When I was growing up, I remember people calling the TV the "boob tube'- a vast wasteland for your mind. Now, we not only have TV, but computers, the Internet, video games, cell phones, e-readers, portable DVD players, etc...
We are constantly "plugged in" and the children growing up now are immersed in it. But what is the impact on our children? Here are some interesting facts:
Most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF):
- two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch a screen an average of 2 hours a day
- kids under age 6 watch an average of about 2 hours of screen media a day, primarily TV and videos or DVDs
- kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games
The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development. (http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html)
So here are some ideas to keep the kids busy in the back seat during your road trip instead of turning on the DVD player:
