Parents' Corner

Cell Phones for Kids: When Are They Appropriate?

Posted by Dave Smith on Wed, Feb 15, 2023 @ 09:00 AM

When it comes to cell phones for kids, there's a lot that goes into the decision. And for parents, the pressure to get one for their young ones grows with every passing day. The kid and cell phone connection is here to stay, but what's a parent supposed to do?

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Topics: Safety Tips, Child Behavior, Tech Tips, Parenting Tips

Revealing the Truth about Video Game Myths & Their Affect on Children

Posted by David Smith on Wed, Jun 16, 2021 @ 06:15 PM

Frustrated parents who can’t seem to tear their children away from the video game console have few kind words about video games, but research shows that many of the things that parents believe about video games and the effect that gaming has on their children are more myth than fact — or are at least still up for debate.

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Topics: Tech Tips

Screen Time for Toddlers: What to Consider

Posted by David Smith on Wed, Mar 17, 2021 @ 06:45 PM

Pandemic or no, it can be appealing to give your toddler a screen for a little break for both them and you. But you might have heard from your pediatrician or well-meaning family members that you should limit your toddler’s screen time.

Here’s what you should know about screen time for toddlers.

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Topics: Tech Tips

How Unplugging from Technology Benefits Children

Posted by David Smith on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 @ 08:00 AM

A mere 20 years ago, children used to play outside all day, riding bikes, playing sports and building forts. Masters of imaginary games, children of the past created their own form of play that didn't require costly equipment or parental supervision. Children of the past moved a lot, and their sensory world was nature-based and simple. (The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child)

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Topics: Social Interaction, Tech Tips

Teaching Your Children to Not Overshare on Social Networks

Posted by David Smith on Wed, Oct 22, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Your tween may have a hard time knowing the difference between interacting with friends on social media and sharing too much publicly. Here’s advice for talking to your child about using technology and social networks appropriately:

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Topics: Child Behavior, Tech Tips

Tech Tips for Tweens: Monitoring Social Networks and Privacy Settings

Posted by David Smith on Mon, Oct 20, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

You keep them safe at home, and we take care of them in our afterschool programs. Yet no matter where they go, kids are surrounded by technology—and that brings both benefits and risks. While the internet powers modern education, we also need to stay aware of how social media affects tweens, who often need help navigating the waters.

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Topics: Horizon Education Center, Social Interaction, Tech Tips, Afterschool

When Should You Get Your Child a Smartphone?

Posted by David Smith on Fri, Oct 17, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Today's world of technology-driven gadgets begs the question, what is the appropriate age for a child to get their first smartphone?

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Topics: Child Behavior, Tech Tips

Tech Tips for Tweens: Set Healthy Limits on Digital Screen Use

Posted by David Smith on Fri, Sep 26, 2014 @ 08:30 AM

How many hours a day does your tween spend texting, tweeting, gaming and cruising Facebook? With all the media options available today, a Kaiser Family Foundation study found many children ages 8-18 are spending nearly 7.5 hours a day immersed in digital media. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only 1 to 2 hours of media use for children, tweens and teens and recommends avoiding media exposure for children under age 2.

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Topics: Child Development, Learning, Tech Tips

Tech Tips for Parents of Toddlers

Posted by David Smith on Mon, Sep 08, 2014 @ 08:30 AM

There has been a significant increase in the number of portable electronic devices in the average household. It only stands to reason that our children are becoming tech savvy at a very young age, either by watching parents create smart phone pictures and videos documenting their lives or being introduced to portable tablets offering brightly colored, interactive diversions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against the overuse of television and media and recommends that it be avoided for infants and toddlers under two. Researchers and early learning educators are finding, however, that with positive guidance and age-appropriate applications, tech play can be both encouraging and educational.

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Topics: Toddler Care, Tech Tips, Parenting Tips

The Trouble with Technology and Toddlers

Posted by David Smith on Mon, Aug 25, 2014 @ 08:30 AM

Technology has the power to enrich our children’s lives; but when used without supervision and limits, it may also harm our children. There are real concerns that technology may be interfering not only with our children’s physical development, but also with their mental, emotional and creative development.

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Topics: Child Development, Toddler Care, Tech Tips

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