As a rule, I do not ever endorse products for profit or gain on the blog. When I mention anything here it is purely from my own experience.
With that said, I wanted to share with you about a book I found while Christmas shopping (and subsequently purchased it for our family) So far I am really enjoying it. Unplugged Play by Bobbi Connor is a 400 page reference book containing over 700 different ideas of games to play NOT INVOLVING SCREENS.
I confess that I am not completely on-board with all of the author's disdain for toys involving batteries and screens. We are not totally anti-screen time in our home. Like most everything in life, we simply try to teach moderation. Now that the Winter months are upon us (and after a long, cold break) I found myself breaking all of my own rules about screen time (computer, DSi, Wii, videos) being limited to only an hour a day. I needed a little help in the creativity department!
This nifty book has been a source of fun for me and the children. K, especially, loves to flip through and find an activity to organize for everyone else in the family to enjoy.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the nuggets of truth scattered throughout via quotes.
Here are a couple:
"If a child is bored, it means that they're having some time to sit and think, 'What can I do next?' and that is a valuable skill." Maureen O'Brien, PhD
"When parents decide to limit their child's video games and screen time, yeah the kids will scream, and then the next thing you know they will be outside playing. It happens at my house all the time. The 'Oh, woe is me,' lasts a minute or two and then the next thing you know they are engaged in something much better for them. So I am willing to take the heat." -Edward Hallowell, MD
"Research show us very clearly that electronic playmates do not evoke the same brain response that being with a real human does, and that a child's future success is going to be very much determined by the way he or she is able to relate to other people, work in a group and negotiate." Jane M. Healy, PhD
And in terms of full disclosure, I am now going to go turn off the television and get my children to come eat their dinner. :-)
1 comment:
It is so difficult to get that balance. I grew up without a TV. I have such a love of books due to having to find another outlet. However, I don't know how mom did it!
I read through your past. I knew half of it from Sunday school, but didn't know of your heart scare. What an amazing story of God's protection and goodness. Thanks for sharing. ~Natalie
Post a Comment