Screens and Little Brains: What to Do

In a world where tablets, smartphones, and televisions are a part of our everyday lives, it can be hard to unplug! Sometimes, screen time even feels like a necessity. So how can you balance screen time with the quality meaningful interactions your little one needs to grow their brains? This article will share three simple things you can do to grow their listening and spoken language skills that don't involve screens.

Why is Too Much Screen Time a Concern?

Research and studies show that too much screen time — even as a baby — can later lead to difficulties with attention and executive functioning later in life. What's executive functioning? That's the ability to plan, focus attention, remember, and multi-task – all necessary for school success.

But we know that screen time is just a part of our lives today and can be a useful learning tool. As a parent, sometimes you just need to turn on the screen and get a few minutes of "quiet" time. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, we know it's important to be realistic about screen time. For example, when you find yourself in need of a bit of help from a screen to keep little ones occupied, set a timer. 15 minutes of screen time for your child and a moment of quiet for you to reset. Then, turn it off and transition into reading or playtime again.

Remember — your lap is better than any app.

And your child wants to learn from YOU not YouTube. Your child's brain is wired to learn through meaningful two-way interactions and conversations — they can't have a real conversation with YouTube or an app. So even if the person on screen is a real teacher, your child can't learn from a screen the way they learn from you. As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher and no one can replace that. You might be thinking, "I'm not qualified to be a teacher" or "I don't know how to teach my child who is deaf how to listen or talk!" but you do! You have what it takes just by being YOU!

Use the 3Ts

Pediatric surgeon Dr. Dana Suskind and her team at the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago have developed three easy-to-remember ways you can support your child's brain development: the 3Ts!

Tune In

Be in the moment. Be present and engaged with your child. Pay attention to what their interests are and talk about it. You can follow their lead as they play — if your child starts putting blocks in the laundry basket, join them by adding other household objects. Talk about the details of each item.

Talk More

Describe what you're doing. Give a play-by-play. Use a wide variety of words. Involve your little one in what you're doing and talk through the routine together. Your daily routines are the best learning opportunities! Whether you're putting dishes away, feeding the pets, or watering the garden — those can become meaningful learning moments!

Take Turns

Engage in a back-and-forth conversation with your child — even when they're a little baby and they are just cooing or babbling.

The 3Ts don't cost anything or require extra time out of a busy day. They can be used anytime, anywhere to build a child's brain.

Start with Power Hour

If you want to get started with the 3Ts, it may be easier to start with a Power Hour so you don't feel like you have to do it all, all the time, all day long. Pick one hour (or four 15-minute sessions throughout the day) to really focus on those 3Ts, your time together, and making those meaningful interactions. Soon, you'll be a natural at using the 3Ts throughout your day!

So yes, screen time is a part of life today. But remember that as a parent, your interactions with your child are how they learn — learn to listen, to talk, to read, and more! Set a goal to reduce your child's screen time and increase those moments when you can play or sing or read together!

Everyday moments in your life are the PERFECT opportunities for listening and learning language, so be sure to include your little one and tell them all about it! You'll be on your way to growing that little brain much more than you realize.

For more tips on reducing screen time watch the video below!