When we look at a child's day-to-day life, it will undergo several changes depending on their age and needs. It's a real challenge, because as your baby grows and develops, you'll need new ways to stimulate them and contribute to their development.
We know that sometimes we run out of imagination when trying to think of something new to do at a particular moment, so we turn to certain options that will instantly capture our little one's attention. Nowadays, there are thousands of options, such as electronic devices or television, that you can turn on, put on their favourite cartoons and they'll be there, completely focused and almost paralysed staring at the screen, whatever its size. It really is an almost hypnotic effect.
Sitting in front of a screen can affect a child's activity when their time is significant. It's a subject that's been talked about - the comparison between time spent in front of the screen and time spent outdoors. Could there be an influence of one time on the other? What could we be talking about?
You already know that we did a lot of research beforehand so that we could come here today to share and talk with you. What we've discovered is that screen time can affect a child's activity if it's a significant part of their day.
When we talk about children's activity, we want to emphasise the many important games and activities they can do outdoors. Instead, they'll be in front of a screen, making no effort whatsoever, which can become an unhealthy habit at a time when children are still in a phase of great growth and development.
We realise that, according to multiple studies, there is a link between physical activity and healthy weight. As such, children who use and spend hours in front of bright screens have a lower tendency to maintain the recommended amount of outdoor activity or play, taking into account their age. However, this may not always be true, as these activities will vary with the years and the context in which they are included.
Something that has been highlighted, and which can have an influence on children, will be their parents' screen time. Yes, we already know that parents in many situations are their children's role models, and this is no exception. So when we think about reducing this screen time, it also applies to parents. In this situation, we return to the concept that children are great observers and retain everything they see. In addition, they associate these practices with something that they can do too, because their parents do it. It's a simple logic with which they maintain their position.
Parents are essential and a great source of encouragement and support to increase children's activity levels. In this case, as parents reduce their screen time, they will see that the little ones will do the same. So it's best to minimise the time we're connected to the screen when the little ones are around. Whether they're in the foreground or the background, they're great potential distractions.
There comes a time when children start to become more and more independent, where their mobility is more defined and more complex movements are easier to execute. Being physically active is important for us and for our children's future. Here's an excellent opportunity to encourage them to play outdoors on a regular basis and if there's a possibility.
You'll see that your child will start to enjoy your games, ask to go to the park to play and will be excited when you organise a game together.
Well, we know we mentioned somewhere in this post that there would be time for outdoor play and time in front of the screen, so we wanted to find out some guidelines on children's activity:
- For children aged one to two, they recommend 1 to 3 hours of activity a day;
- Playtime can include structured, unstructured or even free play: structured play - the parent directs the play and the children are encouraged to follow the simple rules; unstructured play - the child is free to be active in any way they want;
- You should set aside some time for activities with your little ones every day;
- Activity time can be spread out, we can take breaks if necessary.
These are just a few guidelines that we think are interesting. However, there will always be one factor to consider - each baby's situation.
With today's post, we want to encourage you to create opportunities to play outdoors with your little ones, as well as being beneficial for their growth and development, they will be unique experiences. Just seeing their faces, fascinated by what they can find, their happiness at contact with the outside world and allowing them to be active from an early age, will only bring back the best memories and will contribute to their health.
What about you? What do you think about this consideration of screen time versus outdoor time? What are the main benefits you see from playing outdoors? We'd love to know if your little one has any favourite games? When do you turn to the screen? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
