1. Did you know???? Today’s children are: Lacking in the development of the physical (sensorimotor) domain. Not developing the motor skills needed for basic, much less optimal, success in the early years.

2. Why? More time spent in infant seats/less floor time. Caution about putting babies on their tummies because of SIDS education. Less-self directed, spontaneous play. More technology- too much “screen time”. Health problems - more preemies. Click here for more info on “screen-time”

3. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. What is Screen time? Television, Video, DVD Game Boys Computer Play Stations X Boxes Nintendo

4. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. How Much Is Too Much? No TV for children under 2 years. Older children no more than 7 hours/week. -American Academy of Pediatrics (1999)

5. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. Why restrict screen time? Language developmental delays Children learn to talk and use language correctly by practice/interaction with REAL people.

6. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. Why restrict screen time? Language developmental delays Motor developmental delays Children’s gross and fine motor development needs movement & exploration of the environment. Children’s brains grow with movement.

7. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. Why restrict screen time? Language developmental delays Visual developmental delays Motor developmental delays Too much staring at a screen with the eyes in a fixed position can delay visual development. Moving hands and body lays the foundation of visual- motor and near point skills.

8. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. Why restrict screen time? Language developmental delays Social skill delays Visual developmental delays Motor developmental delays Children do not learn to play with others while looking at the screen.

9. Screen Time: Some Thoughts For Parents. Why restrict screen time? Language developmental delays Cardiovascular health Social skill delays Visual developmental delays Motor developmental delays Children need outdoor play in the fresh air to strengthen their bodies/cardiovascular systems. MI leads the nation in childhood obesity and diabetes.

10. Research Has Shown…. Helping children increase their ability to: Use both sides of their body Increases their success in academic areas. Run, Skip, Etc. Catch a ball Balance

11. Research Has Shown…. The ability of both sides of our brains to work together…. Improves our visual skills.

12. Research Has Shown…. These skills are essential in order to: Learn to identify letters Write and copy words with ease Learn to read.

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