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  • Science and Strategies for Nurturing Connected & Courageous Kids

    Energizing, affirming, and informative keynotes and trainings

    BOOK ERIN

“I felt cradled in the warm arms of well translated, organized science I can implement immediately!”

Sarah Hernandez, Educator

Trusted by school districts and organizations across the country

Featured Talks

It’s Complicated: Kids, Social Media, and Mental Health

The majority of young people report that social media helps them feel more connected to friends and provides critical support during challenging times. Yet young people today also report being more stressed and anxious than ever. So what is the relationship between screen time and mental health? In this interactive and energizing presentation, Erin Walsh cuts through conflicting messages to explain how technology is impacting mental health. As opposed to framing tech as “good” or “bad,” Erin will review the research and identify key strategies for digital wellbeing.

From Apps to Laps: Screen Time in Early Childhood

The youngest among us are no strangers to digital technology. Yet families are getting conflicting advice about the impact of these technologies– on one hand companies promise that media can boost their children’s intelligence while on the other America’s pediatricians urge parents to limit screen time in the early years. In this workshop, Erin explores the latest research on the power and impact of screen time in early childhood and shares the ingredients that young children need to thrive in a world dominated by screens.

Erin Walsh as a guest speaker a middle school with educators in a circle.

Why Do They Act That Way? A Compassionate Guide to the Teenage Brain

Based on the best-selling book, Erin explains exactly what happens to the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, our guest speakers show why moodiness, risk-taking, and miscommunication are so common – all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. Using this information, you will learn three ingredients for working with or parenting adolescents in ways that build on their strengths and gives them the support they need to grow into capable and caring adults.

  • Erin Walsh’s signature style combines science, warmth and humor to help educators, parents, and professionals engage in pressing and complicated topics – from stress to screen time.

    Bring Erin to your community for a conference keynote, professional development workshop, or parent night. Participants will leave feeling affirmed, capable, and inspired.

“Amazing! Erin is so real and relatable. I could have listened to her for hours!”

Myra Samuels, Parent

Additional Popular Tech Topics

iBrain: Learning in an Age of Distractions

Learn more about the distraction economy, the seeking brain, and practical strategies for building focus as students shift their attention between homework, YouTube, texting, and each other.

Courage Wins: Conflict and Cruelty Online

Learn how to distinguish between cyberbullying behaviors and typical peer conflict and why this distinction matters. Help kids disrupt cruelty and practice emotional courage.

From Control to Connection

It’s tempting to handle screen time with an ever-growing list of “places you shouldn’t go and things you shouldn’t do.” This workshop invites you to consider a relationship-based approach to screen time challenges that young people need.

Additional Popular Social Emotional Development Topics

The Many Faces of Stress

Children often express stress through challenging behaviors. Learn more about what stress looks like in kids and teens and ways to respond that build your family’s resilience instead of eroding it.

The Science of Motivation

Understanding the science of motivation can help us keep our eyes on how to nurture it in our kids – not just for the sake of getting more done but for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

Boundaries Without Battles

Learn more about why kids and teens need boundaries and how to be both flexible and firm when your kids need it most. Learn how to clarify your limits and follow through with consistency and care.

FULL LIST OF TOPICS for PARENTS

FULL LIST OF TOPICS FOR EDUCATORS & Professionals

We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. From conference keynotes to online workshops, we will tailor the topic and format to fit your audience.

 

1. Fill out the Book a Speaker form

2. We will get in touch with you to talk through details

3. Engage, learn, & enjoy!

 

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Trusted by school districts and organizations across the country

“Erin Walsh is a very skilled speaker, I felt entertained, was never bored, and learned a ton.”

– Sayrah, Participant in Full Day Training

“Erin Walsh is a fantastic guest speaker and I recommend her without reservation. She knows her content and delivers it convincingly and tactfully. Her style is dynamic and methodical. The audience found her to be highly engaging. If you are considering Erin for your events I have full confidence that you will be as pleased as I am.”

– Adam Seaman, Director, Youth Philanthropy Initiative

Spark & Stitch Speakers

  • Erin Walsh

    Erin Walsh

    Erin is a parent, speaker, and author. She has worked with communities across the country who want to better understand child and adolescent development and cut through conflicting information about kids and technology. She is committed to bringing an equity lens and asset-based approach to our understanding of, and response to, youth and media. Her signature down-to-earth approach and sense of humor helps families and educators engage in complicated topics and leave feeling capable and motivated. Keep reading...
    Erin Walsh
  • Dr. David Walsh

    Dr. David Walsh

    Dr. Dave is currently doing very limited speaking. He has mostly passed the baton to Erin :)
    Dr. David Walsh

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Watch Erin’s EDTalk:

 

“Cargill brings in many speakers to talk to employees about important issues. Erin Walsh ranks with the best. She delivered great information and practical advice in an engaging style. Not many speakers can connect with the audience and leave them wondering where the time went!”

– Keith Tvedten, Cargill Human Resources

Ready to book?

 

    ** You can learn more about these classes at sparkandstitchinstitute.com/online-classes
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