We live in a time when technology has sneaked into our homes and has become an indispensable part of many activities we do on a day-to-day basis. But although it is a good tool that serves as an ally, there are certain activities in which we have involved it when the best option is not necessary.
One of these activities is children's playtime, in which today it is not uncommon to see them playing in front of a tablet and even "know more or use it better" than their own parents, as some people say.
However, this is not the best nor the most recommended and the American Academy of Pediatrics has reminded us through a press release, in which it tells us why the best toys are the basics of a lifetime: blocks and puzzles.
Children and tablets
Some time ago I shared here my position about the use of tablets by children and explained why it has never been in my plans to buy a tablet for my daughter, who is currently four years old. As editor and blogger, technology is part of my life and my work, so I am not against itIn fact, I think it is one of the tools that we can take advantage of.
But I think there are stages for everything, and while for some work and adult activities tablets and mobiles have become a real necessity, in the case of children we could completely do without them, especially during its first years of life.
In Babies and more Why is it good for children to get boredAnd it is that more than being something positive, if they are not given responsible use and on the contrary, they fall into excesses for fear that children get bored and are allowed to use them without supervision, ignoring the recommended times or leaving them as the The only means of play or entertainment, can have negative effects on the development of children.
Citing some examples and without delving into the subject, some of the consequences that the use of tablets or electronic devices may have on our children they can be a delay in speech, when used before two years and affect their social and emotional development, the latter because they are used to remain isolated within them, instead of living with those around them.
This is not about alarming parents or demonizing tablets and mobiles, but about be aware of what could happen if used frequently and without care. Perhaps nothing happens to our children, but between using them and not, we could pass them and not even have them at home.
Lifelong toys, the best option
What I am going to share is nothing new and probably not surprising, because it is something that is really known by simple common sense: Basic and simple lifelong toys are the best for children's development during their early years.
This week the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was responsible for reminding us through a publication on its website, in which warns families about the increased use of screens as a replacement for traditional games and toys.
In its article, the AAP comments that traditional toys and that they are used or manipulated manually by children, they help stimulate their imagination and help them have a healthy development, and that this information is part of a report recently published by the Academy.
According to your information, the ideal toys are those that go according to children's development abilities and in turn stimulate the growth of new skills:
The AAP explains that toys are a key part of children's brain development, language interactions, simulated play, problem solving, social interactions and physical activity, and their importance increases when they go from being babies to being children.
"The best toys are those that allow parents and children to play, by simulating and interacting together. You cannot get those same benefits from a tablet or screen. And when a child plays with his parents, that's when the real magic happens, I know they are playing simulate with characters or building with blocks or putting together puzzles together"says Alan Mendelsohn, one of the authors of the report.
In Babies and more Technology vs. traditional games: what do children lose in front of the screens?And about the applications and programs that claim to be beneficial for children's development? According to the AAP, many of those new "interactive toys", from videos, computer programs and books with audio recordings, which they claim to have educational benefits, they really have no basis to make that kind of affirmation.
"The more we know about early brain development, the better we understand the need for play that is based on human interaction. There is no screen, video game or application that can replace the relationships that are built through toys", explains Aleeya Healey, another author of the report.
So the next time we are thinking about buying a toy for our children or a child, let's keep in mind what kind of game is most beneficial for them, and based on that, let's buy consciously and intelligently, opting for classic toys like blocks and puzzles, which will be the best option. And of course, let's not forget the importance of sitting down to play with them, which is one of the most important parts of their development.
Photos | Pexels, iStock
Via | Parents
