April 19-25th, 2010 is National Screen Free Week, which means it’s time to get your kids unplugged and on the move. What does that mean? Here are some questions and answers get you started:
Q: What is a screen?
A: Screens are more than just televisions. Screens are also on computers, hand-held gaming system, cell phones, portable DVD players, and mp3 players.
Q: How much time does the average kid spend on these devices?
A: The average kid in the U.S. spends 8 hours and 46 minutes every day according to research done by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Q: Why is it important to limit screen time for children?
A: Kids who spend more than 2 hours every day with screens have multiple problems such as bad grades in school, inability to sleep well, behavioral issues such as fighting, eat more junk food, and are more likely to be obese.
Q: What is the correct amount of screen time my child should be having?
A: According to extensive research done by the the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 2 should have no T.V. time, and children over 2 should be limited to no more than 2 hours.
Q: What are some things I can do to help limit my child’s screen time?
A: There are many things you can do such as not allowing screens in the bedroom, at mealtime, not using them as a reward, adding an activity table in the kitchen so children can do activities while you prepare meals, not using them as a babysitter to get your work done, and integrating more active activities into your daily schedule.
Kaiser Permanente has developed a great Screen Free Week toolkit that you can find online at www.kp.com that’s filled with tons of ideas to get your kids unplugged and moving. Many of you may have already received on in the mail, but if not, go to the website and get yours today.
Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
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Comments
Well done! Check out Children's Nature Network.org?
Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life. ~John Muir
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