Three things that will promote your child today!

  

For over two decades, we have known that the minds of children and adolescents change and take shape according to the environment in which they are and to which they are exposed. Thus, for example, screens and their different uses, can cause disruption in brain activity and create various disorders. Many studies, as well as my research conducted in Israel a year ago, have also shown a significant link between time and screen use and attention deficit disorder, sleep disorders, behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, obesity and more. As parents, we want to make sure our children get the best, so it is very important that we understand what influences and shapes our children's minds.

 

Want to make sure you strengthen your children's minds? Note three alternatives to screens:

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1- The kids want… Everyone has… But who really knows what's good for your child?

You as parents have more experience and knowledge than your child, as to what is right and what promotes them. Your child wants to, they claim everyone sees and everyone plays on consoles, but as you know many times you are the ones who need to guide them as to their choices and boundaries.

For example, it may suck them to brush their teeth, but it is very important so you insist on it. Similarly, it is very important to limit screen hours (all screens together) to an hour up to age 5 and an hour and a half to older ages. The use and addiction to screens stems not only from the habits and level of interest of the children but from the lack of hours or sometimes even our deliberate reference as parents to the screens (who become ‘babysitters’ at different moments). Studies show that children who lean on screens as a sedative or as a distraction, develop more screen addictions as they do not learn to calm down and engage themselves. To change this and create the right time to use the screens, first note that you do not use the screens as a sedative (when the child is having a hard or painful time) or as a silencer (when you need the quiet).

Also, create a daily routine, which is full of things other than the screen, such as classes, homework, and family time. For example, always prefer to direct your children to games and stories, rather than to screens. There are games that are suitable for one, such as thinking games by Fox Mind, Simon and others. Such games that are available to your child, allow easier access and encourage the level of interest of the children. In addition, your personal example creates an imitation in the children and allows the children to create a similar habit on their own. Remember - the habit of games and books during the family routine, will encourage the activity of the children and allow their minds to develop well.

 

2- Exposure, stimulation and what they have

Children's brains develop with the help of exposure and stimulation from birth. If in the past it was thought that the most important variable for children from birth to age 3 (and some also thought up to age 6) is warmth and love, today we know that there is a variable equal to it - exposure. Exposure to stories, to nature, to different learning that matches the age of the child, allows the brain to develop more normally and more powerfully, and even has the power to reduce various disabilities and disorders.

For example, a recent study by Prof. Dorit Aram of Tel Aviv University showed that reading books to children contributes significantly to their development, even at the age of 10 and even older. Through the books, one can ask various questions, which allow for an expansion of the vocabulary, an improvement of reading and listening comprehension, dealing with various conflicts that are raised in the story and similar to those that occur in life and more. In addition, reading books together regularly has been found in studies to significantly increase children's ability to attract attention over time, brain function that is significant to learning, social interactions and more.

Be creative - add voices, take part in a dramatic play from the story, act out it and more - all of which will allow your child to start imagining while reading, and create in his imagination a 'movie' or 'show' of what he is reading. This imagination will help him remember and understand better what he is reading and enjoy reading more.

Similarly, through games the children improve various brain functions, such as continuous attention, problem-solving, developing strategies and more - these are taught more often than learning math and language, and often, more fun and interesting for the children.

 

3- Limits and stability

The way parents set boundaries and the stability and confidence they give their children is of high importance to the way the brain develops. Note that you set boundaries correctly (clear but respectful) it may be worth mentioning the Efrat model here. In small just the simple principles… and that you give your child stability in terms of habits and home schedule. These give your children a sense of security to grow in, which nourishes the brain and allows it to develop more powerfully.

 

In conclusion, remember that you already have the ability to create the best environment for your child's development - be picky about what you choose to put into it, as these will affect your child's abilities, skills, motivation and progress.