Parenthood

If you were a child in these days what would your typical day look like? How many hours would you spend in front of TV, computer, play station? I am pretty sure it is much more than you had in your childhood. Now, in 21th century technologies have a huge impact on our everyday life. Social networks, TV shows, movies, games became a big part of our routine and, furthermore, in kids as well. Typical elementary school student has more than 3 hours screen time per day comparing to 2 hours recommended. I strongly believe that this can make a serious problems in children's brain development, growing body and behavior.

Children are exposed to electronic devices as soon as they can sit in the high chair. Usually it is happening around the 6th month. Mothers turn on a TV or I pad with cartoons, some music videos or whatever can make their children busy and keep their attention for at least some time so moms can do some housework. Sometimes, they even buy some apps which are "good for baby's development", advertisers say, that will teach your child letters, numbers and songs, but in reality it makes a bad influence on babies’ brain that mothers do not realize. You can find a scientific proof of my words in an outstanding book by John Medina "Brain Rules for Babies". If you are a parent or a parent-to-be I highly recommend this book because there is lots of interesting, practical, necessary and beneficial information.

So, in that book scientists took kids in the same age range, usually, there were children age 2 to 3, and split them into two categories: the first one had a screen time up to 1 hour for the next 5 years and the other ones had more than 2 hours. And in the end of the experiment tests showed that IQ level in kids from the first category was higher than in the second one. Children from the first group had a longer attention span, were less aggressive and did not have tantrums. Scientists say that especially violent games could make an extremely bad influence on kids’ brain development. Moreover, statistics has showed that it is more likely that kids who play that kind of games can have a criminal problems compared to kids who do not play.

Furthermore, gaming and watching TV can lead to some problems in body development as well. Children's growing body needs a lot of exercises. They have to move as much as they can to have a good health. But in these days we can more often see children's obesity. Of course, it is not only caused by the insufficient amount of activity, there are lots of other factors, but gaming and watching TV make a big impact on that problem.

It is a big issue and statistics at this point is growing. We should do as much as we can to help our kids be smart, healthy, strong and successful. Because I believe that childhood makes a fundament in the future and our mission is to teach our children good and healthy habits and to show them a right example. So here are some ways to solve this problem.

Time limitation. Does not matter how old your child is you should make time limits. Children of all ages should have a screen time no more than two hours per day. It would be better if you can do a schedule for a whole day so it is way more easier to obey rules and teach them time management which is a very important skill in the future.

"Your child will follow your example, not your advice". Most children hear what you say, some even do what you say, but all children do what you do. So, if you want your child to be active, to be interested in some science, or literature, or sports, or whatever you like, start to do this by yourself. Do you remember when was the last time you held a book in your hands? When did you have a morning run? How do you spend your free time? Any hobbies? Or do you prefer to watch TV? Or play on your phone? Maybe, social media? You have to show your child that there are a lot of interesting things around us. Be passionate about something and your child will follow you, I promise you.

When I was in a high school I was extremely lucky to become a member of PLAST, Scout Organization. It encourages its members to fulfill their potentials, to act independently and to cooperate in groups and acquire leadership skills. Most of the time members spend in nature. We were out for a hike almost every weekend, it was just parks or high mountains. Our instructors taught us how to survive under extreme conditions, there were some really tough challenges, sometimes we did not have even food or water and were supposed to find it somewhere in nature. Also, they did useful and interesting trainings about how to be a good leader, how to organize people, about time management and how to succeed in life.

I was busy all the time. I did not even watch TV, I was not up to date on latest shows, games and did not have an account in social media. I was developing as a healthy and sportive person and as a smart and an educated citizen of my country. Thus, all those things helped me become a stronger person, to be a fighter and to be more purposeful.

Considering all information that was written above I would definitely suggest to keep your child busy. By organizing some afterschool classes, sport activities, maybe camps during summertime you will help your children grow healthy, smart and disciplined. Their well being and success in life for the most part, rely on you as a parent. Electronics and gadgets are making our life easier and more interactive, but there should be limits to avoid some serious problems with health and behavior in the future.