Sweethearts, I've never even watched a video of that pink pig, but I've heard reports that it's a poorly educated little pig and even mistreats its parents, among other things ... So for now, baby Arthur will have to settle for other entertainments: the attention, dedication and quality of time of his parents! Because love is also demonstrated through this interaction. And, if it depends on us, that will not be missing!

One of the things that worries me the most in Arthur's education and training is his access to the technological world. I have nothing against high tech toys, after all, we are in 2018, it is more than normal that toys have evolved so much. But with regard to other technological tools, which are not toys, such as the tablet, smart phone and even television, my positioning changes a lot.

Educating, training, raising a child is not an easy task at all. It requires, among other things, dedication, willingness, effort, attention and time! Parents need to understand that their whole interaction with the baby / child is a unique opportunity to teach something. Having lunch with the child, for example, is the opportunity to teach how to behave in such an environment. But if the child is immersed in the virtual world, with glazed eyes on the tablet, this opportunity will not exist ...

According to experts in early childhood education, it is inevitable that the child has access to the technological world. And, the toys of this world, when well used, are even educational, as they stimulate hearing, vision and concentration. However, they should be used sparingly and according to the age, so as not to hinder the development of all the skills that involve the conviviality with other children and adults, creativity, self-control, etc.

Nowadays, adults (not all) have found in electronics (tablet, smart phone and tv) a resource to manage the lack of time for their young children. Very young children, babies under 2 years of age, are placed in front of tablets to watch "educational animations". Some adults even claim that the baby loves it. It’s a big mistake ... What really happens is that luminosity and sound are the only attractions and have a hypnotizing power, and it is harmful to the little one to be attached to a single activity.

A study by the American Association of Pediatrics clarifies that electronic distraction is not indicated for children under two years under any circumstances. Because it is at this stage that the child acquires the language, the reasoning, the motor skills and perceptive, that only happen in the interaction with adults and with other children!

It is important for parents to be aware that the baby needs to play, play, play and play a little more. Explore the space around, discover, handle, experiment, smell, perceive ... And none of this happens in front of the TV, the cell phone or the tablet.

Children who make everyday use of electronics are deprived of rich opportunities, which only live activities provide. Play only with these devices decreases the quantity and quality of language acquisition, compared to play involving speech, imitation movement, understanding and the social-affective bond.

As already mentioned in previous posts, a story, a dramatized song, a rhyming verse, makes much more sense to the young child, when it is the adult, present, offering this exchange of joy, surprise and imagination. The difference is clear, between a child who dominates the remote control of a television, for example, and another learning to make a simple kite with his father. Do you have any doubts which one is happier?

It should be noted that there is no point in setting rules for electronics if parents are abducted by virtual screens! Another nonsense, is to flood all environments of the house with high tech and super attractive toys. To take advantage of everything that a toy offers, the child must be looked at, touched, explored countless times. And only after that, move on to another toy / game/play. The ideal is to present a group of toys, previously chosen, for a time and then to change for another group. Which means, alternating toys, not toys scattered throughout the house.

In time, it is important for the child to understand early on that toys should be stored right after the play. Choose an easy and practical way to do this, so he will learn quickly. Use a light box or basket and have your child help. Slowly the situation is reversed and it is you who helps, until he keeps alone. Concentrate the toys in up to 2 places of the house, more than a matter of organization, is not to give example of sloppiness and model of conduct.

Do not be tempted to give your child often with toys, just to distracted him and do not interrupt your activities, or hoping to show love of it. Remember, the mere presence of parents turns a swing into an amusement park. Just as a little friend has the power to turn a bed into a hut in the middle of the forest. Creativity is the great pleasure of invention, and when there are no clear criteria about toys, children learn that they are only loved when they receive material lthings. Gifts are the vehicle and not substitutes for love.

Source: Leocadia Rudenco - Arthur's Grandmother

Suggested Readings: Parents and Children, Roberto Shinyashiki

                                   Toy and Childhood, Santa M P dos Santos.