Parent talk

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

Chinese New Year is approaching - the time of year when families visit each other for a little reunion, some new year delicacies, and most importantly, red packets. So while the adults are enjoying the chit chats, I bet you will find some kids being immersed in tv, tablets or mobiles.

It comes as no surprise that many parents are now content to keep their kids quiet by giving them electronic devices to play with. However, is it really fine to let your kids spend so much time on this stuff?

Let’s hear what the researchers have to say:

• Dimitri Christakis from the University of Washington discovered that too much time spent watching tv and playing video games can double the risk of attention problems in children and young adults.
• Sleeping quality: Screen time is shown to be associated with sleeping quality. It disrupts children’s sleep routine, shortens their sleep hours and may even cause them distress by the content of TV programme. This may lead to sleep anxiety or waking up at night.
• Obesity: With reference to a report by the Department of Health, screen time spent is positively correlated with obesity in children. This is due to the decrease in the amount of physical activity as well as the high tendency to eat snacks while sitting down to watch TV or videos.
• Cardiovascular disease: Screen time itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Longer time spent on TV or video games causes higher blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in children.
• Hyperactivity, ADHD: Children who spend too much time on screens are more likely to be hyperactive, according to a recent study conducted by Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Another study supported that teens who reported not engaging in media use at a high frequency had a lower rate of developing ADHD symptoms (4.6%) than did teens who had engaged in at least seven activities (9.5%). In other words, the risk of developing ADHD symptoms more than doubled with high use of screens.
• Eating problem: Screen viewing at mealtime distracts children from the food, and thus causes difficulties for them to build up a healthy eating habit.

Digital devices nowadays are inseparable parts our lives. Yet, with all ill effects that the excessive screen time could bring to our kids, maybe restricting screen time is for the best. According to the Department of Health of Hong Kong, the recommended screen time for children are as below:

• < 2 years old: no screen time at all
• 2-6 years old: less than 2 hours a day if necessary and under the guidance of parents
• 6-12 years old: less than 2 hours a day
• 12-18 years old: avoid long screen time

Screens aren’t evils, but other than tablets and smartphone, there are millions of alternatives to keep your kids occupied. Hands-on toys (check out https://mochykid.com for educational STEM kits), children books, music instruments and more. Explore the possibilities before your kids become a screen addict.

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Author: Alicia

Image source: Treebath

Creativity is essential for daily lives such as problem-solving, communicating and creating. From scientists to business entrepreneurs, financial researchers to engineers, everyone has to be original and imaginative to become influential. Having the ability to think outside the box has a bearing on a wide array of  professions.

Children are creative by nature, yet rules and social norms could be destructive.

Below we have selected 13 tips suggested by family therapist Linda Griffith that may assist you to foster your child's creativity:

▪  "Limit the number of rules. A study in the Journal of Creative Behavior by social scientist John Dacey showed that the parents of ordinary children had an average of six household rules for things like bedtime and homework. Parents of highly creative youngsters had an average of less than one rule.

▪  Fix things yourself. A hands-on approach employs many virtues. It teaches kids how things work, demonstrates problem-solving and models diligence. Involve them whenever possible in your DIY projects.

▪  Take a hands-off approach. Whenever possible, let kids lead the way. Encourage them to design, plan and problem-solve on their own.

▪  Provide open-use toys. Blocks, cardboard boxes, paint sets and craft materials invite them to create to their heart’s content.

▪  Reduce screen time. Teach kids how to entertain themselves by limiting the temptation to turn on a screen. They may complain at first. But they’ll quickly find something else to do.

▪  Emphasize participation over achievement. It’s important for children to be exposed to a wide array of opportunities. They don’t have to excel — they simply have to try.

▪  Say yes to mess. Creativity goes hand in hand with chaos. Whether it’s a fort out of blankets in the living room or an art project with glitter and sequins on the kitchen table, embracing good clutter gives kids the freedom to build and design.

▪  Be curious together. When kids ask difficult questions — such as “Do trees feel pain?” — say “That’s really interesting. Let’s look it up!” Then search for the answer in tandem.

▪  Avoid overscheduling. Too many extracurricular activities tax the family unit and limit kids’ abilities to create. Find that just-right balance between involvement and nonstop activities.

▪  Allow for mistakes. Boys and girls who are afraid of failing are less likely to think outside the box. Don’t overreact when something goes wrong. Use mistakes as opportunities to learn.

▪  Be comfortable with boredom. Creativity occurs on its own schedule and is often highest when kids start to whine about being bored. Don’t intervene. Let them devise ways to entertain themselves.

▪  Follow kids’ interests. Horseback riding? Choir? Tap dancing? Fencing? Let their passions guide the process, even if their interests are different than yours.

▪ Keep academics in perspective. Children who are pushed to achieve in school develop a narrow, robotic mind-set. And mega-GPAs have limited impact on kids’ ultimate success as adults. View grades as one facet of a youngster’s well-being."

Source: article, image