Tips n Tidbits

Screen Time: It’s Not That Innocent

Here are some of the reasons why we advocate for reducing screen time for children. These articles represent just a small sample of what’s available on this topic.

Negative Health Results from Viewing Some Television Shows

Excerpted from AAP policy statement on Children, Adolescents, and Television

Although there are potential benefits from viewing some television shows, such as the promotion of positive aspects of social behavior (eg, sharing, manners, and cooperation), many negative health effects also can result. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the messages conveyed through television, which influence their perceptions and behaviors. Many younger children cannot discriminate between what they see and what is real. Research has shown primary negative health effects on violence and aggressive behavior; sexuality; academic performance; body concept and self-image; nutrition, dieting, and obesity; and substance use and abuse patterns.

Effects of TV on Children: Too Much Screen Time Linked to Obesity, Behavioral Problems and More

Abridged excerpt from MayoClinic.com

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting a child’s use of TV, movies, video and computer games to no more than one or two hours a day. Too much screen time has been linked to the following: obesity, irregular sleep patterns, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance and reduced active play time. Read more

More Screen Time and Less Activity Can Mean More Distress

AAP news brief on 4/27/09

Health risk behaviors have increasingly been linked to psychological distress in children and adolescents. As part of the 2003 Scottish Health Survey of nearly 1,500 children aged 4 to 12 years and their parents, researchers from the University College London looked at the association between television/screen entertainment viewing time, physical activity levels and psychological distress.

Higher amounts of TV/screen time were associated with lower physical activity rates. Both higher screen time and lower physical activity rates were linked with higher odds of psychological distress, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems and peer relationship problems. The authors concluded that public health policy should focus on reducing sedentary time and maintaining sufficient physical activity levels in younger children.

Children, Adolescents, and Television
AAP Policy, PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 2 February 2001, pp. 423-426
How TV Affects Your Child
KidsHealth.org
Children, Adolescents, and Advertising
AAP Policy, PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 6 December 2006, pp. 2563-2569 (doi:10.1542/peds.2006-2698); a statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on July 1, 2010.
Children, Adolescents, and Advertising
PEDIATRICS Vol. 95 No. 2 February 1995, pp. 295-297
Children and TV: Limiting your child’s screen time
MayoClinic.org
Fitness for kids: Getting children off the couch (Hint: step 2 is “limit screen time”)
MayoClinic.org

Note: the American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

The Motivator

This “invention” is dedicated to homeschooling parents everywhere!

Illustration by Matthew Bohan, circa 2010

Let the Painting Begin!

After a hiatus of several months—and a Fun Fusion obsession (more on that later)—the kids are back to painting again. Here are their first watercolors for 2011.

Timmy’s Ivory Billed Woodpecker (1/9/11)
Note: Timmy got really frustrated with his drawing, so Matt helped him with that, and Timmy took over from there.

Kelly’s Bald Eagle “Egey” (1/9/11)

Favorite Books (Part 1)

Cover of Orange Pear Apple Bear

This is a post I’ve wanted to share for ages! As my husband can attest, I’m somewhat addicted to books. Fortunately for our budget, I am well acquainted with interlibrary loans and the staff of our local library. My purchases are typically limited to used cookbooks, reference books and children’s books obtained through Better World Books, Amazon Marketplace and area bookstores.

Anyway, now that both of our children are reading as well, it’s difficult for us to leave the library with less than two canvas bags stuffed full of books. While there is no shortage of lists—even books of lists—regarding the “best books for children,” I can’t help but want to add my own to the mix.

Following are the books we found irresistible at the times they were age appropriate for our children. Since there are descriptions available for each via the links, I’ll stick to listing our favorites rather than describing the merits of each. If, however, you have questions or comments about any, please let me know.

Happy reading!

“Must Reads” for Ages 1-3

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

Opposites by Sandra Boynton

Doggies by Sandra Boyton

Other Boynton favorites include Moo, Baa, La La La and Horns to Toes and In Between.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Though Mo Willems is probably best known for Don’t Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus, which we also enjoyed, Knuffle Bunny hit home like few others. “Lamby” was our equivalent. We’ve been there, and we can relate all too well.

In addition to the other Pigeon books—Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, Don’t Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy—we recommend his Elephant and Piggie books for 4-6 year olds.

I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustack and illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church

“Must Reads” for Ages 4-8 (or Younger), by Theme

Bears

Don’t You Feel Well, Sam? by Amy Hest

Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest

Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett

Cows

Buttercup’s Lovely Day by Carolyn Beck

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill

Too Many Pears by Jackie French

Festive, Fabulous Felt

Merry Christmas!

Okay, so this is a little late for 2010, but it’s early for next year. ;=)

Inspired by paper ornaments he’s seen over the years, Matt came up with the design for these cardinal and train ornaments two Christmases ago. He made chickadees last year and is working on blue jays now. He also helped our children with their ornaments: Kelly’s penguin and Timmy’s tree.

He used stiff felt, stiff glitter felt, glitter glue, ribbon, scissors and a hole punch to make the birds. The kids used a combination of stiff felt and “regular” felt as well as glitter glue, scissors, raffia and cord for their ornaments.

If you’re interested in getting a template for any of the bird designs, let me know.

✦ Perler Beads ✦

Snow Sculptures