Description
The 30-day Blackout Intervention targets behavioral problems in children that are caused by
excess screen time. The overabundance of screen time prevents children from developing
meaningful connections in their relationships. When adults reflect on their favorite childhood
memories, they typically reminisce about experiences through their five senses. What did they
see, hear, smell, taste and feel? Equally important, with whom did they experience these
magical moments? With whom did they connect? Research shows that children are increasingly
disconnected from their environment. Despite spending a large portion of time interacting with
friends on social media sites, children are lacking connection and meaningful relationship with
their peers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that American
children spend a whopping seven hours a day in front of electronic media. The sensory
stimulation from the screens may cause developmental delays in children. Created within a
family systems framework, The 30-day Blackout Intervention incorporates elements of filial
therapy, Theraplay, child-parent relational therapy, attachment-based play therapy, and child
centered play therapy to address behavioral problems, attachment injuries, and strengthen the
self-esteem of the family system. Throughout this 30-day journey, the entire family goes
through a series of steps that drive connection and ???resets? the child?۪s brain. Common results
include: an increase in the child’s ability to concentrate, maintain healthy eye contact, regulate
emotions, and build stronger personal connections.
Presented by: Stacy Jagger, M.A.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Present and explain the course of The 30-day Blackout to a play therapy client’s family
- Identify and implement five attachment-based play therapy activities to foster connection in the parent-child relationship
- Describe how attachment injuries occur within the parent-child relationship and methods to help repair and strengthen attachment
