Today’s television programs make tall claims about it being designed to help toddlers and infants learn. In spite of that recent studies show that these programs only provide empty calories to your child’s brain. Even if parents are aware of how harmful the TV is, most resort to them because they are simply tired and want something to distract their child.
Taking care of kids is a ridiculous amount of work that requires attention, patience, and energy. It’s totally okay if as parents you want to plop your child in front of the television and get some quality time for yourself. So, you must be wondering, can few minutes of rationality when the child is busy with the TV (minus the crying, diaper change, feeding) be really so bad?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 2 years should not be exposed to televisions, computers or even phone screens. This is because the baby’s brain is developing at a rapid pace and readily absorbs information. There is significant evidence that further suggests too much of media at a young age increases the risk of the kid developing ADHD, sleep disorders, and other cognitive issues.
So, how do you go about making your kid ditch all media or decrease their attraction to it?
Now that we have established that screens are bad for your baby, you need to understand the following. Children ape their adults, which means that everything that you do would be lapped up eagerly by your kid. Begin with baby steps and what we mean is:
- Reduce or no adult TV watching around toddlers: You can definitely opt for TV during nap-time.
- No screens for distraction: Several parents use screens as a method of distraction. Avoid doing this at all costs. Alternatively, you can use music DVDs and encourage your child to sing along or do other interactive things.
- Avoid toys with batteries: Okay, this might be easier said than done what with all the fancy toys available in the market. However, remember that the more active the toy, less active is the child.
- Spend time outdoors: Encourage outdoor activities, go for walks – something that will get your kids off the TV and iPads and get them moving.
- Books are better: As parents, if your kids see you enjoy a book, they too will follow suit.
What you need to encourage is self-directed play instead of being glued to the vibrant colors and voices of the TV.
Self-Directed Play It Is
What is it?
In this play, the children’s imagination runs wild and they can choose what to play and make up their own rules while they are at it.
Why is it good?
Years of research has found that self-directed play fosters the child’s cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and physical progression. In fact, it is necessary for the overall development of the child, especially in school.
Children who are involved in self-directed play
- Figure out things for themselves
- They learn to take healthy risks
- Have out-of-box ideas
- Hone necessary skills such as overcoming problems, communicating their feelings, etc.
- Are content with self-discovery and pursues ideas, without the fear of failure
Observe And Follow
As and when your child is exploring their surroundings, observe, and follow them. You will automatically get a hang of things that your child likes and what they are avoiding.
- Do not help: Resist your urge to help. If your child is struggling with a material, they will figure out how to use it on their own. If you help, they will not think. In the end, with your intervention, the purpose of self-directed playing is completely lost. Having said that, it is also okay to intervene sometimes and guide them when they are in need.
- Do not interrupt: When your child is playing, do not interrupt unless necessary. They are exploring their environment on their own and figuring out what interests them.
- Do not decide for them: It is okay if your child is flipping from one toy to the other, or is obsessed with a single one. They are the best decision makers of what they want to do when playing. Letting them decide develops their concentration skill and helps them to figure out what they will like to do.
We understand that you are there for your kid, and as a parent, you care and also provide them with the necessities. It is difficult and tiring, but it does not mean that you get to distract them by letting them watch television. It still is an “idiot box.” Opt for the above-mentioned methods instead. Interact and involve other family members if you think you need a break.
What do you do with your child when you want some “me” time?
