Managing the Many Screens in Children’s Lives
limiting screen time for children 2 and older to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day. Is screen time helpful or harmful to my child’s brain development? In order to thrive, your child needs healthy food, shelter, and plenty of positive interactions with the people who love them. Your child will benefit from being talked to, read to and played with. Your child will learn best from hands-on, creative play, exploring their environment and outdoor experiences. These early experiences build important life skills like creativity, compassion, curiosity and constructive problem solving.
Look around at any restaurant, store, or pretty much If you are using technology with your child, here are anywhere, and it’s easy to see: adults are always some helpful suggestions to keep in mind: connected to their mobile devices. But, as technology becomes even more entrenched in our lives, what can X Make sure that your child has plenty of time for hands-on, creative and active play. It’s all about the we expect from our children? balance! The ever-changing field of technology offers both possibilities and challenges for many families. X If you choose to use technology with your child, set rules early on about when, where, what and how Technology is one of the 21st century learning skills much. Screen activities with obvious end-points we want to ensure our children have, but at what age can help a lot with time limits. should it begin? When should my child be introduced to technology? X Remove televisions and other devices from children’s bedrooms. Don’t use during mealtime. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends not until over the age of 2, unless video chatting (examples: a parent X Turn off screens/technology when they are not in use. Parents talk less to children when background is out of town or grandparents live out of state). television is on and it interrupts the kind of play How much time should my child spend with screen essential for learning. time/technology? X Take note of your own personal screen time (social The American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends media, games, apps) and remember that you are avoiding screen time for children under 2 and suggests your child’s most powerful role model.
Guidestone Series on Parenting Tools Continues Ohio Guidestone’s Toolbox Series for Parents continues with a second session on Feb. 17.
This four-part series offers tools to deal with challenging behaviors and create a compassionate learning environment both at home and at school. It’s presented by Donna Jezewski, M.Ed., LSW who is both a therapist and mental health consultant for LCCAA Head Start.
February’s session will discuss the skills of encouragement and choices will be discussed. On Thursday, March 17, the discussion will be about the skills of empathy and positive intent.
The series will be held by Zoom and recorded for parents who have scheduling conflicts. All participants will receive a free “Sophie” book.
Finally, the skill of consequence will be discussed on Thursday, April 14.
For log in credentials, check ClassTag or speak to your teacher, family All sessions will be held a 12:30 p.m. service worker or home visitor.
