We know from years of experience in early child
development, combined with the latest discoveries
in
brain science, that children’s minds are
like sponges, constantly learning from experience.
The
experiences our kids have during their preschool
years help create the mental map they will use
later
on, as youth and eventually, as adults. This means
that the more we make, reinforce, and re-create
positive experiences with our kids, the greater
chance children will have to grow into healthy,
successful and happy adults.
Unfortunately, more and more of young children’s
time is spent in front of an ever expanding number
of screens. For too many kids, screen time has
replaced time with parents or caregivers doing
other
brain building activities like reading, imaginative
play and storytelling. There are a plethora of
new
media platforms designed specifically for children
fueled by powerful marketing strategies. 25% of
babies in the United States now have televisions
in their bedrooms. A new television station has
been
launched targeted towards babies under 1 year
old. The result is that media have become one
of
children’s primary teachers early in life.
But what are they learning?
