NEWS FLASH FOR PARENTS: An iPad is NOT a Babysitter!

There are numerous research studies which show that inactive childhoods cause immediate damage to physical development, attention span and academic performance. Now, recent studies have shown that just one in ten of the "iPad generation" of toddlers are active enough to be considered "healthy."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero smart device use for children younger than 18 months. Guidelines show that at 18 months you can begin introducing the child to electronic devices, like iPads, but at no more than 30 minutes per day. Then, at 2 years of age (and until 5) you can allow for up to an hour a day. Ultimately, it's important for parents to monitor a child's electronic device use, allow such use in moderation, and to do what is best for your family.

Many psychologists agree that watching a screen at a young age can limit time for active play and learning, reduce opportunities for language development, reduce the length of time young kids can stay focused, and affect the development of the full range of eye movement. Some studies suggest that prolonged screen time can inhibit creativity, lead to slower development of social skills, and even lead to obesity.

All parents need to keep in mind that an iPad (or any other electronic device!) should not be used as a babysitter!

A U.S. survey recently reported that 70 percent of parents allow their toddlers and young kids to use their iPad. The same polled parents have downloaded an average of eight apps designed specifically for kids. A parent should be interacting and bonding with their infant and toddler, not just turning on an iPad for the child to stare at. Remember, as a parent you are a role model to your child. If you are always reaching for your phone, laptop, iPad, or some other electronic device... the child will likely mimic your actions. If your child consistently begins choosing a smart device over other types of playing, it's time for you to step in.

An Australian news report recently stated, "Studies overwhelming say real-world interactions are vital to healthy development of children. From birth to the age of three, children’s brains develop rapidly, are extremely sensitive to their surrounding environments, and need real-world stimuli to develop healthy neural networks. Being flooded by images and sounds from a screen can actually stunt proper development, as the brain is allowed to passively observe, instead of actively engage. As children get older, experts suggest the gradual introduction of TV and screen time, but still advise parents to allow plenty of time for physical play."

I've raised four children (my first born in 1993, when the Internet really came on the scene) and I understand how intriguing electronic devices can be to a child. I'd like to think that it isn't much different than when I was a boy in the late '60's and early '70's and wanted to watch television -- but I wasn't able to take the television in the car or into a restaurant. It's important for parents to keep in mind that while smart devices are fun and can be used to enhance learning, nothing can ever replace a parent's love, attention and time!

So, I challenge parents to be creative and engage in educational (and sometimes just 'silly') play with your kids. Does it require more thought, planning, effort and energy on your part as a parent? Yes, it does! However, just as you don't want your child to miss out on having a healthy and active upbringing, you shouldn't want to miss out on being a parent who is willing to focus on your child, give time to your child, and love your child while you play with toys, color pictures, create with Play-Doh, and make castles out of building blocks. The young years of your child will go by quickly and you don't want them looking back on their childhood years feeling that they spent more time with "Peppa Pig" or "Elmo" than you!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past