Microdose: Keeping Kids Learning Despite Summer Brain Drain

Practical Parenting

Practical Parenting
Microdose: Keeping Kids Learning Despite Summer Brain Drain
May 22, 2026 Season 2
GBMC HealthCare

Summer is almost here, and with it comes the age-old parenting question: how do you balance structure and downtime? In this episode, we discuss why free play and boredom matter, how much learning kids actually lose over the summer, and creative ways to keep reading and math skills sharp without turning summer into school.

Episode Artwork Microdose: Keeping Kids Learning Despite Summer Brain Drain 8:51 Episode Artwork Resilience in an Age of Worry with Dr. Meredith Elkins 42:30 Episode Artwork Microdose: End-of-Year School Burnout: How Parents Can Help Kids Finish Strong 12:30 Episode Artwork Understanding Neurodivergence with Dr. Brad Schlaggar 30:17 Episode Artwork Microdose: AAP Screen Time Guidelines Explained 10:51 Episode Artwork Unfiltered: Body Image is Not Just a Girl Problem 28:11 Episode Artwork Microdose: What the New Food Pyramid Means for Families 15:16 Episode Artwork How Our Childhood Shapes How We Show Up for Our Kids 39:04 Episode Artwork Microdose: Parenting Ins and Outs for 2026 17:11 Episode Artwork What Children Are Really Telling Us Through Play with Dr. Rachel Altvater 47:16 Episode Artwork Microdose: How to Apologize to Your Kids 13:08 Episode Artwork Facing Down Entitlement in an Instant Gratification Culture 34:50 Episode Artwork Microdose: How AI and social media contribute to literal Brain Rot 16:16 Episode Artwork Raising Digitally Smart and Media Literate Kids 44:50 Episode Artwork Microdose: Why Your Family Needs a Suicide Safety Plan 14:22 Episode Artwork Cannabis and Teens: What Parents Need to Know 27:23 Episode Artwork Microdose: Keep Kids Hydrated for Peak Performance 11:18 Episode Artwork Helping Kids Discover Their Sparkle in Hobbies, Sports & More 39:59 Episode Artwork BONUS Vaccines: The Latest Information 13:33 Episode Artwork Microdose: Establishing and Keeping Sleep Routines 10:37 Episode Artwork Burning Back to School Questions 33:23 Episode Artwork BONUS: The One Need-to-Know Tip Before Starting School 13:07 Episode Artwork It's Red and It Itches 39:35 Episode Artwork Microdose: Teaching Time Management Skills 16:36 Episode Artwork Let Your Kids Be Bored 27:21