Hello, and welcome to another episode of Blooming Curious.
Today is the last episode for 2024, since I'll be taking December off to focus
on new projects and offerings for 2025.
And just so that I can get off this hamster wheel for a little while
to focus on creating, content that serves you and moves you forward.
Today, I want to talk about a topic that really affects all of us, and that
is technology and its impact on us.
on children's development.
This episode is inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book, I think that's how
you pronounce his name, The Anxious Generation, which explores how technology
Particularly social media is reshaping childhood, but we're not here today
to dwell on all the doom and gloom.
Instead, what I want to do is look at how we can move beyond the guilt
because everywhere on social media and the posts I see, I think a lot of
people have a lot of guilt around this.
What we want to do today is actually look at ways to solve the problem and
embrace some creative, proactive and meaningful ways that we can offer our
children as alternatives to screens.
Now, whether you're a parent or a teacher and you're looking for ways to better
connect with children, or you're just looking at ways to foster that curiosity
and creativity that's so important in our children, then today's episode is going
to give you the practical strategies that help you nurture the social,
emotional and physical growth of the children in your care.
So let's first look at why this conversation actually matters.
The research is very clear and it shows us that excessive screen time,
especially when it comes to social media and video games, can impact
children's developing brains negatively It's linked to short retention spans,
difficulty regulating emotions, and even an increase in anxiety and depression.
in In his book, Haidt points out that the rise of smartphones and social
media directly correlates with a significant uptick in mental health
challenges, specifically among teenagers.
But it's not just about the mental and emotional effects
of excessive screen time.
It's also about what screens are crowding out, those essential
activities like outdoor play, face to face social interactions,
unstructured, creative play, and even restful sleep.
These are the building blocks of a healthy development in childhood.
And as Jonathan Haidt points out, or Haidt points out, we're seeing
a troubling rise in anxiety and depression among young people.
And technology plays a role in this.
But it's not the only factor.
But it is significant.
So how do we as parents and educators shift into action and focus on
how we can intentionally create alternatives that draw children's
attention away from screens and towards activities that ignite their
curiosity and engage their whole selves?
I actually also have a freebie for you that I'll tell you about at the end
of the episode that's perfect for the upcoming holidays to get kids off screens.
So hang around to hear about that.
So here are a few ideas to inspire you.
And each of these ideas are not just good for kids, but they're good for you too.
Because let's face it, technology has its grips on adults too.
So if you take just one of these ideas that I'll be sharing today,
you will be doing your own mental health a massive favour too.
So the first idea I'm going to give you is to engage with nature.
Research shows us time and time again that time spent in nature reduces stress,
it improves focus and boosts creativity.
Plus, Extra bonus, it's free.
Nature offers us endless opportunities for exploration and curiosity.
It's one of the most powerful antidotes to screen time.
A simple walk in a park, or creating a garden.
Even if you don't have the space, you can actually just create a window
box or plant something in a pot.
And allow children to also explore their backyard, or if you don't
have a garden, take a trip to your nearest park or beach and encourage
observation by giving kids tools like magnifying glasses and binoculars
or bug jars just to get them and encourage them to explore and discover.
And if you're an educator consider incorporating nature based
activities into your lessons.
Think about nature scavenger hunts or journaling or outdoor STEM challenges.
I have several conversations on this podcast with outdoor teaching experts that
I'll link for you in the show notes so you can get more ideas for outdoor learning.
Number two is to reignite some family and classroom traditions.
Now strong traditions create meaningful connections and memories.
At home, you can create things like a weekly game night with
board games or card games.
Kids love games and these kinds of activities encourage
teamwork and problem solving.
And I know that for many of you, you probably think a game
is so lame because, you know, a screen is so much more exciting.
Is it perhaps more exciting to scroll through your Facebook or
through your Instagram than sitting with a child playing a board game?
Well, putting aside that phone or your screen for just those few minutes
is really going to give you endless benefits, not just for your children,
but for your relationship with them, too.
In a classroom, you can also set up screen free days and you can introduce
hands on activities like crafts or cooking or collaborative STEM challenges.
I know from experience that when you introduce specific days where
children can engage in hands on activities, it becomes something
that they really look forward to.
And it's the same in the home.
Number three is open ended creative play opportunities.
Children thrive when they're given the freedom to play and create on their own.
And in his book Jonathan Haidt talks about the downside of controlling
every aspect of children's lives.
They need a little bit of freedom to do their own thing for their own autonomy.
So provide open ended toys like building blocks or art supplies
or even recycled materials for them to create their own worlds.
And if you're worried about a mess, put a blanket out or an old sheet and allow
them the freedom to play and create without interference or guidance from you.
It frees up your time too, but it allows them that freedom that they desperately
want to explore and grow on their own.
And for teachers, you can consider setting up some intriguing provocations or pose a
question to spark inquiry based learning.
I'll link to episodes and posts I have on the blog that talk about
provocations in the show notes for you.
Number four is to create shared reading experiences.
Reading is a screen free activity that fosters connection and curiosity.
Reading together is a wonderful way to bond while building literacy skills.
At home, read as a family.
Pick books that spark questions and discussions and let your
kids take turns picking stories.
And in schools, teachers can try reading circles with stories that provoke
discussions or use picture books as a jumping-off point for inquiry-based
learning Ask students What do you wonder about this story and use their
ideas to shape your lessons make sense.
So often, as a teacher, I deal with kids where we're helping them with
reading and when I say to them, Are you reading with your mom and dad?
They'll often say to me, no, my mom's too busy to read to me or my
mom's on her phone all the time.
And I'm not just saying this to make you feel guilty.
I'm telling you this because this is what children are saying and experiencing.
So finding moments where you can actually just sit for five minutes
or 10 minutes with your child.
Reading with them, to them, really goes a long way not just
practicing their reading, but also the bond in your relationship.
Number five is to introduce mindfulness and emotional regulation.
This is a biggie nowadays because we're finding more and more that children
really struggle with emotional regulation.
Mostly, and very often, because screens over stimulate children and it leaves
them feeling restless and irritable.
You only need to see what it's like if a child's been spending
a lot of time on an iPad and now you want to take that device away.
That is the ultimate provocation for a meltdown.
So yes, screens do over stimulate children and does leave them
feeling restless and irritable.
And mindfulness can actually help them to regain some balance.
Now, this doesn't mean that you're going to grab away the iPad and
then stick some kind of a, you know, and get them to breathe deeply.
I mean, that's just ridiculous.
It's not going to work.
Mindfulness can help children regain their balance.
You can replace screen time with short mindfulness exercises like deep breathing
or things like gratitude journals where kids can write or draw something
that they're grateful for each day.
These practices not only reduce screen dependency but they also build
emotional regulation and resilience.
Now I've actually joined up with Big Life Journal.
I'm sure you've seen them around on social media you And if you're looking
for meaningful holiday gifts for your kids this season, Big Life Journal
has award winning, psychologist backed products that help build confidence
and resilience in children and teens.
They've got things like journals and conversation cards and
affirmation cards, all designed to to inspire growth and positivity.
So check out their store for amazing gift ideas.
I'll leave my affiliate link for you in the show notes, which means that I earn
small commission if you decide to buy through my link at no extra cost to you.
And right now they have a sale on, so click on that link, which I'll leave in
the show notes and get a great mindfulness regulation tool for your children.
Number six is to prioritize connection through shared projects.
You can work on a project together, things like baking, especially now with
the holiday season where you could bake gingerbread men or Christmas cake or build
something like a birdhouse or, an insect hotel, or just do a puzzle together.
It's not about the end product.
It's just about that shared experience, that connection.
In schools, you can work on collaborative group projects like creating a class
mural or planning a school garden.
And you can build teamwork and creativity into your lessons while giving students
this amazing sense of accomplishment.
Now, I know that all of this sounds great in theory.
And let's be honest, I know it's not easy.
Screens are convenient and in some cases they might feel like a lifeline.
But even just small steps can make a big difference.
Just start with one small adjustment.
Designate one tech free evening a week or a tech free weekend challenge, or swap
30 minutes of screen time with a hands on activity, or set up a cozy reading nook
in your home or your classroom where you make books and reading more inviting.
And then celebrate those wins, however small they are.
Because over time, those small shifts can lead to significant changes that
strengthen those essential developmental foundations in our children.
And remember, as adults, we set the tone.
I know, I see all these responses on social media where it's hard for us to
be critical of ourselves and say, you know what, actually, it's up to me.
I am the driving force.
I am in charge.
What I say goes.
We are the models.
Whether we like it or not, children take their cues from us.
And if we prioritize connection and curiosity and creativity, they will too.
It isn't about being perfect, but it is about being intentional and
proactively replacing screen time with alternative engaging activities.
It's about enriching not only our children's lives, but our own
too, and our relationship and the bonds we have with our children.
I hope that today's episode has sparked some ideas and encouragement
for you to reduce screen time.
If you're a parent or you're an educator, I'd love to hear how you're tackling this
challenge in your own home and classroom.
So share your thoughts with me on social media.
I'll leave a link in my show notes or just send me an email
at contact at bloomingcurious.
com.
I'd love to hear from you.
Now earlier in the episode, I mentioned that I have a freebie for you It's a
free download with 24 alternatives to screens, which you can download for
free Stick it on your fridge these holidays and tick off each activity as
you complete it I'll leave a link in the show notes and don't forget to click on
the episode website to get all the links mentioned in this episode, including
my newsletter, Get Curious, for weekly tips and inspiration to get your kids
and yourself engaged and motivated.
Thanks for listening.
Have a blessed Christmas and a happy holiday.
And I'll see you back here on Blooming Curious in January with an exciting
lineup of new guests and topics to inspire and ignite your passion.
And until then, stay safe and stay Blooming Curious.