Baby 411 & Toddler 411 Blog

Hey kid: Put down the iPad and learn how to tie your shoes!

AVG, an internet security company, publicized results of their Digital Diaries research study of 2200 families across the world who had internet access and toddlers in the home. Here were the key findings:

1. More 2 year olds know how to play a computer game than ride a bike. 58% of American kids aged 2-5 know how to play a 'basic' computer game. Only 43% of kids 2-3 can ride a bike.

2. More kids aged 2-5 know how to use a smartphone "app" (19%) than tie his or her shoelaces (9%). Interestingly, almost as many 2-3 year olds can play with an app as 4-5 year olds (17 vs 21%)

3. More small children know how to do a Google search than swim (25 vs 20%)

By the way, there is no gender difference here. Girls and boys are equally tech savvy. But, European kids beat American kids hands down in knowing how to use a cell phone to make a phone call or play a computer game.

My take on this? Given the early age that kids are getting acquainted with technology these days, we parents should add a media as a new category when it comes to "safety proofing" our homes. Buying safety gates, cabinet locks, and outlet covers is only one part of keeping your little ones protected. Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screens. Make sure you approve of the content before your child gains access to it. And, be sure your child's online identity remains anonymous.

We should also remember that, for our kids, learning to tie shoes and swim are as important (if not more important!) as learning to navigate the latest electronic toy.

 

Happy 2011

Yes, it’s time for the age-old tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions (and, if you are like me, giving up those lofty goals by February or so). This year, my 2011 New Year’s Resolution is to NOT give up on my New Year’s Resolution. Maybe we can keep each other motivated to persevere!

 In case you need some inspiration, here are some of my suggestions for healthy resolutions.

 #1. Limit screen time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids over two years of age should have no more than 1-2 hours a day in front of all screens (TV, DVD’s, computers, gaming devices, iPhones, etc)

 #2. Clean out your pantry. Get rid of the 4 C’s…Cookies, Candy, Chips, and Cola. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to have these goodies every once in a while. But if these items are in your pantry, they are a staple—not a treat. If your family has to go out to consume these things, everyone will eat less of them.

 #3. Pack a lunch. Not only will it save you money, but you and your kids will almost certainly eat better. It takes a few extra minutes and some planning ahead, but it’s time well spent.

 #4. Exercise regularly—That goes for every family member. It’s got to start with you, Mom and Dad. Your kids watch you, so be a good role model! Get the kids off the couch and get them moving. Maybe your child doesn’t enjoy any particular sport or can’t just go outside and play because the weather or your neighborhood isn’t ideal. Get creative! Turn on the iPod and have a dance contest. Have a race to see how many stairs you can climb. Or, find a program in your community if your family needs help staying motivated. 

Set realistic goals that you can achieve. Then stick to it!

Happy 2011!

Miley: Goodbye to the girl next door

Miley Cyrus concert, November 2007

Full disclosure: In November 2007, my then 8 year old daughter and I went to see Miley Cyrus in concert and we both loved it. I was impressed with this nearly-14 year old who was so poised and truly entertaining on stage. And, looking around at the other smiling moms and daughters in the crowd, I know I wasn't alone. But, that was almost four years ago and Miley has grown up.

The release of her new music video "Who Owns My Heart" shows that in a big way. There has been much criticism this week regarding the fairly erotic video (although no one seems to be commenting about the lyrics--which are also sexual if you take the time to listen to them!) As a pediatrician and a mom of a tween, I feel compelled to chime in here.

Miley has outgrown her pre-teen and tween fan base and is trying to take her act to a larger and more lucrative audience (since tweens rely on mom and dad to pay for their iTunes purchases!).

It appears that neither she, her parents, her managers or agent care if her good girl image is tarnished in the process. It’s not personal, it’s business.

This “new” Miley really isn’t about promoting clean and healthy values for young girls growing up in America, and as such, I hope that parents are not using her as a role model for their daughters. That Miley has left the building.

The person I am most bothered with in this scenario is Billy Ray Cyrus. It appears he and his wife are more concerned about the revenue than their daughter being exploited. She never got to be a normal kid. I truly hope that this doesn’t adversely affect her life, like so many childhood stars.

And, since I am still the one paying for my now 12 year old daughter's iTunes purchases, you can be certain she won't be buying this song.

Miley Cyrus, 2010

Flu shot update and AAP vax website

What's going around? The U.S. has seen a steady drop in H1N1 infections in the past few weeks. In fact, I have not diagnosed a child with H1N1 in about 10 days. Yippee!!! Of course, the usual germ suspects have made their annual trek into town— viral croup, RSV bronchiolitis, and Strep throat. And oddly, kids in my community are also coming down with Hand, Foot , And Mouth (coxsackievirus) which we usually see in the spring and summer. So, there is no rest for the weary.

Is it too late to get the H1N1 vaccine? Should you bother getting your child the H1N1 vaccine at this point? Yes, we still think your child should get the H1N1 vaccine. No it isn't too late! I don't think we are done with H1N1, particularly with the holiday travel season upon us. My practice has a decent amount of both H1N1 shots and nasal spray now, so I assume other practices who have ordered the vaccine have more now too.

What about seasonal flu vaccine? More good news, the seasonal flu SHOT supply is also much better than it is was a few weeks ago. So, now kids over two years of age can get seasonal flu shot and H1N1 nasal spray or shot at the same time (there is a 4 week interval required between H1N1 and seasonal flu nasal sprays). The U.S. seen virtually no seasonal flu yet this year. Those viruses usually show up in late December/January/February. So, if you or your kids have not gotten seasonal flu vaccine yet, now would be a good time to get that done!

More vaccine info: The American Academy of Pediatrics just launched a great new website for vaccine information (not just for flu). Bookmark this page: http://www.aap.org/immunization/