The world is a very different place than when I grew up. I can remember when having a TV was a luxury and the marvel of how that worked. In today's world, almost everyone has a phone that has most if not all of the capabilities of a computer. Electronic games are everywhere and everyone has a TV, some people have them in every room. We have even gone so far as to have monitors in our cars so that children can watch movies every time they are in the car.
We all know what it is like to get hooked on an electronic game or watch movies on DVD or just downloading them to our TV. Our obsession with owning the newest gadget or game is having an influence on our children as well. Often when I drive the bus the conversation that I hear is all about "angry birds" or some of the other popular electronic games or the most recent movie that is really not meant for children, but they have been allowed to watch.
There is a lot of evidence out there that all this electronic "stuff" may be harmful to our children in many ways. There are various concerns that have been stated, such as:
TIME - Children spend about 4 hours per day watching TV or movies, playing video games and spending time on the internet rather than interacting with others or reading or playing outside.
NUTRITION - Obesity in children is at epidemic levels...they spend so much time on electronic devices that they aren't spending enough time playing and getting exercise. They also tend to eat unhealthy snacks while involved in electronics and are exposed to all types of commercials promoting a less than healthy diet when they watch TV.
VIOLENCE - Many research studies have shown that children who watch or play violent TV or video games show a heightened level of violence in their relationships.
At Kids of the Crown, we don't permit the use of computers or the Playstation for games until they are in the Pre-K5 class or older. Even then, their playtime is limited and they must choose other more creative activities throughout the day. We don't watch TV at all and only watch videos or movies on rainy days when they can't go outside or when we have a special "Movie Day". Mondays are a "no electronics" day at Kids of the Crown!
I would like to encourage you as parents to limit your child's electronic activities and balance them with activities that children need to grow healthy and strong. All the activities of my childhood come to mind...playing outside, riding my bike, skating, playing in the dirt, spending time with neighborhood friends, participating in church activities, reading, playing board games, etc.
This includes car trips as well...when children do nothing but watch videos they miss seeing the world around them. You also can play games with numbers, letters and shapes that can reinforce what they are learning in school...when they are in a car seat you have a captive audience. Make one night each week a "family game night"...order pizza, make popcorn and play board games. It will create memories that your child will never forget!
These activities teach skills that cannot be learned by participating in electronic games. They teach life skills that are necessary for children to achieve before they go to school and for the rest of their lives.
