INFANT & TODDLER Things to Do Infant & Toddler Events Frequently Using Digital Devices to Soothe Young Children May Backfire

Frequent use of devices like smartphones and tablets to calm upset children ages 3 to 5 was associated with increased emotional dysregulation in kids, particularly in boys, according to a Michigan Medicine study in JAMA Pediatrics.

"Using mobile devices to settle down a young child may seem like a harmless, temporary tool to reduce stress in the household, but there may be long-term consequences if it's a regular go-to soothing strategy," said lead author Jenny Radesky, M.D., a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

"Particularly in early childhood, devices may displace opportunities for development of independent and alternative methods to self-regulate."

The study included 422 parents and 422 children ages 3 to 5 who participated between August 2018 and January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Researchers analyzed parent and caregiver responses to how often they used devices as a calming tool and associations to symptoms of emotional reactivity or dysregulation over a six-month period.

Signs of increased dysregulation could include rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, a sudden change in mood or feelings, and heightened impulsivity.

Findings suggest that the association between device-calming and emotional consequences was particularly high among young boys and children who may already experience hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and a strong temperament that makes them more likely to react intensely to feelings like anger, frustration, and sadness

Alternative soothing methods can help build emotion regulation skills

Radesky, who is a mother of two herself, acknowledges that there are times when parents may strategically use devices to distract children, such as during travel or multitasking with work. While occasional use of media to occupy children is expected and realistic, it is important for it not to become a primary or regular soothing tool.

Some solutions Radesky recommends when parents are tempted to turn to a device include:

• Sensory techniques: Young kids have their own unique profiles of what types of sensory input calms them down. This could include swinging, hugging or pressure, jumping on a trampoline, squishing putty in their hands, listening to music, or looking at a book or sparkle jar.

• Name the emotion and what to do about it: When parents label what they think their child is feeling, they both help the child connect language to feeling states, but they also show the child that they are understood. The more parents can stay calm, they can show kids that emotions are "mentionable and manageable," as Mister Rogers used to say.

• Use color zones: When children are young, they have a hard time thinking about abstract and complicated concepts like emotions. Color zones (blue for bored, green for calm, yellow for anxious/agitated, red for explosive) are easier for kids to understand and can be made into a visual guide kept on the fridge, and help young children paint a mental picture of how their brain and body is feeling.

• Offer replacement behaviors: Kids can show some pretty negative behaviors when they are upset, and it's a normal instinct to want it to just stop. But those behaviors are communicating emotions, so kids might need to be taught a safer or more problem-solving replacement behavior to do instead. This might include teaching a sensory strategy ("hitting hurts people; you can hit this pillow instead") or clearer communication ("if you want my attention, just tap my arm and say 'excuse me, mom.'")

Parents can also prevent tech-related tantrums by setting timers, giving kids clear expectations of when and where devices can be used, and using apps or video services that have clear stopping points and don't just auto-play or let the child keep scrolling.

"In contrast, using a distractor like a mobile device doesn't teach a skill – it just distracts the child away from how they are feeling. Kids who don't build these skills in early childhood are more likely to struggle when stressed out in school or with peers as they get older."j sciencedaily.com

SeaWorld Orlando’s Free Preschool Card Register by February 3

Kids 5 and under can enjoy free admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando throughout all of 2023 with the Preschool Card. The free Preschool Card allows children ages 5 and younger to visit SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando as many times as they want through December 31. Only open to Florida residents. Advance registration must be completed online. Registration is required by February 3, and first-visit ticket redemption to SeaWorld or Aquatica must occur by February 28.

SeaWorld Orlando / 407-545-5550 / 7007 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 / seaworld.com

MOSH Molecules

February 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25

The Museum of Science & History’s early childhood program provides big learning for the youngest guests. Geared for children ages 3, 4, and 5, MOSH Molecules allows you and your child to explore and create memories in a safe environment. Each lesson is offered on Wednesdays at 9:30am and again on Saturdays at 10am. Lessons are one hour long and build upon ideas learned in the previous class over the course of four weeks. Registration for a full, four-lesson month is not required but is encouraged for an enhanced educational experience. Registration is $24.50 and includes program admission for one child and one adult as well as admission to the Museum following the program. Tickets for a full, four-lesson month are available for $90.

Museum of Science and History / 904-3966674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Crafty Tots

February 1, 8, 15, 10am to 11am

Kids ages 1 through 5 are invited for a storytime, snack, and craft. A parent or guardian must be present during the class. Free, but registration is required. Solomon Calhoun Center / 904-209-0379 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcfl.us

Alphabet STEM Storytime

February 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:30am to 11:30am

Kids ages 3 through 5 can join Ms. Karen at the Southeast Branch Library to continue the S.T.E.M. Storytime series. This time, kids will learn science, technology, engineering, and math while working through the alphabet. Every letter includes a hands-on project to participate in or to complete with their caregiver. Class size is limited to 15 young scientists. Free.

St. Johns County Public Library, Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / sjcpls.org

Little Learners at MOSH

February 2, 9:30am to 11:30am

Little Learners programs provide guests with the opportunity to explore MOSH and participate in hands-on activities in a social environment. Geared towards students ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers, Little Learners sessions are offered monthly and provide children with circle time in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, STEM-based activity stations throughout the Museum, and passport stickers as proof of their visit. Program admission is $24.50 per child and caregiver and includes access to the program and Museum admission.

Museum of Science and History / 904-3966674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Story Time in the Square

February 4, 10am

On the first Saturday of each month, join the San Marco Bookstore and San Marco Preservation Society for Story Time in the Square. Kids of all ages are welcome, but stories will be geared toward younger children. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Seating will be first come, first served, and the event will be held in the gazebo area rain or shine. Balis Park / 904-396-7597 / 1999 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / smpsjax.com

Virtual Breastfeeding Class

February 4, 12:30pm to 1:30pm

The class is designed for parents that are planning to breastfeed or need support.

Hosted by Certified Lactation Counselor Tawanna Nottage, who is also a member of the Broward County Breastfeeding Coalition. The class will cover the following topics: How breastfeeding works, Getting the best start, Positions & latching on, How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, Common challenges and how to overcome, and Breastfeeding support. The event is online and is free.

Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / www.pediatricassociates.com

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation

February 4, 1pm and 4pm

Disney's iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, and Tigger too come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers' classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this stage adaptation is told with life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters. Tickets start at $20. VIP tickets are also available; these tickets will include a post-show Meet & Greet. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.floridatheatre.com

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