PLAY THIS HOLIDAY
“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein
About a month ago, I was at work, running a little behind, and I walked into a room with a beautiful 9 month old little girl, and her adorable parents who have been absolutely in awe of her since her birth (a familiar place where many of us find ourselves after having children). I sat down for her well check and asked parents about how she had been doing with regard to her eating, sleeping, stooling, and development and all was well. I asked if they had any questions. Dad had a very thoughtful look on his face, paused, and sort of hesitatingly asked a question about toys. He asked about if there is any benefit, or rather, is there any harm from all the very stimulating toys that are now available for infants and toddlers - the “ones with bright lights and lots of noises”.
I drew on the body of research in my head, but didn’t feel that I had a study or recommendation to site that summarized expert recommendations on this topic. I told the family that children do not need sophisticated or very stimulating toys to learn. I told them anecdotally, that I had not prioritized stimulating play with my own children. I was not aware of studies that looked directly at his question, but in the situation when there isn’t research to fall back on, parental instinct is always there. And these parents instinctually felt uncomfortable with very stimulating electronic toys for their baby. I supported them in trusting their instinct. I encouraged them to continue sharing reading with their daughter, which I knew they had been doing, and discussed with them the strong research to support how early reading with caregivers improves learning and development in the early years, and across the lifespan.
Later that night, I reflected on this dad’s question. Ultimately, he wanted to know how to optimize the development of this baby who had stolen his heart. I felt the weight of his question. I understood his question on the surface. But I also understood the full depth of his question...how can I do right by this child… always… and with everything. I can’t say that I have met a parent who has not experienced this feeling. I know that I definitely have, with my own babies, and all the babies I care for. And the truth is, there are many ways to do things - some that matter, and many things that may not matter, we just don’t have answers to some questions yet. And each time we are confronted with a new parenting conundrum, we must gather data from trusted resources, reflect on our biases (we all have them) and instincts (we all have these too), and try to do our best.
About 3 weeks ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its clinical report by the Council on Early Childhood: Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era. This report is actually not even in print yet, and will be printed in January 2019 in Pediatrics - a Journal produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics and responds directly to many parents’ concerns concerns, and offers providers and parents alike some guidance.
This Clinical Report reviews a large body of research supporting the importance of play in the optimal development of all children across all domains of development (gross motor, fine motor, speech, and social/emotional). It describes the definition of a toy, and all the things in our lives that can serve as a toy at the appropriate developmental age. The report also outlines how specific toys support different arms of development and how toys in general can be another layer of interaction supporting the development of a strong child-caregiver relationship. Finally, the clinical report cautions on the use of digital/electronic toys, especially ones that may market themselves as being “educational” - including i pads, kindles - and may thus fall under the radar. One of the main functions of toys is to support interactive play and caregiver interaction, and the concern with digital and electronic play is that it may not be facilitating this crucial component of play in child development.
Advice for Parents and Caregivers from:Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era
One of the most important functions of play, especially in infancy, is not educational but rather to facilitate warm interactions and relationships
Scientific studies supporting a developmental role for toys primarily comes from studies in which children play with caregivers rather than alone.
Provide children with safe, affordable toys that are developmentally appropriate. Try and choose toys that are not over-stimulating and encourage children to use their imagination.
Make a thoughtful selection of toys, and remember a good toy does not have to be trendy or expensive.
Use children’s books to develop ideas for pretending together while playing with toys.
Keep in mind that toys are not a substitute for warm, loving, dependable, relationships.
Seek Pediatric Healthcare provider help in determining safe vs unsafe toys.
Be aware of the potential for toys to promote race or gender based stereotypes
Limit Video and Computer Game Use:
Screen Time Recommendations by Age:
< 18 months: no screen time recommendation
18-24 months: screen time for video chat only
2-5yo: <1 hour screen time daily
5-18yo: <2 hours screen time daily
10. Seek out toys that encourage child to be both mentally and physically challenged
This Clinical Report on Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era has provided welcomed guidance from experts in child development based on a comprehensive review of the research. I know that my dad from earlier in the story will feel affirmed in his parental instinct after reading this report, and empowered by the research and specific recommendations. Ultimately, I hope that this article helps put into perspective for parents and caregivers one of the most important functions of play - to strengthen our relationships with the children we love. So, in this holiday season, celebrate, give thanks, eat, and play...together… and continue doing your best.
Blessings...