1KHO 932: Stopping the Worst Childhood Epidemic in History | Dr. Robert Melillo, Disconnected Kids

Ginny Yurich (0:34)

Hey friends, I am thrilled to be with you today. I have been waiting to post this episode. I've actually had it for a few months, but summer listenership is often lower because of vacations, and so I saved it for the fall so more families would hear it.

Dr. Robert Melillo is the author of Disconnected Kids, a book I took 15 pages of notes on. It's a book I believe every parent and every educator should know about. Dr. Robert Melillo has spent more than 30 years working with children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other neurological and developmental challenges. He is also the creator and co-founder of Brain Balance, and this work became deeply personal for him when his own five-year-old son began showing signs of ADHD. He wanted to understand what was actually happening in his son's brain.

And that question ultimately changed the course of his career. There is so much in this conversation. We talk about movement and the developing brain. We talk about crawling and why Robert believes developmental milestones matter so much. We talk about primitive reflexes, which I knew next to nothing about before reading this book, sensory experiences, balancing coordination, screens, social development, and the relationship between what is happening in the body and what is happening in the brain.

Because our children's brains are developing through their experiences with the world, Robert talks extensively about movement and sensory input as part of that development. And his book gives parents actual things to look for and things they can do at home. I found his work hopeful, fascinating, and life-changing. And before we jump in, we are giving books away like crazy right now through the 1000 Hours Outside newsletter. Tomorrow, we're giving away a copy of Robert's book, Disconnected Kids, and that will be our seventh book giveaway in 10 days. So if you're not on the newsletter yet, go to 1000hoursoutside.com/newsletter and sign up. You definitely want to be on there right now. All right, this is a good one. Here is Dr. Robert Melillo.

I have always thought that sweet and salty is one of those combinations that just makes sense. Like something that can be perfectly good on its own, but add just a little salt to something sweet, and suddenly it's 10 times better. So I was very excited when Kachava came out with their new flavor, salted caramel. Caramel is already good, but that little bit of salt just makes the whole thing work. And what I love about Kachava is that it's not just something that tastes good. Two scoops give you plant-based protein, fiber, greens, and so much more in one really simple shake. It's an easy way to help fill some of those nutritional gaps, especially on days when you're busy and just need something quick. And there aren't any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. It's just clean nutrition that actually tastes delicious. Embrace your salty side. Go to kachava.com and use code 1000HOURS for 15% off your first order. That's kachava, spelled kachava.com, code 1000HOURS.

You know there are so many little things we do as parents to help our kids sleep well. We get them outside, keep them moving, try to limit screens at night, but one thing I hadn't thought much about was how they're actually breathing while they sleep.

A lot of parents don't realize their kids may be sleeping with their mouths open, and persistent mouth breathing can be associated with restless sleep, dry mouth, moodiness, oral health concerns, and even development. That is where Muzzle Kids Tape comes in.

It is a simple bedtime tool designed to greatly encourage lip closure and support nasal breathing. And what I really like as a mom is their patented Breathe Safe Center Opening. It doesn't completely seal the mouth, so there's still room to talk, cough, sneeze, or drink water if needed. They make Muzzle for adults too, so it can be a simple nighttime habit for the whole family. Go to muzzlesleep.com and use code 1000HOURS for 10% off. That's muzzlesleep.com, promo code 1000HOURS.

Welcome to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. My name is Ginny Yurich. I'm the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. And I have read a book that I think every parent, every educator should read. It is phenomenal. I took 15 pages of notes on it. Plus I have notes on my notes. And I am so honored that the author of Disconnected Kids, as well as Reconnected Kids and several other books, he has his own podcast as well, Dr. Robert Melillo. Welcome. Thank you so much for saying yes.

Robert Melillo (4:45)

Well, thank you very much. I don't know if I've had anybody take 15 pages of notes that I'm aware of on the book. So I think that's a first. So that's awesome.