We are learning many things from this pandemic: some good, some not so good. We are having to rethink how we live our lives, how we manage our businesses, and how we are raising our families. The decision to limit access to iPads, video games, and other electronic devices wasn’t such a big deal when my children were small. We didn’t have many choices. I used to put on a “Baby Einstein” video for my son so I could take a shower while he sat in his swing, watching bright geometric shapes float across the screen. But kids today are overwhelmed with exciting–and addictive–electronic options. Most parents limited their children’s screen time–until the pandemic.
SCREENTIME AND TODDLER DEVELOPMENT
You probably know that to facilitate normal brain development toddlers must have exposure to stimuli. Manipulating objects, banging on drums, clapping hands, learning to climb, opening and shutting doors, moving to music, learning to recognize shapes and colors are examples of how toddlers’ brains make neural network connections. Pre-pandemic, finding opportunities to stimulate toddlers was easier: a trip to the park, a tumbling class for tots, and daycare all offered enough activity to spark those neurons. Now, however, toddlers are spending more time indoors and more time with the same few people. In many households, one or both parents are also trying to work from home and likely aren’t able to focus all of their attention on their child’s brain development. That’s where electronics come in. A quick online search can come up with dozens of “brain games” for toddlers, most of them developed with professional guidance. Interactive games, videos showing positive social interaction between children, and watching dancing or musicians playing instruments can spark those neurons. Parents may need to consider easing up on their rules regarding screen time to ensure their toddlers are getting the brain stimulation they need.
MEALTIME TOGETHERNESS
Of course nothing can take the place of actual person-to-person interaction. Like puppies learn to be dogs from spending time with their littermates, toddlers learn how to be social by being with other toddlers. For most families, this is not possible nor recommended. That makes meals together even more important. This is where I encourage you to put away those electronics I just recommended. As often as possible, sit at a table together, share a meal, and talk. Take turns talking and listening. Include the toddler–even if they don’t speak out loud yet. They are listening, and they often understand what you are saying long before they utter a sound. Children who are included in interactions learn to read facial expressions and body language. Studies show that kids who eat dinner with their families form stronger peer relationships, and engage in less fighting and bullying.
PLAYTIME
Lastly, kids gotta play! If your space at home allows, turn part of the living room into a toddler play area. Places to climb, colorful blocks to stack and knock down, and a rubber mat to fall on. Block this area off to create a safe space for your toddler to run wild. Rotate toys to keep them stimulated. If you have a yard, and the weather allows, do the same thing outside: block off a safe area to let them run free. Go for a walk, talking and exploring. Take a break from your world, and enter theirs. Look at things from toddler height: point out leaves and plants and bugs as you walk. Talk about what you see. What color is it? How does it feel or smell? Is it soft? Hard? Squishy? Stinky? Talking about things as you look at them and feel them helps toddlers make connections in their minds, leading to brain stimulation.
I keep telling my adult kids that life will be normal again–we will get there. We are living through times that will be discussed for generations to come. How we all deal with this–and how we teach our kids and grandkids to deal with it–will determine if those future generations will admire us or believe us to be abysmal failures.
And, as always, if you’re struggling, PLEASE ask for help! We are all in this together, and we all benefit from each other’s success.
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures.