The Great Debate Over Screen Time

So in a world where screens are an inevitable reality, engaging with your child face to face needs to return to the forefront of social interaction. Close to 50% of school age children and over 25% of infants have televisions in their rooms. Research shows that children under 2 years of age do not benefit from watching television. A child learns words and gestural language only through face to face engagement with people. Communication is a social process and cannot be learned in a solitary context. Not only does television not support language development in young children, but it also interferes with sleep patterns. Children today (including infants) sleep 2 hours less than they did 15 years ago.
Doing away with all televisions and computers is not a feasible solution, however, decreasing screen time and having more face to face interactions with your children will foster social communication and problem solving skills. Taking the televisions out of your child's room will improve sleep. If your child needs sound to fall asleep, try some relaxing background music. Instead of turning on a television for your infant, hold your child and rock them to sleep. Appealing to their sensory systems and providing intimate moments develop self-regulation skills that will help them be well regulated throughout life. Set limits around t.v. time and don't let the television be on all day long.
It's okay for your kids to watch television, but make it a social experience. Pick out a movie to watch together. Talk about what is going to happen in the show. Stop the recording periodically and ask what your child thinks will happen next. At the end of the movie, help your child develop an alternate ending to the movie. These interactions will help develop social language and meaningful exchanges.

Family Fun NIght at Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy Services Rescheduled

Family Fun Night, originally scheduled for November 4th, will now be the following Friday, November 11th. We hope to see everyone there!