Children, on average, spend 6 hours each day in front a screen, be it a computer, television, hand-held device, or video game. That is waaaay above the recommended limit of 2 hours or less per day of screen time for kids above the age of 2 (the recommendation is no screen time for kids under the age of 2. Why the pooh-pooh on screen time? For one, screen time has been linked to problems with behavior and aggression and the simultaneous visual and auditory stimulation provided by these screens may make it hard for your child to function in an environment with less stimulation, such as school. Screen time should also be limited because it takes away from time that could be spent doing something active.
If your family exchanges gifts in the coming holiday season, opt for ones that will help your child add more activity to their day. Here are a few ideas:
- Sports gear such as footballs, soccer balls, lacrosse sticks, basketballs, goals, or cones
- Snowshoes, sled, hockey gear, skates
- Frisbee, jump rope, balance board, Wave board, scooter, pogo stick, Skip Bo, stomp rocket, hacky sack
- Sport classes, gym membership, day passes (homemade ticket) to gym or local pool
- Games such as Table Top Ping Pong, Twister, indoor bowling set, Hullabaloo, Elefun
- Mini trampoline, floor keyboard
- For those that just can’t seem to stay away from video games, at least purchase ones that require no contact between butt and sofa, such as Dance Dance Revolution
What other great gift ideas do you have for parents?