Give them more Cuddles, Not Pixels: For the growing minds

Does this mean Digital devices are bad or not worthy ?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Science keeps evolving and digital devices is output of the same evolution. It is up to us to decide, how we make use of science. Digital devices would open a large array of content in front of us, but it is essential to pick correct content out of the ocean of information. It is sometimes better to go traditional way. It is essential to ask our previous generation and take their advice when in doubt. They have gone through the experience of parenting. Off course the skill set what they used to raise us was different but, the basics of parenting remain the same. 

Recommendations for How much to watch ? image It is important that exposure to digital devices has to be limited and there are set guidelines given by WHO. ‘Indian association of pediatrics’ also provides similar guidelines. All in all, there is common consensus on, no screen time until 2 years age. For toddler between age 2-5 years, recommend screen time is an hour a day. More than 5 years until 10 years they say that 2 hours a day are enough, with strict watch on content, advertisement etc.

Unlock Their Words: Pathway for effective communication

It may not be a good idea on part of a Doctor to Just say STOP SCREENS’. If screen time of 2-3 hours is taken out of day then what a child is suppose to do during then ? It is important for a doctor or a counsellor to advises parents on how to replace the lost time.

Typical day in toddler’s life goes as follows: Out of 12 awake hours a day, approx 3-4 hours are spent eating, 1-2 hour for daily chores, 3 hours with peers and remaining 4 hours with parents and family. It is recommended that 3-4 hours of parental time (Means engaging in activity, with two way communication) is essential for good speech development. Approximately 300-400 words, a toddler should here in a hour to have good language development. It is always better to communicate in mother tongue in the beginning and have a good basic foundation for one language, on which children would learn many others. Both parents should be participating in raring a child. Grandparents play a crucial role too. image 3 hours of peer or siblings interaction is irreplaceable. As an adult we can’t constantly speak like, a child would speak (We call it ‘chatar patar’). An elder sibling is a role model for the younger one and the learning through this relationship is tremendous. image Feeding is another great opportunity for parents to interact with toddlers. Mealtime is a family time when, laughs, Stories, experience sharing, questions, answers, emotions should be typical platter. image Daily vigorous physical activity is essential. Physical activity stimulates hormone called Oxytocin release from brain along with serotonin and dopamine. All these make you feel happy and satisfied. Playing outdoors also helps children develop problem solving capacity and makes them socially strong. It helps them understand how to behave in a group and how to tide over frustration. It is recommended that children have 2-3 hours of physical activity every day. Additionally it stimulates your appetite. Off course this leaves you with physical injuries and infections, they catch from peers. These challenge your immune system and makes it more stronger. image If you still have time and energy left, then make use of digital devices !! Co-viewing digital content and discussing its relevance, helps children develop critical thinking skills. By creating a positive digital environment, caregivers can ensure that screen time supports rather than hinders cognitive and emotional growth. image It is advisable to follow good sleep hygiene practices, including avoiding screen time at least 2 hours before you sleep. Engaging children in reading a story, listening to music and talking to them through the process of sleeping, makes overall impact on their psychology, emotional and mental well being. Reading and telling stories is really a ‘game changer’ for child’s cognitive development, problem solving skills and establishing focus. image

Conclusion: The new beginning !!

Development of language and communication is a most complex task.

Have basics strong for effective development of communication.

Time invested now, returns with better intelligence, emotional and social quotient.

Careful utilisation of digital devices creates positive digital environment.

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