Sharing The Best Resources & Tools

CAROLE AND NADIM SAAD, CO-FOUNDERS OF BEST OF PARENTING

As the parents of three children, struggling like so many others to find a balanced and effective parenting style, we turned away from all the parenting fads and studied the hard scientific evidence on what really works. The techniques we learnt were so life changing, yet so straightforward, that we made it our mission to convert them into powerful step by step tools and make them available to parents world over. Read more about the philosophy behind Best of Parenting.

Sharing The Best Resources & Tools

CAROLE AND NADIM SAAD, CO-FOUNDERS OF BEST OF PARENTING

As the parents of three children, struggling like so many others to find a balanced and effective parenting style, we turned away from all the parenting fads and studied the hard scientific evidence on what really works. The techniques we learnt were so life changing, yet so straightforward, that we made it our mission to convert them into powerful step by step tools and make them available to parents world over. Read more about the philosophy behind Best of Parenting.

What the experts say about: TV and Tablets

March 27th, 2014 | Article | 3 to 6 years | Awareness

We live in a world where screens are readily available to our children which has increased screen time tremendously. But does such widespread use of screens pose a threat to our children’s development, either mental or physical or both? And do you feel like you are ‘losing’ your children, and quality family life, to a two-dimensional fantasy world? Whether these questions concern you or not, why not try some of our expert’s tips to re-engage your kids with the ‘awesomeness’ of the real world.

So are screens bad for kids?

If over-used the answer is certainly yes.

‘Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity, say the American Academy of Pediatrics [1]:

Several research studies suggest that young children under the age of two should ideally not watch TV or at least keep it to a minimum.

The American Academy of Pediatrics agree with these findings and advise a total ban on screens for infants under the age of two claiming that ‘A child’s brain develops rapidly during (their) first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens.’

Influential British psychologist Dr Aric Sigman and author of Remotely Controlled, How Television is Damaging Our Lives

goes further, recommending no TV for the under threes:

‘We are becoming increasingly concerned, as are pediatricians in several other countries, as to how [watching screens] affect[s] the rapidly developing brain in children and young people.’

‘The critical time for brain growth is the first three years of life’ he adds. ‘That is when babies and small children need to interact with their parents, eye to eye, and not with a screen.’ [2]

Sigman’s research is backed up by the research that equates watching television with staring at a blank wall for several hours.

These findings have shown that watching television induces “low Alpha” waves in the human brain. These Alpha waves are brainwaves between 8 to 12 HZ that are commonly associated with relaxed meditative states. However, while Alpha waves achieved through meditation promote relaxation and insight and are therefore beneficial to the brain, the low Alpha wave state caused by TV is not so useful, causing unfocussed daydreaming and an inability to concentrate.

What about tablets?

According to recent research, nearly 75 percent of kids under eight are now using tablets and ipads. Indeed tablet use has become so prevalent that a whopping 40 percent of babies under two are now using them.  A worrying development given the American Academy of Pediatric’s recommendation of a total ban on screens for children children under the age of two.

And although the jury is still much out as to whether smartphones and tables are harmful for children beyond the age of two there is growing talk of the danger, and incidence, of toddlers becoming addicted to tablets: [3]

Added to which there are new  fears that tablets can delay, or even damage, the development of toddler’s ‘dexterity’ muscles. [4]

Other findings report  that reading iPad screens interferes with sleep, so crucial to children’s development. And much concern has been raised over the fact  that screens are unable to mirror a babies response. Replace a baby’s human interactive time with screen time and it is inevitably deprived of some of the conversational turn-taking that goes on between adult and child, one of the key development steps in the acquisition of language. [5]

The fact is that since tablet use (and research about its pros and cons) is still in its infancy, it’s clearly still up to the parent to decide whether to allow toddlers tablet time. Though the guiding principle, as with all screens, should always be that ‘less is more’ and that parents need to help their children find interesting content, whilst keeping an eye on what their children are watching.

Top tips for Screen-time:

  • Make it clear that using any type of screen (other than using the computer for homework!) is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities.
  • Try to limit screen time. We would suggest that you limit it to less than two hours a day and keep it to a minimum for children below the age of 3.
  • Establish a “media use plan” with your children with clear rules about TV, Tablets, mobile phones and other devices. For example, you can discuss with them what would be a reasonable amount of time per week to be spent watching TV and using tablets and reach an agreement. You can then remind them the rules that you have established without entering into negotiations. For eg: “Children who want to watch TV or use the Ipad must have finished their homework”.
  • Some parents with younger children (between 3 and 8) have created “vouchers” with a certain amount of time printed on them (eg. 30 minutes of Ipad) which are then distributed fairly amongst their children on a weekly basis. The understanding is that once the children have “spent” their vouchers, they are not allowed to any more TV time for the rest of the week. This system encourages children to be responsible for using their “allocated” time wisely. And it also helps them realize that once they have used up their vouchers they will need to find other things to entertain themselves.
  • If your children do not adhere to the plan that you have devised with them, you will need to make it clear that they have forfeited their right to use screens for a few days. This is a totally related and respectful consequence and it is important that you stick to it to make sure your children respect the rules.
  • Offer alternative forms of entertainment and education (books, magazines, crafts, board games ,etc…) as well as outdoor play. See our article about “Play” for tips on this.
  • Remember it’s as much about what they are watching as how much they are watching, so try to steer your children towards genuinely educational, rather than ‘junk’ viewing.
  • Put safety filters on your computers and remember to teach children about on-line safety from an early age: see https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
  • When children are using screens make sure that they are being supervised.
  • Watch with your child wherever possible and discuss what you are seeing/experiencing.
  • Make all bedrooms ‘screen free’.
  • Don’t have ‘background’ TV or screens on, especially during meals.
  • Adhere to the age appropriate guidelines and always take these into consideration when younger siblings are present.

Don’t forget the importance of ‘real’ play (as opposed to the ersatz version offered by screens) and read our tips about how to increase Play for both children and adults!

Related articles

  1. http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx
  2. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/09/ban-under-threes-watching-television
  3. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/10008707/Toddlers-becoming-so-addicted-to-iPads-they-require-therapy.html
  4. http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/11/14/red-flag-doctors-warn-tablets-can-actually-hurt-a-toddlers-developing-body/
  5. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201110/is-it-okay-let-your-toddler-play-the-ipad
  6. http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/sleep
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Related articles:

What the experts say about: TV and Tablets

March 27th, 2014 | Article | 3 to 6 years | Awareness

We live in a world where screens are readily available to our children which has increased screen time tremendously. But does such widespread use of screens pose a threat to our children’s development, either mental or physical or both? And do you feel like you are ‘losing’ your children, and quality family life, to a two-dimensional fantasy world? Whether these questions concern you or not, why not try some of our expert’s tips to re-engage your kids with the ‘awesomeness’ of the real world.

So are screens bad for kids?

If over-used the answer is certainly yes.

‘Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity, say the American Academy of Pediatrics [1]:

Several research studies suggest that young children under the age of two should ideally not watch TV or at least keep it to a minimum.

The American Academy of Pediatrics agree with these findings and advise a total ban on screens for infants under the age of two claiming that ‘A child’s brain develops rapidly during (their) first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens.’

Influential British psychologist Dr Aric Sigman and author of Remotely Controlled, How Television is Damaging Our Lives

goes further, recommending no TV for the under threes:

‘We are becoming increasingly concerned, as are pediatricians in several other countries, as to how [watching screens] affect[s] the rapidly developing brain in children and young people.’

‘The critical time for brain growth is the first three years of life’ he adds. ‘That is when babies and small children need to interact with their parents, eye to eye, and not with a screen.’ [2]

Sigman’s research is backed up by the research that equates watching television with staring at a blank wall for several hours.

These findings have shown that watching television induces “low Alpha” waves in the human brain. These Alpha waves are brainwaves between 8 to 12 HZ that are commonly associated with relaxed meditative states. However, while Alpha waves achieved through meditation promote relaxation and insight and are therefore beneficial to the brain, the low Alpha wave state caused by TV is not so useful, causing unfocussed daydreaming and an inability to concentrate.

What about tablets?

According to recent research, nearly 75 percent of kids under eight are now using tablets and ipads. Indeed tablet use has become so prevalent that a whopping 40 percent of babies under two are now using them.  A worrying development given the American Academy of Pediatric’s recommendation of a total ban on screens for children children under the age of two.

And although the jury is still much out as to whether smartphones and tables are harmful for children beyond the age of two there is growing talk of the danger, and incidence, of toddlers becoming addicted to tablets: [3]

Added to which there are new  fears that tablets can delay, or even damage, the development of toddler’s ‘dexterity’ muscles. [4]

Other findings report  that reading iPad screens interferes with sleep, so crucial to children’s development. And much concern has been raised over the fact  that screens are unable to mirror a babies response. Replace a baby’s human interactive time with screen time and it is inevitably deprived of some of the conversational turn-taking that goes on between adult and child, one of the key development steps in the acquisition of language. [5]

The fact is that since tablet use (and research about its pros and cons) is still in its infancy, it’s clearly still up to the parent to decide whether to allow toddlers tablet time. Though the guiding principle, as with all screens, should always be that ‘less is more’ and that parents need to help their children find interesting content, whilst keeping an eye on what their children are watching.

Top tips for Screen-time:

  • Make it clear that using any type of screen (other than using the computer for homework!) is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities.
  • Try to limit screen time. We would suggest that you limit it to less than two hours a day and keep it to a minimum for children below the age of 3.
  • Establish a “media use plan” with your children with clear rules about TV, Tablets, mobile phones and other devices. For example, you can discuss with them what would be a reasonable amount of time per week to be spent watching TV and using tablets and reach an agreement. You can then remind them the rules that you have established without entering into negotiations. For eg: “Children who want to watch TV or use the Ipad must have finished their homework”.
  • Some parents with younger children (between 3 and 8) have created “vouchers” with a certain amount of time printed on them (eg. 30 minutes of Ipad) which are then distributed fairly amongst their children on a weekly basis. The understanding is that once the children have “spent” their vouchers, they are not allowed to any more TV time for the rest of the week. This system encourages children to be responsible for using their “allocated” time wisely. And it also helps them realize that once they have used up their vouchers they will need to find other things to entertain themselves.
  • If your children do not adhere to the plan that you have devised with them, you will need to make it clear that they have forfeited their right to use screens for a few days. This is a totally related and respectful consequence and it is important that you stick to it to make sure your children respect the rules.
  • Offer alternative forms of entertainment and education (books, magazines, crafts, board games ,etc…) as well as outdoor play. See our article about “Play” for tips on this.
  • Remember it’s as much about what they are watching as how much they are watching, so try to steer your children towards genuinely educational, rather than ‘junk’ viewing.
  • Put safety filters on your computers and remember to teach children about on-line safety from an early age: see https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
  • When children are using screens make sure that they are being supervised.
  • Watch with your child wherever possible and discuss what you are seeing/experiencing.
  • Make all bedrooms ‘screen free’.
  • Don’t have ‘background’ TV or screens on, especially during meals.
  • Adhere to the age appropriate guidelines and always take these into consideration when younger siblings are present.

Don’t forget the importance of ‘real’ play (as opposed to the ersatz version offered by screens) and read our tips about how to increase Play for both children and adults!

Related articles

  1. http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx
  2. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/09/ban-under-threes-watching-television
  3. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/10008707/Toddlers-becoming-so-addicted-to-iPads-they-require-therapy.html
  4. http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/11/14/red-flag-doctors-warn-tablets-can-actually-hurt-a-toddlers-developing-body/
  5. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201110/is-it-okay-let-your-toddler-play-the-ipad
  6. http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/sleep
Loading...

What the experts say about: TV and Tablets

March 27th, 2014 | Article | 3 to 6 years | Awareness

We live in a world where screens are readily available to our children which has increased screen time tremendously. But does such widespread use of screens pose a threat to our children’s development, either mental or physical or both? And do you feel like you are ‘losing’ your children, and quality family life, to a two-dimensional fantasy world? Whether these questions concern you or not, why not try some of our expert’s tips to re-engage your kids with the ‘awesomeness’ of the real world.

So are screens bad for kids?

If over-used the answer is certainly yes.

‘Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity, say the American Academy of Pediatrics [1]:

Several research studies suggest that young children under the age of two should ideally not watch TV or at least keep it to a minimum.

The American Academy of Pediatrics agree with these findings and advise a total ban on screens for infants under the age of two claiming that ‘A child’s brain develops rapidly during (their) first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens.’

Influential British psychologist Dr Aric Sigman and author of Remotely Controlled, How Television is Damaging Our Lives

goes further, recommending no TV for the under threes:

‘We are becoming increasingly concerned, as are pediatricians in several other countries, as to how [watching screens] affect[s] the rapidly developing brain in children and young people.’

‘The critical time for brain growth is the first three years of life’ he adds. ‘That is when babies and small children need to interact with their parents, eye to eye, and not with a screen.’ [2]

Sigman’s research is backed up by the research that equates watching television with staring at a blank wall for several hours.

These findings have shown that watching television induces “low Alpha” waves in the human brain. These Alpha waves are brainwaves between 8 to 12 HZ that are commonly associated with relaxed meditative states. However, while Alpha waves achieved through meditation promote relaxation and insight and are therefore beneficial to the brain, the low Alpha wave state caused by TV is not so useful, causing unfocussed daydreaming and an inability to concentrate.

What about tablets?

According to recent research, nearly 75 percent of kids under eight are now using tablets and ipads. Indeed tablet use has become so prevalent that a whopping 40 percent of babies under two are now using them.  A worrying development given the American Academy of Pediatric’s recommendation of a total ban on screens for children children under the age of two.

And although the jury is still much out as to whether smartphones and tables are harmful for children beyond the age of two there is growing talk of the danger, and incidence, of toddlers becoming addicted to tablets: [3]

Added to which there are new  fears that tablets can delay, or even damage, the development of toddler’s ‘dexterity’ muscles. [4]

Other findings report  that reading iPad screens interferes with sleep, so crucial to children’s development. And much concern has been raised over the fact  that screens are unable to mirror a babies response. Replace a baby’s human interactive time with screen time and it is inevitably deprived of some of the conversational turn-taking that goes on between adult and child, one of the key development steps in the acquisition of language. [5]

The fact is that since tablet use (and research about its pros and cons) is still in its infancy, it’s clearly still up to the parent to decide whether to allow toddlers tablet time. Though the guiding principle, as with all screens, should always be that ‘less is more’ and that parents need to help their children find interesting content, whilst keeping an eye on what their children are watching.

Top tips for Screen-time:

  • Make it clear that using any type of screen (other than using the computer for homework!) is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities.
  • Try to limit screen time. We would suggest that you limit it to less than two hours a day and keep it to a minimum for children below the age of 3.
  • Establish a “media use plan” with your children with clear rules about TV, Tablets, mobile phones and other devices. For example, you can discuss with them what would be a reasonable amount of time per week to be spent watching TV and using tablets and reach an agreement. You can then remind them the rules that you have established without entering into negotiations. For eg: “Children who want to watch TV or use the Ipad must have finished their homework”.
  • Some parents with younger children (between 3 and 8) have created “vouchers” with a certain amount of time printed on them (eg. 30 minutes of Ipad) which are then distributed fairly amongst their children on a weekly basis. The understanding is that once the children have “spent” their vouchers, they are not allowed to any more TV time for the rest of the week. This system encourages children to be responsible for using their “allocated” time wisely. And it also helps them realize that once they have used up their vouchers they will need to find other things to entertain themselves.
  • If your children do not adhere to the plan that you have devised with them, you will need to make it clear that they have forfeited their right to use screens for a few days. This is a totally related and respectful consequence and it is important that you stick to it to make sure your children respect the rules.
  • Offer alternative forms of entertainment and education (books, magazines, crafts, board games ,etc…) as well as outdoor play. See our article about “Play” for tips on this.
  • Remember it’s as much about what they are watching as how much they are watching, so try to steer your children towards genuinely educational, rather than ‘junk’ viewing.
  • Put safety filters on your computers and remember to teach children about on-line safety from an early age: see https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
  • When children are using screens make sure that they are being supervised.
  • Watch with your child wherever possible and discuss what you are seeing/experiencing.
  • Make all bedrooms ‘screen free’.
  • Don’t have ‘background’ TV or screens on, especially during meals.
  • Adhere to the age appropriate guidelines and always take these into consideration when younger siblings are present.

Don’t forget the importance of ‘real’ play (as opposed to the ersatz version offered by screens) and read our tips about how to increase Play for both children and adults!

Related articles

  1. http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx
  2. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/09/ban-under-threes-watching-television
  3. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/10008707/Toddlers-becoming-so-addicted-to-iPads-they-require-therapy.html
  4. http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/11/14/red-flag-doctors-warn-tablets-can-actually-hurt-a-toddlers-developing-body/
  5. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201110/is-it-okay-let-your-toddler-play-the-ipad
  6. http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/sleep
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Related articles: