Raising Kids in a Digital World: Video Games, Screen Time, and Healthy Gaming Habits | Dr. Rachel Kowert | A Kids Co.
Fri Feb 06 2026
What does the research actually say about screen time and video games? After we received more questions about regulating kids’ screen time for both school and play, author and gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert joined us for a conversation on video games and how they affect kids’ behavior, mental health, and relationships. She helps break down the science behind kids and video games, and outlines the real impact of gaming from decades of research. Together, Dr. Kowert and host Elise Hu discuss what setting a healthy video game balance can look like, and practical advice for getting involved in your kids’ video gaming lives.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize the benefits of gaming in kids’ lives, rather than discrediting it as a useless pastime.
Cooperatively determine boundaries and rules with your child about video game use.
Have conversations with your kids about what healthy habits and feelings around video games can look like.
You know your child best, and you get to decide what kind of content you’re comfortable with your child experiencing online.
The best way to get involved with your kid’s gaming life is to play alongside them.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/13b3ed8ee92f6399/00346029b5c8a3c6
Follow Dr. Rachel Kowert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelkowert/
New episodes every Tuesday:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG
Or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 START HERE
📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us
📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com
📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho
ABOUT THE SHOW
Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers
Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.
Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.
Follow on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG
Or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.
Topics Covered on Raising Us:
Parenting kids and tweens
Mental health for kids
Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion
Screen time and social media
Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings
Building emotional intelligence in families
Conscious and values-driven parenting
Elise Hu parenting podcast
A Kids Co. podcast series
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What does the research actually say about screen time and video games? After we received more questions about regulating kids’ screen time for both school and play, author and gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert joined us for a conversation on video games and how they affect kids’ behavior, mental health, and relationships. She helps break down the science behind kids and video games, and outlines the real impact of gaming from decades of research. Together, Dr. Kowert and host Elise Hu discuss what setting a healthy video game balance can look like, and practical advice for getting involved in your kids’ video gaming lives. Key Takeaways: Recognize the benefits of gaming in kids’ lives, rather than discrediting it as a useless pastime. Cooperatively determine boundaries and rules with your child about video game use. Have conversations with your kids about what healthy habits and feelings around video games can look like. You know your child best, and you get to decide what kind of content you’re comfortable with your child experiencing online. The best way to get involved with your kid’s gaming life is to play alongside them. ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/13b3ed8ee92f6399/00346029b5c8a3c6 Follow Dr. Rachel Kowert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelkowert/ New episodes every Tuesday: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG Or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 START HERE 📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us 📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com 📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho ABOUT THE SHOW Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life. Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff. Follow on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG Or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you. Topics Covered on Raising Us: Parenting kids and tweens Mental health for kids Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion Screen time and social media Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings Building emotional intelligence in families Conscious and values-driven parenting Elise Hu parenting podcast A Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.