Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 53
January 22, 2016
Etiquette begins at home
Parents commonly complain about their child’s lack of manners.
I agree that etiquette is forgotten in many social situations. However, children’s aren’t the only ones who need reminders to “be polite.”
Recent research shows that more than a third of younger Americans check their phones simply to give them something to do; more than ten percent use a phone to avoid contact with others.
I wonder who will teach children to be mannerly…
January 20, 2016
Under age socials
“I can monitor my tween’s online activity if I start a social media account for him/her.”
That assumption often backfires, even for parents who “friend” their child.
Online bullying, identity theft and fake profiles are problems that creep up among under-age social media users.
The bottom line: have good communication with your child in realtime instead of online.
January 13, 2016
Chai latte?
Kids love to be offered coffee or tea, especially if the drinks are from Starbucks. After all, every child is aspirational, or wanting to feel older than his age.
But recent studies show we don’t really know the long-term effects when a child ingests caffeine.
We know caffeine gives kids, like adults, an energy boost.
But until researchers know more, if a child wants coffee or tea, suggest decaf.
January 11, 2016
Dad diaper duty
Mark Zuckerberg’s two month paternity leave made me wonder if there will be any impact beyond their immediate family circle.
January 8, 2016
Hello Barbie chatter
Hello Barbie, the Wi-Fi enabled doll that many received for Christmas, has either become a child’s new BFF or a parent’s latest red flag for privacy concerns.
The foot-high doll records and stores speech, which is bounced from the doll to a server and back, ala Siri. In less than a second, the doll responds from an inventory of 8,000 pre-scripted lines.
The technology is pretty amazing, but will this plastic figure become a new best friend who knows more secrets than a child’s parents?
January 6, 2016
From the mouths of…
Sales of organic baby food has increased dramatically, according to recent research.
And how are you moms learning about baby food? From people you trust the most: family and friends.
If you steam and puree ingredients like avocados and kale, then season with leeks and cumin, you’re on-trend among parents who make baby food at home.
January 4, 2016
Geek chick
Some of the coolest toys I saw during the holidays were those that fell into the category of “geek chick”.
Fashion dolls who were engineers or coders, architecture blocks or circuitry targeted to girls were absolutely right on.
I was thrilled that both STEAM and STEM had such an impact on what kids found under the Christmas tree.
It’s about time!
January 1, 2016
New year, new guidelines?
Parents, educators and all those concerned about kids are waiting for new guidelines on screen time, expected this year from the American Academy of Pediatrics. (AAP)
Since 2011, when the AAP decreed, “No screen time for kids younger than age two,” parents have fought a seemingly loosing battle against the increased role of screens in everyday life.
The world is different in 2016 than it was in 2011. It’s time for a thoughtful reality check. (And while AAP is re-thinking screens, how about new guidelines on how long kids need car seats, too?)
December 30, 2015
Ready for snowshoes?
Visiting the library is always a good idea; it becomes an outstanding location when parents consider there are still several days remaining before kids return to school.
Of course, there are books (especially now that all the Christmas titles are available) but at many libraries your child can check out Frisbees, microscopes, snowshoes, musical instruments, even American Girl dolls.
We hear about the Internet of Things (IoT), but now we have Libraries of Things (LoT). Check ’em out.
December 28, 2015
Do tech toys make smart kids?
That’s a big question now, as parents hope the tech-enabled gifts they purchased will move kids away from screens.
Tech toys are not simply fun and games, anymore. The playthings kids opened last Friday will help build brain power and develop actual skills.
“Phygital” is the word that describes a fusion of digital and physical play. Robots, toys-to-life video games, virtual reality experiences and all types of electronic kits will get a workout this week.
