIME can block essential activities and this can affect children's healthy development. We need to ensure that a child's day is always filled with plenty of P.O.W.E.R. activities.
BEES are very important in a garden, but it is uncomfortable when they sting.
In childhood, DIFFICULT EMOTIONS like boredom, frustration, or disappointment are uncomfortable. These emotions might "sting", but kids need to learn how to navigate them to build resilience.
THE LET'S GROW BRAIN P.O.W.E.R. GARDEN REMINDS US OF
THE ESSENTIALS OF A HEALTHY CHILDHOOD!
Presentation Options
Research has found that parents respond better to positively framed messages about screen time - ones that tap into their aspirations, rather than their fears, and do not trigger shame.
Our framework does exactly that and we are happy to share this message with families and professionals!
We offer the following types of presentations:
Family Engagement Nights
Student presentations - Pre-K to 6th grade
Parent Education
Professional Development
We also offer a train-the-trainer program so your staff can present on any of the above!
" Inspired by neuroimaging research in young children regarding relationships between screen time, unplugged activities and skills, relationships and brain development, Katie and Kailan have created a memorable, empowering framework that focuses on what children need to grow up healthy, happy and thriving. The materials are fun, colorful, accessible and evocative. Their message is one that will surely benefit children and their grownups! "
Dr. John Hutton MD MS FAAP
Associate Professor, Division of General and Community Pediatrics
Attending Physician, Children’s Health Dallas
Additional Resources!
We have created the following resources that come with our presentations for you to use in a variety of ways. They are available in both English and Spanish!
Information for caregivers
Patterns and a variety of signs to make a bulletin board Brain P.O.W.E.R. garden
Activities for kids of all age levels
" The resources and ideas in this kit are valuable in helping families, policymakers, advocates, and teachers begin to recognize the importance of play as a biological necessity for healthy development. Not only do Kailan and Katie share ideas that increase play and do away with screens, but they also back up their activities with research. "
Deb Lawrence, President of International Play Association (IPA) USA
Coordinator of Screen-Free Week
Screen time will be low if you focus on what helps the brain grow!
" Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R. helped us engage kids and families in our school in a positive discussion about screen time! We used it in the fall, and are using it again this spring to organize a family event. "
Mary Beth Roche
Chapel Hill, NC
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