There are over 1,ooo phone apps designed for kids….even infants and toddlers. These days, when you are busy running errands with your toddler, instead of talking to her, you can hand her your iPhone or Blackberry to play with. Used to be, kids were ignored while their parent/caregiver chatted away, checked email or sent a text. Now, they can become plugged-in themselves as they watch an episode of Sesame Street or play one of the 1000+ screen games available.
No… it used to be you actually talked with your baby or toddler as you went about the day’s errands. You counted oranges as you put them in the shopping cart, pointed out interesting sights such as lobsters swimming in the tank at the sea food department, or you sang a song while waited in line. Maybe you even got frustrated or angry and showed a range of emotions. The point is, you communicated with your child. Talking to babies and toddlers is how their language and social/emotional connections develop. It has been that way for thousands of years.
With the advent of mobile technology, however, some things have changed for the worse. In today’s NY Times Health section there is a fine article by Jane Brody (From Birth, Engage Your Child in Talk) reminding parents and caregivers of the incredible importance of talking and listening, playing and singing, and, yes, even looking at your young child. What seems so natural to many of us, is now a critical skill to teach many new parents. As a teacher, I met wonderful kids who lacked the basic understanding of how to look at another person and interpret their feelings. Spending your formative years in front of a screen – and surrounded by grown ups who themselves are dedicated to screen time – does not help you to develop this fundamental and necessary skill.
I’m saddened when I think about the harmful effects technology is having on our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, though it is heartening to read this excellent article in such a widely read mainstream newspaper.
I am sure you are familiar with the research on the "30 million word gap." My only disappointment with the NYTimes article is that there wasn't any research sited. There's plenty out there! I agree, however, that it is so important to remind parents of young children how important it is to talk and read to even the youngest babies. We gave "Goodnight Moon" to friends with a new baby. The mother said she was waiting to read it until the baby had an established night routine. What better way to establish that routine than reading!
You make excellent points, Sherri! Yes, I am very familiar with that research. For others who are interested, here is the link to the "30 Million Word Gap" study from 2003. You can cut and paste it into your browser.
http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/American_educator/spring2003/catastrophe.html