06/23/2022
Screen time has its place and it’s value. However, it can also have adverse effects on attention and language development when used excessively.
Screen time can take away communication opportunities since it is usually one-sided. Since everything that happens on a screen is instantaneous, attention can also be impacted.
When using screens, it’s important to remember that less is more. Screens can be really great on long road trips, to buy time for Mom and Dad to do some work, or even educationally (with limits). It’s the times when screens are present and hindering interaction that they become more of an issue.
One of my biggest observations nowadays is kids sitting at a restaurant on their phones/tablets, or in grocery stores, or standing in line, or walking through the mall, the list goes on. These instances are perfect examples of communication, and language-learning opportunities being removed. Additionally, tolerance and attention are going to be impacted for non-preferred tasks if a screen isn’t present.
It’s OKAY FOR KIDS TO BE BORED. Instances of boredom allow for opportunities to problem solve and use of imagination.
Think about how you’re using screen time with your kids…can you limit it? Can you make it more functional?
Always here to help!
Sincerely,
Briana