WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.710 Hello, and welcome to another episode of Blooming Curious. 00:00:03.260 --> 00:00:08.899 Today is the last episode for 2024, since I'll be taking December off to focus 00:00:08.900 --> 00:00:13.379 on new projects and offerings for 2025. 00:00:14.230 --> 00:00:17.909 And just so that I can get off this hamster wheel for a little while 00:00:17.909 --> 00:00:22.790 to focus on creating, content that serves you and moves you forward. 00:00:23.560 --> 00:00:28.160 Today, I want to talk about a topic that really affects all of us, and that 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:30.599 is technology and its impact on us. 00:00:30.780 --> 00:00:32.569 on children's development. 00:00:32.619 --> 00:00:37.189 This episode is inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book, I think that's how 00:00:37.189 --> 00:00:42.059 you pronounce his name, The Anxious Generation, which explores how technology 00:00:42.059 --> 00:00:48.099 Particularly social media is reshaping childhood, but we're not here today 00:00:48.229 --> 00:00:51.349 to dwell on all the doom and gloom. 00:00:51.459 --> 00:00:56.519 Instead, what I want to do is look at how we can move beyond the guilt 00:00:56.589 --> 00:01:00.219 because everywhere on social media and the posts I see, I think a lot of 00:01:00.229 --> 00:01:02.779 people have a lot of guilt around this. 00:01:03.599 --> 00:01:07.399 What we want to do today is actually look at ways to solve the problem and 00:01:07.399 --> 00:01:13.369 embrace some creative, proactive and meaningful ways that we can offer our 00:01:13.369 --> 00:01:15.949 children as alternatives to screens. 00:01:16.929 --> 00:01:21.009 Now, whether you're a parent or a teacher and you're looking for ways to better 00:01:21.009 --> 00:01:25.999 connect with children, or you're just looking at ways to foster that curiosity 00:01:26.039 --> 00:01:31.049 and creativity that's so important in our children, then today's episode is going 00:01:31.049 --> 00:01:35.969 to give you the practical strategies that help you nurture the social, 00:01:36.189 --> 00:01:40.309 emotional and physical growth of the children in your care. 00:01:41.119 --> 00:01:44.949 So let's first look at why this conversation actually matters. 00:01:45.579 --> 00:01:49.379 The research is very clear and it shows us that excessive screen time, 00:01:49.419 --> 00:01:54.539 especially when it comes to social media and video games, can impact 00:01:54.669 --> 00:02:00.879 children's developing brains negatively It's linked to short retention spans, 00:02:00.929 --> 00:02:06.179 difficulty regulating emotions, and even an increase in anxiety and depression. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:14.173 in In his book, Haidt points out that the rise of smartphones and social 00:02:14.173 --> 00:02:20.203 media directly correlates with a significant uptick in mental health 00:02:20.353 --> 00:02:23.583 challenges, specifically among teenagers. 00:02:24.373 --> 00:02:29.083 But it's not just about the mental and emotional effects 00:02:29.083 --> 00:02:30.643 of excessive screen time. 00:02:31.463 --> 00:02:36.493 It's also about what screens are crowding out, those essential 00:02:36.493 --> 00:02:41.443 activities like outdoor play, face to face social interactions, 00:02:41.658 --> 00:02:47.028 unstructured, creative play, and even restful sleep. 00:02:47.418 --> 00:02:52.078 These are the building blocks of a healthy development in childhood. 00:02:52.798 --> 00:02:57.458 And as Jonathan Haidt points out, or Haidt points out, we're seeing 00:02:57.518 --> 00:03:02.218 a troubling rise in anxiety and depression among young people. 00:03:02.818 --> 00:03:05.498 And technology plays a role in this. 00:03:06.008 --> 00:03:07.338 But it's not the only factor. 00:03:07.913 --> 00:03:09.433 But it is significant. 00:03:10.153 --> 00:03:15.793 So how do we as parents and educators shift into action and focus on 00:03:15.823 --> 00:03:21.403 how we can intentionally create alternatives that draw children's 00:03:21.403 --> 00:03:26.813 attention away from screens and towards activities that ignite their 00:03:26.813 --> 00:03:29.743 curiosity and engage their whole selves? 00:03:31.053 --> 00:03:34.783 I actually also have a freebie for you that I'll tell you about at the end 00:03:34.783 --> 00:03:40.103 of the episode that's perfect for the upcoming holidays to get kids off screens. 00:03:40.323 --> 00:03:42.173 So hang around to hear about that. 00:03:43.043 --> 00:03:45.323 So here are a few ideas to inspire you. 00:03:46.403 --> 00:03:51.593 And each of these ideas are not just good for kids, but they're good for you too. 00:03:51.843 --> 00:03:55.843 Because let's face it, technology has its grips on adults too. 00:03:56.313 --> 00:04:00.023 So if you take just one of these ideas that I'll be sharing today, 00:04:00.383 --> 00:04:04.003 you will be doing your own mental health a massive favour too. 00:04:04.713 --> 00:04:08.343 So the first idea I'm going to give you is to engage with nature. 00:04:08.963 --> 00:04:15.263 Research shows us time and time again that time spent in nature reduces stress, 00:04:15.633 --> 00:04:18.983 it improves focus and boosts creativity. 00:04:19.523 --> 00:04:22.528 Plus, Extra bonus, it's free. 00:04:22.988 --> 00:04:28.418 Nature offers us endless opportunities for exploration and curiosity. 00:04:28.878 --> 00:04:32.538 It's one of the most powerful antidotes to screen time. 00:04:33.018 --> 00:04:36.258 A simple walk in a park, or creating a garden. 00:04:36.318 --> 00:04:39.238 Even if you don't have the space, you can actually just create a window 00:04:39.238 --> 00:04:40.848 box or plant something in a pot. 00:04:41.733 --> 00:04:45.833 And allow children to also explore their backyard, or if you don't 00:04:45.843 --> 00:04:50.213 have a garden, take a trip to your nearest park or beach and encourage 00:04:50.273 --> 00:04:55.423 observation by giving kids tools like magnifying glasses and binoculars 00:04:55.433 --> 00:05:01.703 or bug jars just to get them and encourage them to explore and discover. 00:05:02.468 --> 00:05:06.328 And if you're an educator consider incorporating nature based 00:05:06.328 --> 00:05:07.858 activities into your lessons. 00:05:07.868 --> 00:05:13.278 Think about nature scavenger hunts or journaling or outdoor STEM challenges. 00:05:14.018 --> 00:05:19.728 I have several conversations on this podcast with outdoor teaching experts that 00:05:19.728 --> 00:05:24.538 I'll link for you in the show notes so you can get more ideas for outdoor learning. 00:05:24.608 --> 00:05:30.588 Number two is to reignite some family and classroom traditions. 00:05:30.628 --> 00:05:35.208 Now strong traditions create meaningful connections and memories. 00:05:36.128 --> 00:05:40.018 At home, you can create things like a weekly game night with 00:05:40.028 --> 00:05:41.728 board games or card games. 00:05:42.178 --> 00:05:46.908 Kids love games and these kinds of activities encourage 00:05:46.908 --> 00:05:48.898 teamwork and problem solving. 00:05:49.948 --> 00:05:52.828 And I know that for many of you, you probably think a game 00:05:52.858 --> 00:05:57.568 is so lame because, you know, a screen is so much more exciting. 00:05:57.918 --> 00:06:01.478 Is it perhaps more exciting to scroll through your Facebook or 00:06:01.478 --> 00:06:05.368 through your Instagram than sitting with a child playing a board game? 00:06:05.668 --> 00:06:09.568 Well, putting aside that phone or your screen for just those few minutes 00:06:09.958 --> 00:06:13.518 is really going to give you endless benefits, not just for your children, 00:06:13.758 --> 00:06:15.988 but for your relationship with them, too. 00:06:16.828 --> 00:06:22.368 In a classroom, you can also set up screen free days and you can introduce 00:06:22.388 --> 00:06:27.458 hands on activities like crafts or cooking or collaborative STEM challenges. 00:06:28.118 --> 00:06:32.168 I know from experience that when you introduce specific days where 00:06:32.168 --> 00:06:35.248 children can engage in hands on activities, it becomes something 00:06:35.248 --> 00:06:36.578 that they really look forward to. 00:06:37.028 --> 00:06:38.568 And it's the same in the home. 00:06:39.768 --> 00:06:43.958 Number three is open ended creative play opportunities. 00:06:44.438 --> 00:06:49.428 Children thrive when they're given the freedom to play and create on their own. 00:06:49.868 --> 00:06:55.358 And in his book Jonathan Haidt talks about the downside of controlling 00:06:55.388 --> 00:06:57.608 every aspect of children's lives. 00:06:58.088 --> 00:07:04.168 They need a little bit of freedom to do their own thing for their own autonomy. 00:07:04.718 --> 00:07:09.913 So provide open ended toys like building blocks or art supplies 00:07:09.913 --> 00:07:13.263 or even recycled materials for them to create their own worlds. 00:07:13.813 --> 00:07:18.613 And if you're worried about a mess, put a blanket out or an old sheet and allow 00:07:18.613 --> 00:07:23.023 them the freedom to play and create without interference or guidance from you. 00:07:23.263 --> 00:07:28.633 It frees up your time too, but it allows them that freedom that they desperately 00:07:28.633 --> 00:07:32.223 want to explore and grow on their own. 00:07:33.193 --> 00:07:38.763 And for teachers, you can consider setting up some intriguing provocations or pose a 00:07:38.763 --> 00:07:41.863 question to spark inquiry based learning. 00:07:42.353 --> 00:07:47.403 I'll link to episodes and posts I have on the blog that talk about 00:07:47.503 --> 00:07:50.103 provocations in the show notes for you. 00:07:50.873 --> 00:07:54.243 Number four is to create shared reading experiences. 00:07:55.388 --> 00:08:00.748 Reading is a screen free activity that fosters connection and curiosity. 00:08:00.958 --> 00:08:05.868 Reading together is a wonderful way to bond while building literacy skills. 00:08:06.348 --> 00:08:08.118 At home, read as a family. 00:08:08.398 --> 00:08:11.268 Pick books that spark questions and discussions and let your 00:08:11.268 --> 00:08:14.088 kids take turns picking stories. 00:08:14.998 --> 00:08:17.930 And in schools, teachers can try reading circles with stories that provoke 00:08:17.930 --> 00:08:18.414 discussions or use picture books as a jumping-off point for inquiry-based 00:08:18.414 --> 00:08:18.446 learning Ask students What do you wonder about this story and use their 00:08:18.446 --> 00:08:18.518 ideas to shape your lessons make sense. 00:08:31.928 --> 00:08:36.178 So often, as a teacher, I deal with kids where we're helping them with 00:08:36.178 --> 00:08:40.123 reading and when I say to them, Are you reading with your mom and dad? 00:08:40.133 --> 00:08:43.603 They'll often say to me, no, my mom's too busy to read to me or my 00:08:43.603 --> 00:08:45.253 mom's on her phone all the time. 00:08:45.293 --> 00:08:47.763 And I'm not just saying this to make you feel guilty. 00:08:48.303 --> 00:08:51.733 I'm telling you this because this is what children are saying and experiencing. 00:08:52.343 --> 00:08:57.173 So finding moments where you can actually just sit for five minutes 00:08:57.233 --> 00:08:59.553 or 10 minutes with your child. 00:08:59.643 --> 00:09:05.033 Reading with them, to them, really goes a long way not just 00:09:05.033 --> 00:09:09.483 practicing their reading, but also the bond in your relationship. 00:09:10.803 --> 00:09:15.253 Number five is to introduce mindfulness and emotional regulation. 00:09:15.263 --> 00:09:18.763 This is a biggie nowadays because we're finding more and more that children 00:09:19.573 --> 00:09:22.233 really struggle with emotional regulation. 00:09:23.268 --> 00:09:28.738 Mostly, and very often, because screens over stimulate children and it leaves 00:09:28.738 --> 00:09:30.878 them feeling restless and irritable. 00:09:30.918 --> 00:09:33.758 You only need to see what it's like if a child's been spending 00:09:33.758 --> 00:09:37.698 a lot of time on an iPad and now you want to take that device away. 00:09:38.028 --> 00:09:41.898 That is the ultimate provocation for a meltdown. 00:09:42.328 --> 00:09:46.228 So yes, screens do over stimulate children and does leave them 00:09:46.228 --> 00:09:47.638 feeling restless and irritable. 00:09:48.018 --> 00:09:52.313 And mindfulness can actually help them to regain some balance. 00:09:52.883 --> 00:09:55.873 Now, this doesn't mean that you're going to grab away the iPad and 00:09:55.873 --> 00:09:58.493 then stick some kind of a, you know, and get them to breathe deeply. 00:09:58.493 --> 00:09:59.623 I mean, that's just ridiculous. 00:09:59.773 --> 00:10:00.623 It's not going to work. 00:10:01.173 --> 00:10:04.413 Mindfulness can help children regain their balance. 00:10:04.673 --> 00:10:09.893 You can replace screen time with short mindfulness exercises like deep breathing 00:10:10.123 --> 00:10:14.613 or things like gratitude journals where kids can write or draw something 00:10:14.613 --> 00:10:16.303 that they're grateful for each day. 00:10:16.753 --> 00:10:20.703 These practices not only reduce screen dependency but they also build 00:10:20.733 --> 00:10:23.153 emotional regulation and resilience. 00:10:23.553 --> 00:10:26.243 Now I've actually joined up with Big Life Journal. 00:10:26.243 --> 00:10:30.403 I'm sure you've seen them around on social media you And if you're looking 00:10:30.403 --> 00:10:35.333 for meaningful holiday gifts for your kids this season, Big Life Journal 00:10:35.343 --> 00:10:40.963 has award winning, psychologist backed products that help build confidence 00:10:40.963 --> 00:10:43.623 and resilience in children and teens. 00:10:43.943 --> 00:10:47.283 They've got things like journals and conversation cards and 00:10:47.593 --> 00:10:52.303 affirmation cards, all designed to to inspire growth and positivity. 00:10:52.303 --> 00:10:55.113 So check out their store for amazing gift ideas. 00:10:55.503 --> 00:10:59.683 I'll leave my affiliate link for you in the show notes, which means that I earn 00:11:00.063 --> 00:11:05.403 small commission if you decide to buy through my link at no extra cost to you. 00:11:05.883 --> 00:11:10.023 And right now they have a sale on, so click on that link, which I'll leave in 00:11:10.023 --> 00:11:15.673 the show notes and get a great mindfulness regulation tool for your children. 00:11:15.673 --> 00:11:19.888 Number six is to prioritize connection through shared projects. 00:11:20.298 --> 00:11:24.518 You can work on a project together, things like baking, especially now with 00:11:24.528 --> 00:11:28.718 the holiday season where you could bake gingerbread men or Christmas cake or build 00:11:28.718 --> 00:11:34.198 something like a birdhouse or, an insect hotel, or just do a puzzle together. 00:11:34.598 --> 00:11:36.708 It's not about the end product. 00:11:37.048 --> 00:11:41.598 It's just about that shared experience, that connection. 00:11:42.513 --> 00:11:46.963 In schools, you can work on collaborative group projects like creating a class 00:11:46.993 --> 00:11:49.213 mural or planning a school garden. 00:11:49.643 --> 00:11:54.903 And you can build teamwork and creativity into your lessons while giving students 00:11:54.903 --> 00:11:57.663 this amazing sense of accomplishment. 00:11:58.383 --> 00:12:02.743 Now, I know that all of this sounds great in theory. 00:12:03.058 --> 00:12:06.608 And let's be honest, I know it's not easy. 00:12:06.668 --> 00:12:11.488 Screens are convenient and in some cases they might feel like a lifeline. 00:12:12.138 --> 00:12:16.318 But even just small steps can make a big difference. 00:12:16.808 --> 00:12:20.808 Just start with one small adjustment. 00:12:21.558 --> 00:12:29.138 Designate one tech free evening a week or a tech free weekend challenge, or swap 00:12:29.148 --> 00:12:36.718 30 minutes of screen time with a hands on activity, or set up a cozy reading nook 00:12:37.198 --> 00:12:42.098 in your home or your classroom where you make books and reading more inviting. 00:12:43.063 --> 00:12:46.683 And then celebrate those wins, however small they are. 00:12:47.103 --> 00:12:52.823 Because over time, those small shifts can lead to significant changes that 00:12:52.823 --> 00:12:57.343 strengthen those essential developmental foundations in our children. 00:12:58.443 --> 00:13:02.533 And remember, as adults, we set the tone. 00:13:02.573 --> 00:13:08.403 I know, I see all these responses on social media where it's hard for us to 00:13:08.403 --> 00:13:12.473 be critical of ourselves and say, you know what, actually, it's up to me. 00:13:12.653 --> 00:13:14.373 I am the driving force. 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:15.633 I am in charge. 00:13:15.633 --> 00:13:16.983 What I say goes. 00:13:17.673 --> 00:13:19.063 We are the models. 00:13:19.093 --> 00:13:22.733 Whether we like it or not, children take their cues from us. 00:13:23.213 --> 00:13:29.723 And if we prioritize connection and curiosity and creativity, they will too. 00:13:30.473 --> 00:13:36.843 It isn't about being perfect, but it is about being intentional and 00:13:36.843 --> 00:13:43.243 proactively replacing screen time with alternative engaging activities. 00:13:43.903 --> 00:13:49.143 It's about enriching not only our children's lives, but our own 00:13:49.193 --> 00:13:54.483 too, and our relationship and the bonds we have with our children. 00:13:55.583 --> 00:13:59.723 I hope that today's episode has sparked some ideas and encouragement 00:13:59.733 --> 00:14:01.593 for you to reduce screen time. 00:14:02.163 --> 00:14:07.293 If you're a parent or you're an educator, I'd love to hear how you're tackling this 00:14:07.293 --> 00:14:10.023 challenge in your own home and classroom. 00:14:10.413 --> 00:14:13.023 So share your thoughts with me on social media. 00:14:13.063 --> 00:14:16.123 I'll leave a link in my show notes or just send me an email 00:14:16.123 --> 00:14:18.133 at contact at bloomingcurious. 00:14:18.153 --> 00:14:18.493 com. 00:14:18.733 --> 00:14:20.013 I'd love to hear from you. 00:14:20.793 --> 00:14:24.433 Now earlier in the episode, I mentioned that I have a freebie for you It's a 00:14:24.433 --> 00:14:28.673 free download with 24 alternatives to screens, which you can download for 00:14:28.673 --> 00:14:33.083 free Stick it on your fridge these holidays and tick off each activity as 00:14:33.083 --> 00:14:38.193 you complete it I'll leave a link in the show notes and don't forget to click on 00:14:38.193 --> 00:14:43.483 the episode website to get all the links mentioned in this episode, including 00:14:43.483 --> 00:14:48.163 my newsletter, Get Curious, for weekly tips and inspiration to get your kids 00:14:48.323 --> 00:14:50.873 and yourself engaged and motivated. 00:14:51.493 --> 00:14:52.443 Thanks for listening. 00:14:52.643 --> 00:14:55.283 Have a blessed Christmas and a happy holiday. 00:14:55.533 --> 00:15:00.043 And I'll see you back here on Blooming Curious in January with an exciting 00:15:00.043 --> 00:15:04.563 lineup of new guests and topics to inspire and ignite your passion. 00:15:04.853 --> 00:15:09.503 And until then, stay safe and stay Blooming Curious.