Sitting at the pool the other day I had a conversation with a friend, and fellow mom, about summer and the dreaded television. We were discussing how much easier it seemed during the school year to limit (or eliminate) television watching. But summertime (especially these rainy summer days we’ve had) with the endless free time makes it harder to accomplish.
My children, for example, are permitted (in the summer) to watch 1/2 hour of television each day or bank the time for a longer movie. I’ve encouraged them to save their TV time until the evening which means they often don’t even get to it. (Sneaky I know) This post isn’t really about the evils of the television or how much is too much but rather what can take the place of endless TV watching. Here is some interesting information I found.
About 40 percent of 3-month-olds watch television or videos for an average of 45 minutes a day, or more than five hours a week, according to the first-ever study of the viewing habits of children under the age of 2.The study, by pediatric researchers at the University of Washington, also found that by age 2, 90 percent of children are watching television for an average of more than 90 minutes a day.
Such early exposure to screens can have a negative impact on an infant’s rapidly developing brain and put children at a higher risk for attention problems, diminished reading comprehension, and obesity, researchers said.
Researchers said they were surprised not only by the number of hours young children are spending in front of the television but also by the primary reason: Most parents are using television as an educational tool, not for the more conventional explanation of babysitting. Despite nearly a decade of warnings by pediatricians to the contrary, parents believe that the content of programs aimed at babies is good for brain development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following with regard to television viewing.
So what else can we do?
The first thing that pops into my mind is
read. Statistics show that to be on grade level a 5 year old should have had 1000 hours of reading exposure before they reach school – that is half an hour every day each year for every year they have been alive! This may seem overwhelming especially if you feel you’ve lost time with your child but it’s never too late to start. If your child is of reading age help them find books they’re interested in and encourage them to read daily, but don’t forget the benefit of reading aloud to them too. Studies show that children of reading age build fluency in part by hearing fluent readers read aloud. If your child is a baby or toddler use board books as they make it easier for the child to successfully interact with the book. Don’t be limited by the written word, look at the pictures with your child, discuss what’s happening, the color, number and shape of the items you see. Allow your child to turn the pages back and forth. And be willing to read it again and again.
Visit your local library. We have many child friendly libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System check them out. Many of them have story hours on various mornings during the week even during the summer!
Play Games and puzzles- We’re gamers in my family and proud of it. Here are some ideas based on the age of your child. This list is by no means exhaustive just off the top of my head. Please share if you have any great games.
Babies, toddlers – Puzzles, fingerplays, peek a boo, build it up/knock it down,
Preschoolers - Puzzles, Feed the Kitty (gamewright), Zingo (thinkfun), Yahtzee Jr, Memory, Uno, Candy Land
Early Elementary – (all of the above) Dominos, Chutes and Ladders, Toss your cookies, Uno, Bannanagrams, Checkers, Toot and Otto, Charades, Card Games (WAR etc)….
Older Elementary, – Most of the above plus – Battleship, Monopoly, Pit, Yahtzee, Othello, Chess, word finds, crosswords, Soduko…..
Get Outside: Playgrounds, State Parks, Hiking, Swimming, So many ideas and we’re fortunate to live in an area with many outdoor options.
Enjoy Music and Movement – Sing Dance and be merry! Come to Kindermusik and then enjoy your Kindermusik Home CD’s and activities from class while you’re at home. Don’t have many instruments – make some from your kitchen supplies or recyclables.
Have fun finding ways to be active in mind and body with your children this summer. Share your ideas and successes with me when I see you next.
