Like all generations before us, our world growing up was dramatically different than the world in which our children will experience. No, we didn't walk uphill to school both ways in a snowstorm but we did actually have to play outside and entertain ourselves with actually objects, not electronics. I remember my mother telling me to go outside and play until it was time for dinner (and she meant it...unless I was throwing up or bleeding, then I had better keep my butt outside!). And remember Kindergarten? We spent our days learning our numbers and letters, singing songs and listening to story time, learning to climb and swing on the playground, growing our imaginations and fine motor skills with pretend play and center time, and taking naps. Even TV is different than it was when we were growing up. Remember how slow Sesame Street use to be? Now it seems that cartoons just get brighter, louder, and faster-paced.
These days, our kids are expected to know how to form their letters, write their names, and sit at the table for a considerable amount of time from pretty much the first day of school. They typically have very limited time to play outside and are lucky if they have the opportunity to participate in music or art. The school day seems to also be getting longer and longer. God bless our teachers because I know I could NEVER do what they do on a daily basis. But it's not just our schools; it's our society in general. We are a digital-based generation, but what does that mean for our kids? TV, computers, smart phones, advanced video games, I Pads....the list goes on and on. As a parent and as an occupational therapist, I can't help but worry about what this trend means for our children. More and more kids are being diagnosed with attention disorders and developmental delays. I see more and more kids with insufficient core and upper body strength, affecting their ability to perform gross motor tasks, maintain upright sitting at the table, and create the stability they need to build fine motor skills. More and more have difficulty holding their pencil, problem-solving, and interacting with peers. While these issues are not all related to changes in our society, it is important that we, as parents, remember to expose our children to the more "old-fashion" types of play.
Get out the blocks, Legos, and other manipulatives. Set out various supplies, such as cotton balls, glitter, glue, crayons, play dough, toothpicks, q-tips, and tissue paper and see what your little one can create. Play with tongs, tear paper, lace, and string beads. Give your child opportunities to play and practice their letters in sand, mud, shaving cream, and paint. Have your child help around the house, such as bringing in the groceries, sweeping, raking, pulling weeds, pulling out the laundry, and washing the windows. Challenge them to create obstacle courses at home with floor pillows, tunnels, old boxes, blankets, etc. Remember that pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying are great ways to provide your child with good sensory input and are also great ways to strength the core, arms, and legs. Provide your child with ample time outside to climb; dig; jump; swim; swing; ride bikes; kick, throw, catch, and hit the ball; play games such as hopscotch, tag, Simon Says, and Red Light, Green Light; and even build with rocks and sticks.
Remember that not all of your child's time needs to be structured. Give them opportunities to learn to entertain themselves and build their imagination and problem-solving skills.
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