Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

People might live in the technological age, but human hardware hasn’t changed. For your child to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, they need sensory play to engage with the world around them. The young serve as a valuable reminder to us all to step away from our phones and iPads and embrace real life, not a virtual one.

Children have managed just fine without screens since the dawn of humankind and continue to do so in some cultures today. Depriving this population of their need for sensory play stunts their growth, prompting mom and dad to step away from the computer and go outside.

Why is limiting the hours your child spends on a tablet crucial to their development? Here are five reasons you should encourage sensory play over screen time.

1. It Encourages Oral Language and Communication Skills

You communicate as much by how you say something — your tone of voice, attitude and inflection — as you do by the words you choose. Interacting on a screen helps children build written communication skills but can leave them woefully behind in speaking with others. This inability will plague them through life, as research shows that relationships play a far more vital role in getting ahead than talent. Your kids need to know how to speak with other people.

How do children develop this skill? They do so in large part by engaging in sensory play with their peers. In such relationships, there’s no power differential — kids don’t have to defer to authority as they do when speaking with adults. Nature and science guide them.

How? Sensory play encourages new neural connections in the brain. This helps your child see the world differently, including through others’ eyes. They also develop mindfulness, learning how they should express things to others and assert their needs while remaining respectful of other people’s desires.

2. It Keeps Kids More Physically Active

The obesity epidemic continues among America’s children. Childhood obesity has tripled in the past several decades, and one in three qualifies as overweight or obese today. Part of the problem is too much sedentary time spent on screens.

Sensory play gets young bodies off couches and moving. Even children who don’t enjoy competitive sports get into activities like kiddie yoga and dance. What child hasn’t spontaneously jumped on a bed? While you might want to take your kids to the park for a safer environment for rough and tumble play, most youngsters love to move, given the opportunity.

3. It Engages Children With the Wider World Around Them

Some psychologists consider children “blank slates,” but this innocence extends beyond not knowing how to read or write. It encompasses everything — from how they relate emotionally to other living things to looking at a pile of sticks and realizing they could build a miniature log cabin.

Everything is new to a child, not only their minds. They need to use their bodies, senses and emotions, developing and honing those, too. They do so by engaging with the wider world around them, getting dirty, making mud pies, climbing trees and occasionally scraping knees.

4. It Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving

Even the best educational tablet game can only present so many possible answers to multiple-choice questions. However, life isn’t as neatly defined as an academic test. There are often dozens of ways to get to the “right” answer — and there may be five or six correct solutions to boot.

Sensory play encourages creativity and problem-solving. For example, a child playing with homemade play-dough has to figure out for themselves how to change the consistency if it won’t mold into the shapes they want. Adding a little extra water might not be a huge thing for an adult, but it represents a significant problem-solving step among tiny tots.

5. It Builds Resilience and Emotional Regulation

Resilience is your ability to bounce back from difficult situations. Emotional regulation refers to being able to recognize and effect change in how you feel by choosing behaviors that improve your outlook. Both skills are important to making it in a highly competitive world where your kids will eventually meet with challenges and uncomfortable situations.

You can’t learn to regulate emotions that you haven’t first experienced. Sensory play allows children to encounter these feelings in a safe arena first, so they can develop the skills to manage them when the stakes are higher. For example, losing a little league game teaches kids how to handle disappointment while remaining a good sport.

How do you develop resiliency? It’s very similar — you have to first undergo adversity. Sensory play allows children to encounter this in a safe, natural way.

For example, a child who is building a sandcastle might try several different techniques until they create a recognizable structure, but there are no harsh penalties for all the “buildings” that collapse while they hone the process. Your child’s only hurdle to overcome is their frustration — but that’s a crucial lesson to learn.

Encourage Sensory Play Over Screen Time

Today’s children spend too much time on screens, affecting their physical, mental and emotional health and development. This is why parents and schools should encourage more sensory play at home and while learning.

The five above reasons justify encouraging sensory play over screen time. Doing so fosters healthy development and emotionally resilient children.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

In the age of technology, where information is at our fingertips and digital footprints are omnipresent, parenting has undoubtedly evolved. But the question remains: should parents keep tabs on their children? It’s a hotly debated topic, with parents and experts on both sides of the fence.

The Modern Parenting Landscape

The modern parenting landscape, while presenting opportunities for enriched learning and global connectivity, poses unique challenges that parents of previous generations didn’t encounter. As Melinda Gates once expressed, “I spent my career in technology. I wasn’t prepared for its effect on my kids.” The ubiquity of the internet and social media in children’s lives exposes them to a host of potential dangers, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content and online predators.

The digital world also amplifies peer pressure and the pursuit of online validation, which can affect a child’s mental health. Professor Sherry Turkle of MIT aptly noted, “These days, insecure in our relationships and anxious about intimacy, we look to technology for ways to be in relationships and protect ourselves from them at the same time.”

Societal Changes

Society has changed significantly over the last few decades. Children now face challenges that their parents could never have imagined, from cyberbullying to screen addiction.

These changes have led many parents to believe in the necessity of monitoring their children, not just for their safety but also for their mental and emotional well-being.

Additionally, the increase in screen time disrupts physical activity, face-to-face social interaction, and even sleep patterns. Furthermore, the surge in remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns around screen addiction and the digital divide. In this landscape, parents grapple with protecting their children’s safety and well-being while fostering their independence and digital literacy.

However, it’s crucial to remember, as Bill Gates said, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” Despite the challenges of the digital age, human interaction and emotional understanding remain at the heart of effective parenting.

Technological Advances

Technological advances have fundamentally changed the dynamics of parenting. Devices and applications designed for parental control provide a level of visibility into children’s lives that was unthinkable just a few decades ago.

For instance, GPS trackers can provide real-time location data, giving parents peace of mind about their child’s physical safety. Social media monitoring tools can alert parents to potentially harmful content or interactions, helping to protect children from online dangers such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

There are also software solutions that allow parents to limit screen time, restrict access to certain apps or websites, or even monitor text messages and calls. These tools can be valuable in guiding children towards responsible digital behavior and ensuring their online safety.

However, these same technologies pose significant challenges. The ease of surveillance can lead to over-monitoring, infringing on a child’s privacy, and potentially undermining trust. There’s a delicate balance between ensuring a child’s safety and respecting their growing need for independence. Excessive monitoring may also stifle a child’s ability to develop essential life skills, such as risk assessment, decision-making, and handling adverse situations.

Moreover, these technologies raise ethical questions around consent and autonomy. At what age should a child have a say in their digital surveillance? How can parents ensure they’re not misusing these tools? How can these technologies be used to foster open communication about digital safety, rather than creating a culture of secrecy and fear?

In the face of these technological advances, parents need to navigate a landscape that’s continually evolving, weighing the benefits of digital monitoring tools against the potential risks and ethical considerations. Parenting in the digital age is uncharted territory, requiring ongoing conversations, education, and mindful decision-making.

Arguments in Favor of Monitoring Children

Monitoring tools can help parents safeguard their children from these potential harms, intervening when necessary to provide guidance. Furthermore, tracking devices can assure parents about their children’s physical whereabouts, particularly useful in cases of younger children or those with special needs. Advocates of child monitoring also argue that it can help instill good digital habits, such as responsible social media use and balanced screen time, ultimately aiding children in becoming responsible digital citizens.

Child Safety Concerns

One of the primary arguments for monitoring children is ensuring their safety. With dangers ranging from online predators to dangerous trends spreading on social media, parents may feel that it’s their responsibility to protect their children by keeping a watchful eye on their activities.

Here are some of the key safety concerns parents may have, along with ways that monitoring can help address them:

Internet Dangers

The internet, while a source of endless knowledge, is also rife with potential risks. Parents who monitor their children’s online activities often aim to safeguard them from inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or potential scams.

Prevention of Risky Behavior

Monitoring can also deter children from engaging in risky behavior, such as underage drinking or drug use. Knowing that their parents might find out about their actions can be a powerful deterrent for some kids.

Arguments Against Monitoring Children

Invasion of Privacy

On the other hand, critics argue that constant monitoring can infringe on a child’s privacy. They assert that everyone, including children, deserves a private space to grow and make mistakes.

Impeding Independence and Self-reliance

Too much parental control can also hamper a child’s growth towards independence and self-reliance. Children learn from their mistakes, and shielding them from every potential risk could deprive them of these valuable life lessons.

Breeding Mistrust

Moreover, constant surveillance might lead to a breakdown of trust. Children might feel their parents don’t trust them, leading to resentment and possible rebellious behavior.

The Balance: Respectful Monitoring

Striking the right balance between monitoring and respecting a child’s autonomy can be challenging. Respectful monitoring involves setting clear boundaries, communicating openly about expectations, and using parental controls judiciously.

It’s about guiding children rather than controlling them, fostering trust rather than suspicion. As Dr. Laura Markham aptly states, “When we parent respectfully, we try to meet everyone’s needs, including our own.” This encapsulates the essence of respectful monitoring, where the goal is to ensure children’s safety while also preserving their autonomy and fostering mutual trust.

Case Studies

In-depth case studies can provide valuable insights into this complex issue. For instance, a family may share their positive experience with open communication and limited monitoring, while another might credit strict surveillance with preventing a potential tragedy. These real-life examples can help parents navigate their own approach to monitoring.

Expert Advice

Child psychologists, educators, and other experts generally advocate for a balanced approach. Too much control can stifle a child’s development, while too little can leave them vulnerable. The key is to foster open dialogue, encourage responsible behavior, and step in when necessary to ensure safety.

When using free mobile tracker like Hoverwatch, parents should start by having an open conversation with their children about why they feel the need to use such tools. It’s crucial to clarify that the purpose is not to invade their privacy but to ensure their safety in the digital world. Parents should also set clear boundaries around the use of these tools, ensuring they’re used responsibly and not as a means of control.

It’s also recommended to involve children in the process of setting up these apps. This can help them understand what the app does and why it’s being used, fostering a sense of trust and openness.

Finally, these apps should not replace direct communication with your child. Regular check-ins about their digital experiences and concerns can go a long way in fostering a healthy digital environment.

As renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary once said, “When you parent, it’s crucial you realize you aren’t raising a ‘mini me,’ but a spirit throbbing with its own signature.” This quote serves as a reminder that while monitoring tools can be helpful, they should be used in a way that respects a child’s individuality and fosters their personal growth.

Conclusion

Parenting in the modern age is a complex task filled with new challenges and opportunities. The debate over whether to monitor children is nuanced, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the decision lies with each individual parent, who must consider their child’s unique needs, maturity level, and the family’s values. The golden rule seems to be finding a balance, allowing kids the freedom to grow while ensuring their safety.

FAQs

Q1: How can I monitor my child without invading their privacy?

A: Open communication is key. Explain your concerns and the reason for any monitoring. Use parental controls with a focus on safety rather than control.

Q2: What are some signs that I might be over-monitoring my child?

A: If your child seems overly anxious, secretive, or resentful, it may indicate that they feel excessively monitored. These feelings could also suggest a breakdown of trust.

Q3: How can I protect my child from online dangers without constant surveillance?

A: Teach your child about potential online risks and how to handle them. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or uncomfortable experiences.

Q4: How can I foster trust while still keeping my child safe?

A: Be transparent about your actions and intentions. Show respect for their privacy and autonomy, and they’ll be more likely to respect the boundaries you set.

Q5: What are some effective tools for parental monitoring?

A: There are various tools available, from GPS trackers to social media monitoring apps. However, these should be used responsibly, with respect for your child’s privacy.

Are you considering enrolling your child in violin lessons? Apart from being a delightful musical instrument, the violin offers numerous benefits for children. In this article, we will explore the advantages of regular lessons for your child’s development, including cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.

It’s true that the violin is a challenge to learn and in the beginning, it’s not so easy on the ears for parents. But this is one of the main reasons why violin lessons offer so many benefits for learning. Before long, beautiful sounds will fill your home and the future home of your grown up child for years to come.

So, let’s dive in!

1.  Cognitive Development

Regular lessons provide a significant boost to your child’s cognitive abilities. Learning to play the violin requires concentration, focus and memorization of musical notes. This process strengthens neural connections enhancing their memory and overall cognitive skills. Studies have shown that children who learn to play the violin often exhibit improved problem-solving abilities and better spatial-temporal skills.

2.  Discipline and Perseverance

Playing the violin demands discipline and perseverance. Consistent practice, following instructions and working on challenging musical pieces instill a sense of discipline in your child. By sticking to a regular practice schedule and striving to improve. They learn the value of hard work, patience, and persistence – all essential qualities that can benefit them in various aspects of life.

3.  Emotional Expression

The violin is a versatile instrument that allows children to express their emotions through music. Regular lessons provide a platform for your child to communicate their feelings, be it joy, sadness or excitement. Playing the violin can serve as a therapeutic outlet helping your child navigate and manage their emotions effectively.

4.  Fine Motor Skills

Mastering the violin lessons requires precise control of the bow and finger placement on the strings. Through regular practice your child’s fine motor skills will improve significantly. This enhanced dexterity not only benefits their violin playing but also extends to other activities requiring hand-eye coordination, such as sports or writing.

5.  Confidence and Self-esteem

As your child progresses in their lessons, they will experience a growing sense of accomplishment. This achievement boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. Performing in front of others during recitals or competitions further enhances their stage presence and ability to handle pressure, nurturing a healthy sense of self-assurance.

6.  Social Skills and Teamwork

Violin lessons often include group activities such as ensemble playing or orchestra participation. These collaborative experiences foster social skills and teamwork in your child. They learn to listen, adapt, and synchronize with others.  This develops important skills for cooperative work and social interactions throughout their lives.

7.  Cultural Appreciation

The violin is an instrument deeply rooted in various cultures and musical traditions. By learning to play the violin, your child gains a greater appreciation for different musical genres and cultures. This exposure broadens their horizons, fosters empathy, and cultivates a lifelong love for music.

Conclusion

Enrolling your child in regular violin lessons can be a transformative experience. Beyond the joy of learning music, lessons offer a wide array of benefits, including;

• cognitive development
• discipline
• emotional expression
• improved motor skills
• confidence
• social skills
• cultural appreciation

So, consider providing your child with the enriching experience of learning the violin and watch them thrive in multiple aspects of life.

Parents and guardians want the best for their children. We aim to assist young people in their quest for knowledge and growth. It is crucial to include mental and physical exercise in their everyday routine. Children can learn a lot from puzzles.

Puzzles in early childhood education have a long history. Although they are a simplistic form of entertainment, puzzles can benefit children’s development. Recognizing the good effects of this activity can have on your child’s growth and development is crucial.

Puzzles are a dynamic and excellent educational resource for young children. It supports development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. In addition to this, it improves cognitive abilities, problem-solving and analytical thinking.

Working on a crossword puzzle can encourage imagination and creativity while teaching kids the value of perseverance and patience, and working on a sudoku puzzle can help develop logical thinking and pattern recognition skills. Due to the fact that they may be done alone, with a partner, or in a group, it’s an excellent way to foster social skills.

Overall, there’s great satisfaction and a euphoric sense of achievement after solving a a crossword puzzle.  Plus, it’s a fun and educational exercise for young children that fosters learning, development, and growth.”

Why Are Custom Puzzles Good for Children to Play?

Custom puzzles made from a photo can provide children with a novel and engaging puzzle experience. They enable children to create a puzzle made with a photograph with personal significance. This could be a photo of the individual, their family, friends, pets, or a significant event.

A terrific approach to involve and strengthen your relationship with your kids is through custom puzzles from a photo can encourage emotional wellbeing, strengthen connections to one’s own identity, and strengthen bonds with family.

Children have the chance to talk about the memories and tales connected to the image as they put together these personalized creations. Purchasing a personalized puzzle for your kids is a simple approach to improve the activity’s significance and everyone’s enjoyment.

1. Develop Cognitive Skills

Acquiring, processing, and analyzing information are cognitive abilities. They are the basis of learning and development and enable us to think, reason, solve problems, and make decisions. Children use their intelligence to solve problems.

Puzzles aid in children employing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills thereby fostering their development. Additionally, the activity can help children develop the capacity to recognize and visualize spatial relationships. This ability is required for reading, writing, sports, and transportation.

Puzzles play an important role in cognitive development, helping to cultivate reasoning skills in children. Jigsaw puzzles motivate children to think critically by investigating how the pieces fit together and how to create the entire image. Meanwhile, block puzzles, while in many ways similar, require children to consider how to arrange the pieces in the correct order.

The benefits do not stop at cognitive development, as they can also be used as a fun and engaging way to incorporate leisure and learning.  Parents and caregivers can further enhance their child’s growth by introducing the occasional puzzle into the routine, allowing them to develop the skills necessary to succeed in school and in life. For even more convenience and versatility, the Newverest jigsaw puzzle mat roll up makes storage and setup easy, creating a tidy, portable space for play and learning.

2. Enhance Fine Motor Skills

Puzzles enhance the growth of children’s fine motor abilities.  Fine motor abilities are used to grasp, manipulate, and hold objects. These muscles aid children in getting, manipulating, and assembling puzzle pieces. This activity enhances hand-eye coordination, spatial intelligence, and agility. Increasingly complexity teach children critical reasoning.

This popular hobby also makes for a special personalized gift and improve children’s memory and concentration. When solving puzzles, children must focus on the details and memorize the shapes and hues of the puzzle pieces. As they progress, they must remember which pieces fit together and where they belong. Cognitive challenges construct neuronal networks, enhancing memory, focus, and attention.

3. Improve Language and Communication Skills

Puzzles improve language and communication abilities in young children. To solve them, children must identify shapes, colors, and patterns. This enhances communication and vocabulary. Solving special problems requires collaboration so children can practice social skills such as turn-taking and idea-sharing. As the children work together to solve personalized puzzles for children, they are able to listen and convey themselves effectively.

Critical thinking is also enhanced, which is essential for developing language and communication. Putting together puzzle pieces teaches children how to scrutinize and reason. As they discover novel solutions, this can enhance their creativity and help children acquire these skills and speak fluently.

4. Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence

For many years, young children have been enjoying custom photo puzzles to relax and enjoy themselves. Children develop a high level of self-confidence and self-esteem. Children learn critical reasoning. They feel accomplished after completing a riddle. Positive feedback increases self-esteem and confidence, which can be applied in other situations.

Puzzles also provide a low-stress environment where children can make errors and learn from them. Children can surmount challenges as they complete the task and develops resilience, perseverance, and confidence through trial and error. As they work on more complex tasks, children may develop a growth mindset and view obstacles as opportunities to build.

5. Encourage Social Interaction

Puzzles for young children promote socialization. Puzzles instill teamwork and communication. To solve any perplexing tasks, children must collaborate and compromise. These activities teach children collaboration, an essential educational skill.

Through this is engaging activity children develop social skills and make pals. Personalized puzzles for kids make toddlers feel successful. This positive experience can foster connections and can help your child develop social skills and lasting friendships.

6. Improve Concentration

A puzzle is a great way for children to focus and concentrate. This endeavor requires intense commitment, which may help a child concentrate in other areas. Puzzles are enjoyable and can be completed at a child’s pace, making them a stress-free method for enhancing preceptive abilities. This helps children concentrate longer and may nurture a lifelong passion for learning.

Children are also inspired to investigate potential solutions and attempt multiple methods to solve a problem, not matter the task. This is essential for many aspects of life that requires focus and teaches children to think critically and logically. As children mature, solving puzzles aids them in overcoming real-world issues.

7. Relieve Tension

Puzzles assist kids de-stress. They can help children concentrate on the job at hand and forget about their problems. After a long day, it can help children unwind and stay calm.

Additionally, puzzles help children comprehend and govern their emotions. Children will most certainly encounter obstacles requiring perseverance and tolerance. Parents and caregivers can instruct children on deep breathing and how to remain composed during this time.

Solving puzzles helps children employ these skills in academic, social, and personal contexts.  They aid children in learning, maturing, and emotional regulation.

8. Practice Colour Recognition

Learning hues through puzzles is a great way for children to learn colors. They understand color and visual perception more effectively. Children must recognize color patterns and associate colors and objects. In this way, they are more prepared for the next level of their education.

It is also believed that color recognition helps with both reading and writing. Children learn color recognition and spatial awareness. Whether at school or home, puzzles can help children develop their skills and help them learn. They provide a low-pressure, pleasant environment for learning and play.

Conclusion

The seemingly simple activity of fitting different pieces together is an excellent method of teaching kids new things. Parental participation in puzzle activities can be fun to connect with your child while fostering cognitive growth.

Remembering, there is no universal puzzle for any age group. Consequently, select ones that are suitable for your child’s age and level of development.

You can aid your child’s development of lifelong skills by including puzzle-solving in their regular activities. So, grab some puzzles and play with your kids!