Excessive Screen Time
With our advancement in technology screens are everywhere – computer screens, television screens, video game screens. “This kind of electronic engagement has had a profound effect on kids’ behavior and the development of their brains,” says Dr. Shannon. In addition much of media today is violent, antisocial and aggressive. It is important for parents to provide guidance and monitor what their children watch and how much time they spend idly watching rather than engaging in more interactive, social, and physically healthy activities.
Dr. Shannon outlines several recommendations related to screens:
- Establish strict rules about when and what your child may watch on TV or the computer, as well as what kind of music they can listen to.
- Watch TV or play video games with your children so they become interactive activities, not forms of isolation.
- Make mealtime a no-TV time.
- Keep your child’s bedroom an “electronics-free” zone. Put TVs and computers in other rooms.
- Whenever you can, suggest alternative activities, such as reading, playing outdoors, or doing art projects.
Treating the Whole Child
When we understand how these stressors can impact our children’s daily life, we are better able to address these issues and treat the whole child rather than simple symptoms. As a parent, you are the expert about your own child.
“The best thing that parents can do is to understand their child deeply,” says Dr. Shannon. “If I can assist parents in understanding their child’s needs better, often everything begins to improve from there. From this deep understanding, a parent will find that their own intuition is a wonderful guide to what the child needs.”
Additional Reading: Nurturing Your Child's Strengths
Sources:
Scott M. Shannon, MD. Personal interview/correspondence through Fauzia Burke. 09 April, 2008.
Scott M. Shannon, MD. Please Don’t Label My Child. Rodale. 2007.
