Step Away from the Screen...

                                                          Please Limit Screen Time 
                                           (TV, video games, computer, handheld devices, iPads, phones, etc)
                                                              
  • Research on the brain suggests that an infant/toddler should not be exposed to any screen until the age of three years old.  The brain NEEDS the crucial and critical sensory input of vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive input for the brain to develop a foundation for all of the developmental milestones and higher level skills needed in life (such as academic, language, and social).  The visual input received from screen time is NOT beneficial for brain development!  So when a little one is in front of a screen/TV, they are being deprived of the essential sensory experiences in which their brain really needs.  The concept of "Baby Einstein" is a disgrace in my eyes.  Sure the music part is wonderful...but to encourage a baby to be in front of a screen is a disservice to that baby.
  • The average child in America gets 6-8 hours of screen time a day...probably more.  And there are now public service campaigns encouraging one hour of movement a day, it should be the exact opposite!
  • The recommended amount of screen time in a day for any child over 3 years old is no more than 2 hours...and if your child goes to a daycare, preschool, or public school, it is almost guaranteed the child already had 2 hours of screen time before they even came home for the evening.
  • We all need the proper sensory nutrition, not just our kids....and we all need to limit our screen time to no more than 2 hours.
  • Without the proper amount of proprioceptive and vestibular input, all of our brains are negatively impacted...not just children with sensory challenges.   It effects mood, emotions, the ability to concentrate, the sleep/wake cycle, overall health and well being, and relationships with others.
Our brains are basically the same brains that existed on Little House on the Prairie...where without question, all children had a very enriched sensory diet every single day.  Tons and tons of tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input.  Children played like children should play!  This is how the brain develops and lays down a foundation for learning and being prepared for the world.

                                The problem is...our brains haven't changed, but we have.

Our society has changed SO much and at such a rapid pace, simply leaving no room for the basics and the important stuff for the brain.  With technology simply taking over our lives the important sensory input is pushed aside.  And as adults we can tolerate and handle this better...because our brains are finished developing...but our children on the other hand...they need to be moving and playing! Just imagine the negative impact this has on a child with sensory processing difficulties.

  • A good rule of thumb is to AT LEAST balance your child's day with the same amount of time in true sensory play as time spent in front of a screen of any kind.  If your child spends one hour in front of the computer...then you follow up with one hour of sensory play...preferably involving vestibular and proprioceptive input.  
  • So many people spend TONS of money on electronics and gaming systems and such...so as much, or more needs to be spent on creating a sensory environment in the home, such an an indoor swing, a BOSU ball, a pillow cave, hippity hop ball, scooter board, etc.  For the price of a WII or XBOX, you can buy ALL of your essential sensory equipment!
  • HAVE YOUR CHILD PLAY OUTSIDE. In every season.  Every single day.  It is more than the 3 big power sensations, it is about the fresh air, and the sunshine, and the true spirit of being a kid. 
  • As the adult and/or the parent, be very aware of this and join in on the sensory play to get your own sensory needs met too and to spend quality time with your kid! The brain responds best to purposeful and meaningful play.
  • Challenge your family to one day a week of no screen time what so ever...it's a beautiful thing....so go ahead...start right now, stand up, look up, and go see what the real world has to offer today....