Do You Know Who’s Teaching Your Grandchildren?

This week I am sharing a guest blog by Max Elliot Anderson, author of many childen’s books.

My wife and I are newly minted grandparents. We were blessed with two granddaughters last year.

As a grandparent, you are already aware of the many forces at work, intent on attempting to shape the thoughts and opinions of the little ones in your family.

For decades, psychologists have reported about the critical stages of development in children. As the research progressed, it became clear that formation of personality and the foundations for learning occurred much earlier than had originally been thought.

The debate continues, as it relates to how our children develop, and whether heredity or environment has the
greatest impact on the outcome. But stop and think about where your grandchildren are getting the information from which to form their life’s choices and opinions. Consider the following.

80% of children 6 and under read or are read to in an average day.

But…children spend an average of only 49 minutes with books in that same average day.

This is compared with 2 hours and 22 minutes or more in front of a television, Computer, or other electronic device.

In addition, a recent survey found that 90% of parents said their children under age 2 watch at least some
form of electronic media.

Then the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made a “screen-free” recommendation for all children under age 2. The researchers wanted to study the benefits or harm in educational TV viewing for the same age group. This is some of what they found:

Because educational television programs usually use content and context that doesn’t make sense yet to children under 2, there is little, if any, educational value.

Unstructured play proved to be far better than electronic media for encouraging brain development, teaching children to entertain themselves.

Little children learned best when they interacted with people and not a TV screen.

Television viewing around bedtime is especially negative because it causes difficulties in sleeping and sleep schedules. This affects a child’s mood, behavior, and learning.

Many children with increased exposure to media have delayed language development after they start
school.

Consider reducing or completely eliminating heavy media use for children under 2. Instead, begin reading together to better develop literacy

To help in this battle, an online children’s magazine has been developed where you can find new short stories to read to your grandchildren during the day or at bedtime. Each month, I also have two, new, original short stories in this magazine. You can find more information at http://www.knowonder.comIt’s free.

Remember, parents and grandparents stand on the front lines when it comes to the battle for our grandchildren. Reading habits you instill early will benefit them for a lifetime.

Bio for Max Elliot Anderson

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader. After
surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries
for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and
television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding setting, and plot.

Ten books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. He is also a short story staff writer for Knowonder.com Magazine.

Books for Boys Blog:  http://booksandboys.blogspot.com

Author Web Site:  http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch