Children need stimulation, they need attention and gone are the days when a cardboard box became a spaceship or a piece of wood became a light-saber. Now unless you spend £100 plus on a game then “its just not fun”
The Bugs Group asks, In a world full of technology, the ability to just turn on the TV, put on a DVD or load up the latest PlayStation game is now becoming the normal process for the average parent.
Well, studies show that the children with the latest games, the biggest box of DVD’s and the brand new Apple i-pad pro actually grow up to become more distant, lack social skills and in some cases find it hard to make friends.
Why!!
Because machines are just machines and no mater how real the latest Disney movie may look or no mater how interactive the PlayStation version 102 has become, they will never be able to compete with actual human personal interaction. I mean real touches, real laughter, real hugs and real situations
During 2016 – The average 2 – 5 year old UK child spent 32 hours per week watching TV
- Does this mean the average parent just dumps their child in front of the TV all day
- Does this mean the average parent cant be bothered to spend quality time with their child
- Does this mean the average parent does not care about the damage done to their child’s social skills
- Does this mean the average parent does not want to give their child the skills for a happy adulthood
I don’t truly believe any parent sets out to do any of the above and lets be honest if I was to accuse any loving parent of not caring about their child then I would expect a few very choice words in response
But facts are facts, and unless we all start thinking about how we are going to stimulate our child’s brain with real human interaction, especially with other children and if possible in a fun active environment then these 32 hours will turn into 42, 52, etc and I dread to think where that is going to leave us.
Click to enlarge Bugs Group free adventure sheet
Close your eyes and think about your best memories
Did these fantastic memories involve TV or PlayStation (or Atari !!!) or did these memories that have stayed with you all these years involve laughter, family, friends, and above all dreams and imagination…..
The earlier we can get our children playing, laughing and creating great future memories the better.
Whats the answer?
I don’t have the time, I have 101 other things to do, I have a house to run….
- Why not set a side regular walks around areas with lots of fresh air and plenty of nature to view
- Why not build a play area in the garden that is full of interactive toys (like sand, water, paint) and find projects to do together
- Why not sign up for parent / child activities or after school clubs
- Why not have a look on pinterest for ideas on “fun for kids”
Lets go make some memories……
All the Best
Mark,
