This is a tricky one.
I mean...I'm not a monster. There's not a bone in me that enjoys being critical of someone's parenting or even delivering harsh truths about real stuff that can affect a child's development.
I often find myself even knowing the science and the correct answer to give, and yet I still live in the world of my cultural upbringing which has set me in the roaring river of always wanting to say things that make people happy....ESPECIALLY if it has to do with the child they are desperately concerned about.
I want to say things like: (cue sarcasm)
"Sure that Irn-Bru you give them every morning for breakfast with their Cookie Crisp cereal is no big deal"
"Sure keep your baby in that rolling walker...I know it's easier!"
"I know they are fussy when you give them tummy time...so don't worry about doing it"
AND
"I know it's hard to keep them off their screens so just go for it whenever they ask!"
(sarcasm over)
NOPE. I just can't. Even when I really see your pain parents and even when I really actually do KNOW it's terribly difficult to make shifts and changes.
Because ultimately my job is not to make you feel good,
but instead
to tell you the truth
and point the way
and make a way towards hope.
So without putting too much of my own passion into it, I thought the very best thing that `I could do for the readers of this blog was to point you towards ANOTHER blog that came out this month that doesn't need my passion or persuasion, just the facts and the science. And truly, it is enough to make all of our jaws drop.
The renowned consultant in the field of neurodevelopmental education, Sally Goddard Blythe, has posted a section of her recent book Reflexes, Movement, Learning & Behaviour which does a deep dive into "the specific ways in which screen time can impact and potentially shape children's physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive development" and explains some of the hidden influences.
Don't panic though. While the science truly does speak for itself, it also comes with the balance at the end of the blog explaining that there can be benefits of screen time too, and even gives a link to an article that outlines recommendations for screen time at different ages.
This is all about equipping ourselves with knowledge and then moving, being and parenting in light of the knowledge we know while also enjoying life along the way and especially, especially being sure we are making the most of these days with our children.
On balance, some of my fondest memories are watching special movies cuddled up with my children...and they would say the same.
My job is to tell you ALL of this and to point you in the direction of HOPE.
Here is the link to the blog by Sally Goddard Blythe: "Children's Screen Time. What Every Parent Should Know."
May her informative blog be one more step towards HOPE along the way for you and your family.
Next steps:
You can find out more about the programmes offered at Map & Compass Neurodevelopmental Therapy on our website: www.mapandcompasstherapy.com
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