May 20, 2022
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tips & tricks for growth
3 reasons to let your child have more screen time
As a good parent, you’re concerned about the effects of technology and screen time on kids, especially for your child. There’s alarming but also alarmist info out there. So, let’s set the record straight. Maybe this can clear up some confusion or lift lingering guilt.
Maybe the case against screens isn’t closed. Let’s focus on case management instead. Here’s 3 types of screen time you can allow (without the guilt):
💻 Video Chatting.
This is the time you let your child interact with a person like Daddy or Grandmom on a screen. This isn’t “passively watching.” Instead, this is engaging and is just as developmentally appropriate as talking, reading, or singing to your child.
💻 Screen as Pacifier.
Yes. Life happens. Your child is wailing with an intensity that has you considering the pediatric benefits of exorcism. Still, you aren’t quite finished with a work Zoom meeting. Or you just need a quick shower. Or it’s a 15-minute car ride. This is real life. Trust your parenting survival instincts. Your phone is no different than a pacifier or toy you would use to occupy your child. Don’t let the WHO guilt you on this. Note: This is a screen as a short-term pacifier, not a screen as a free babysitter.
💻 Co-Viewing.
Joint media engagement. Anytime you’re interacting with your child and a screen is fine. Point out shapes and colors. Count things. Identify animals in an interactive storybook. Move items on the touch-screen. This is not the sort of thing the WHO is discouraging, so snuggle up. (Academic guilt relief, here and here.)
How they spend their time in front of a screen matters.
10 ways to create comfort in your life
It’s a challenge for many to find relief or comfort from stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, yet we desperately need to. Many folks are great at creating comforting moments for others, but when it comes to being intentional about creating comfort in their world, well, not so much.
You can be intentional, even in times of extreme stress, about building soothing moments into your day that allow you to escape. If you’re thinking you just can’t afford to do that, here’s hoping you will reconsider. You really can’t afford not to. We all need moments that allow for a break in the action to hit the refresh button. It’s good for us, and it’s good for the people around us.
Ways to create some comfort in your life:
- Make a list of all the things you love that make you happy.
Do some of those things daily. - Indulge in your favorite comfort meal.
You know, all the stuff you would typically say, “I shouldn’t be eating this…” Eat that and savor every second of it guilt-free. - Take time out for a walk.
Make a point of looking up at the sky, watching the trees, and looking for wildlife. Pay attention to your breathing. Avoid thinking about things that are stressful in your life at the moment. Literally, take a break. - Laugh.
Watch a funny show or talk to that friend who always makes you laugh. - Listen to soothing music, read a book or magazine, work on a puzzle, or on your hobby.
Doing something that distracts you from the day’s stress and anxiety can be relaxing and bring comfort.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Tamara Slocum, our Creative Strategist. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Bobby, since 2012 and together they have 3 amazing girls (6 yrs old and under!) Whew. 😅 She’s got her hands full and still took the time to give her recommendations because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out:
💫 Current Book Obsession: Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown– Regardless of the fact that Brené is totally my girl crush… this book is my jam! It gives nuanced definitions of our emotions (with examples!) to help us fully understand our feelings and how to express them in order to create a deeper connection with others.
💊 Not all multivitamins are created equal… That’s why I personally loooove Ritual Vitamins. Why? Because 1.) They only have the nutrients your body actually needs, plus all the ingredients are traceable and in a form your body can actually absorb and use and 2.) They are delivered every month so you don’t even have to think about running to the store to restock. They have pre-natal, post-natal, women’s, men’s and kids’.
👙 Ok, ladies. This one’s for you! Check out @thebirdspapaya on IG. Sarah Nicole Landry is an influencer who shines a light on real, postpartum bodies and urges her followers to celebrate the change that happens as we age, have kids and go through different seasons of life. In other words, she normalizes normal bodies. And we could all use a little body positivity with swimsuit season upon us… right?!
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