Society demands we stay connected to friends, family and co-wokers 24/7 with smartphones, tablets & laptops. However, it's important to be mindful of the impact these devices are having on young children. This is not easy. Most working parents have a difficult time disconnecting never mind keeping track of their children's screen time. But too much screen time for a young mind can hinder cognitive development. To encourage healthy screen time habits parents must set an example and provide their children with alternatives. One popular activity is listening to classical music. Most orchestras have a children's concert series to provide age appropriate concerts and educational programs to families. Visit the League of American Orchestras to get in touch with your local symphony and attend a concert this season. You can also listen to classical music at home or in the car. Use a CD, MP3, or record player to avoid screen time. Peter and the Wolf is a classic piece of symphonic music written in 1936 by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It includes a narrated story that teaches children the sounds and instruments of the orchestra. This story in music has been enjoyed by families for generations and is a great go-to when it's time to disconnect.
SOURCES 1. Rideout, Victoria “ Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-Olds”. A Kaiser Family Foundation Study The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Jan. 2010 https://kaiserfamilyfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/8010.pdf 2. Merga, Margaret Kristin. "Research shows the importance of reading with children - even after children can read." The Conversation. 27 Aug. 2017. Web. 24 Sept. 2017 https://theconversation.com/research-shows-the-importance-of-parents-reading-with-children-even-after-children-can-read-82756 3. Nott, Angie. "Teaching Your Child to be a Good Teammate." Omaha World Herald. 07 Sept. 2017. Web. 24 Sept. 2017. http://www.omaha.com/momaha/extras/expert-advice/teaching-your-child-to-be-a-good-teammate/article_e54137fe-8f43-11e7-8dba-9be2c91085ce.html 4. Fallon, Claire "In The Digital Age, Young Kids Need Classical Music More Than Ever." Huffington Post. 05 Oct. 2015. Web. 24 Sept. 2017.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/classical-music-for-kids-digital-age_us_560eee6ee4b0768127021a69 5. Wells, N.M. “At Home with Nature: Effects of “greenness” on children’s cognitive functioning.” Environment and Behavior 32.6 (2000): 775-795. http://eab.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/6/775