Lilian Presti

Loads of love and attention will help your child

Most parents will do anything to maximize our children's potential, right? Perhaps not. As it turns out, some of the things we thought were helpful to our child's development are turning out not to be so.

Many of us parents believe purchasing educational toys or providing them with the latest technology will help them to be smarter, more creative or at the very least help them to get a head start. But there are rumblings that these assumptions of what helps children learn and develop may well have been based more on effective marketing than on any real proof.

In June, a new study published in the journal Pediatrics showed increased TV viewing can have a negative impact on cognitive development.

The study, led by Dimitri Christakis, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, found that TV viewing reduces communication between children and their parents, and this in turn has implications on language development.

With each hour of TV viewing caregivers spoke 500 to 1,000 fewer words to children. There is a clear connection between heard and spoken words--human interaction--and language development in babies and toddlers.

The research confirms the results from a 2007 study also led by Christakis, which focused on learning DVDs for babies and toddlers. That study demonstrated the same inevitable result of reduced communication between child and caregiver when the DVDs were watched.

But what about the promising claims of genius?

Well it seems as though there are numerous examples of these parental traps. Remember when Mozart's music was touted as the key that unlocks brilliance? Reality ended up proving that brilliance doesn't come that easily after all. Although music may be pleasing for babies and children, to listen to it doesn't necessarily increase intelligence.

The same holds true for sophisticated computer programs that promise fluency in international languages. According to research led by Patricia Kuhl, Director of the University of Washington's NSF Science of Learning Center and Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, children learn languages through real life interactions with people, not via computerized or DVD programs, even if the DVDs feature people speaking the language.

So if these strategies aren't the path to bigger brains, higher marks and subsequently better futures for our children, what exactly is?

As cliched as it may sound, the best way to brighten your child's future is to provide them with as much love and positive attention as possible. Research consistently shows that children who receive loving care and genuine interest from their parents and caregivers evolve into well-adjusted and high-functioning adults. It all boils down to face-to-face human interaction and communication.

So rather than work overtime to buy your child the latest genius-producing educational toy, spend that extra time with your child -- it will make a difference in their development.

 

Recent Parenting & Family Articles

Brain-building Strategies for Parents

Mental and physical exercises, as well as brain-enhancing nutrition, can aid parents in nurturing their children’s natural abilities. Parents should keep some important things in mind when choosing activities and foods to help build children’s brainpower.

Parenting: Turning the Page on Tradition?

Reading to your children more often can improve reading skills, math abilities and more.

Parenting: Keeping Kids Safe in a Web-Savvy World

In today's age of technology, keeping children safe on the Internet is a must.  If you came across an instant message conversation your child was having on your computer and discovered the acronym "PAW," would you know what to make of it?

Parenting: Stay Connected With Your Children. Show Them You Care in Three Easy Ways

When good communication is diminished, parents struggle to find ways to play a more significant role in their children's lives. The good news is that help isn't far away. Here are three ways to "stay connected" with your kids before they grow up too fast.

Parenting: Technology Helps Families Make Time for Togetherness

With the help of technology, families can take control of their hectic schedules and free up more time for togetherness.

Parenting: Tips to Build Reading Success

Children have limitless imaginations. They may dream of time travel and seeing prehistoric creatures up close. Perhaps they want to become mysterious sorcerers who cast binding spells.   Parents can easily accommodate these whimsical wishes by encouraging their children to read.

 

(c) 2009, NATURALLY SAVVY DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC