Technology is a huge deal in today’s society and my husband and I are big techy people with lots and lots of technology in our house. It’s difficult but, I try to censor J’s time with technology as much as possible. He does not watch TV and we try to keep him away from our phones and computers. I just don’t think screen time is the best use of J’s time.
Here are my reasons:
- Screen time (TVs, computers, smart phones, etc) interferes with playtime. The AAP has recently put out a statement about this. It’s a good read…check it out here.
- Technology interferes with family time. For example, when a child plays with a gadget during dinner time, they are not learning how to converse with their family or learn manners at a dinner table.
Now, once a child is over 2 and can understand content of an educational TV show, then it can be beneficial for them. I’ve seen my 2 year old nephew be fully engaged in a TV show, correctly answer all the questions, and practice new words from the show. This is when technology can be educational for children.
However, it should not be on all the time and be used sparingly. Children still learn so much more during playtime! Children learn problem solving and critical thinking better while playing with blocks or in pretend play than they ever will from a screen. Even the educational computer games are ok, but still not the best way for a child to learn.
The most important thing to remember is that children learn through play! It is their most important job and is not something they do to pass the time. Sitting and passively watching a screen or engaging in video games is not play.
What do you think about technology and kids.?
Activity #24: Christmas Play
Did you know…Christmas is tomorrow! It’s such a fun time of year, but also very hectic. Take time today to have some Christmas fun with your kids.
- Go look at Christmas lights
- Visit Santa
- Read Christmas Books
- Make sparkly peppermint playdough
- Make a winter sensory tray
- Wrap presents together
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