“I felt cradled in the warm arms of well translated, organized science I can implement immediately!”
Sarah Hernandez, Educator
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Most requested topics:
It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence
For middle and high school caregivers and professionals
Parents and professionals are swimming in headlines about AI, phones, social media, and mental health. It’s no wonder so many of us feel torn between panic and guilt, left wondering if we’re doing enough or if we’re doing it all wrong. Fear, though, isn’t a parenting strategy.
In this engaging and affirming talk, Erin Walsh takes you inside the teenage brain and connects the dots to the unique risks and opportunities of growing up digital. With warmth, science, and humor, Erin helps parents move from feeling overwhelmed and catastrophic to capable and connected – the steady presence young people need to build resilience in a complicated world.
It’s Complicated: Children, Screens, and Mental Health
For elementary, middle, and HS caregivers and professionals
In this interactive and energizing talk, Erin Walsh cuts through the noise with a refreshing blend of brain science, relatable storytelling, and humor. Discover what truly matters when it comes to technology and children, especially around top concerns like over-use, cyberbullying, body image, and attention. Transform your relationship with children around screens – not just to help them navigate online risks but to foster digital wellbeing. This workshop can be tailored to specific issues or age groups.
From Apps to Laps: Screen Time in Early Childhood
For early childhood caregivers and professionals
Families and educators receive conflicting advice—some companies promise that media can boost children’s intelligence, while experts urge parents to limit screen time. In this engaging talk, Erin Walsh uses science, stories, and humor to cut through the confusion about screen time in early childhood. Let go of screen time shame and discover practical strategies to support healthy development—both online and offline.
The Science of Motivation: Getting Going Again
For all ages
Based on the best-selling book, Erin unpacks what happens in the adolescent brain as it transitions from childhood to adulthood. Delivering the latest science in easy-to-understand language, Erin Walsh reveals why moodiness, risk-taking, and miscommunication are so common—all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. Get practical advice, reassuring guidance, and discover what teens need to thrive.
“Amazing! Erin is so real and relatable. I could have listened to her for hours!”
Myra Samuels, Parent
Additional Popular Topics:
iBrain: Learning in an Age of Distractions
All age groups
Erin Walsh unpacks the brain science of attention, memory, and multitasking in today’s digitally connected world. Explore the distraction economy, understand the seeking brain, and gain practical strategies for helping young people build focus as they navigate homework, YouTube, and each other.
The Many Faces of Stress: Raising Resilient Kids
All age groups
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.
Boundaries Without Battles
All age groups
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.
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!
Meet Erin
Erin Walsh is co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence. 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. Her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Edutopia, Parents.com, Psychology Today, and Minnesota Public Radio. She co-authored the Tenth Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen and has worked with schools, school districts, parent groups and other youth serving organizations throughout the United States and Canada on issues related to digital media, parenting, and child and adolescent development.
Watch Erin on the This Is So Awkward Podcast
“Erin Walsh is a very skilled speaker, I felt entertained, was never bored, and learned a ton.”
– Sayrah, Participant in Full Day Training
Trusted by school districts and organizations across the country
“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
