Here lies the contradiction; why can one child play Grand Theft Auto, eight hours a day, and still be able to take his puppy for a walk while maintaining healthy relationships, while another will play the same game for an hour, and go on a violent spree? Violent criminals will choose violent games, but so do many millions of law-abiding citizens. The importance is to not treat every situation as the general rule.

As a parent, however, your common sense should tell you that exposing your child to excessive and gratuitous violence is a bad idea, and you’d be right. More and more kids are being exposed to ultra violent video games, and this exposure could lead to increase in aggressive behaviour. According to various psychologists, including Dr. Phil, the effects of these games can be far reaching;

• Because games are so interactive, the effects differ from impassively watching a violent television show. These acts of violence can manifest in real life. Instead of appropriately resolving anxiety and issues, children now tend to externalize it.

• These games don’t teach moral consequence. If you break the law in the game, you don’t get persecuted, you get points!

• At their age, they should be spending their time learning healthy ways to relate to their peers and find ways to resolve conflict in a constructive manner. Instead they are spending up to 7 hours a day playing games – violent or not, for that matter.

• This overexposure to violence will desensitize children, dampening the brain’s conscience, so to speak. Violence, racial intolerance, gang culture and brutally all become acceptable concepts.

However, this does not necessarily mean that your child will go into the world as an aggressive adult, or worse. Experts tend to agree that no one single factor will trigger a usually non-aggressive person to act aggressively, but heavy exposure to violence combined with other risk factors, such as conflict at home, can be a lethal recipe for a young mind.  In many instances, these games do not cause violent behaviour, but is rather considered as one of many dangerous influences that can lead to it.Children who already have violent tendencies are most likely to be negatively affected, and certain personalities are unable to distinguish between fantasy and real life. So what can you as parent do with this information? There are ways to minimize the potential harm, without overreacting to anything that might resemble a pea shooter.

• Know your child. Different children cope differently to various stimuli. If you notice that your child is unsettled or slightly aggressive after playing certain games, don’t let them play it, regardless of their age.

• Another good idea is to rent the game before you buy it. This allows you to know what is featured before you buy it. If possible, play the game with your child, or observe the game as they play. You will soon learn how your child reacts to different games.

• Most importantly, set limits. Limit the amounts of game time per week, and do not have any video game equipment in their bedrooms.
  

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The solution to problem lies with you as parent – a personal responsibility. Pay attention to what they’re playing, and do your research. Only you will know your child’s limitations and sensitivities; let that be your guide. When you are in doubt, rather give the game a skip.

David Jack in association with ElementaryAssembly.com is the leading presenter of school assemblies in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York area.  Mr. Jack has made educational presentations at several National Head Start Conferences and his national presentations included NAEYC Conferences in Atlanta, Washington, Dallas, Toronto and New Orleans respectively.  He has won two Parents’ Choice Awards as well as the Early Childhood News’ Director’s Choice Award giving him the distinction as being one of America’s foremost children’s recording artists.

The importance of this quality time is well sung, but often overlooked. Many modern day parents tend to spend money on their children as a compensation for their lack of time, but this does not present a child with the opportunity to be seen and heard. On the most basic level, it provides you and your child time to reconnect, and it is in these connections that your child feels loved and safe. It is important to spend just a few extra moments with them. After all, when you look back at your life, you will be thankful for these memories, not the hours you spend in the office.

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In fact, spending quality time with your child is one of the skills required in successful parenting. Sure, you take care of a myriad of their other needs, but their emotional and psychological needs should not take a back seat. Children will know when they are feeling neglected, albeit not directly; some will withdraw, while others lash out. Acting out is often a way to grab your attention, so they can have some one on one time with you.

Aside from establishing a bond between you and your offspring, children who receive positive attention are aware of their importance in the family, and are less likely to act out for attention. When they do feel like they need some love, they’ll know where to find it.

As mentioned, taking time out of your busy schedule does not need be exorbitant or cost a great deal of money. Sure, taking them to Disney World will score you some serious parenting points, but this is simply not possible on an on-going basis. Some of the best times together can be spent on regular, every day activities, where they share in your attention. This time you spend together can happen at any time, anywhere, in ordinary days.

• Once in a while, let the older kids stay up and watch a movie with you. Just because you can. It is a nice surprise and break from the routine.

• On the way to school, just listen to your child, and listen closely to the stories they have to tell. Take your mind off traffic and the fact that you might be late for work, and really listen to what they have to say.

• Personal contact might be an obvious answer, but many parents forget how powerful and appreciated a hug, laughter and eye contact can be. These are the things that your children will remember about you.

• Invite them into the kitchen. Think about it; how often do you chase your child out of the kitchen when you’re cooking? If your kitchen is spacious enough, involve them in the cooking process. Any child over the age of three can help with small and minor tasks, but the kitchen is an exciting place even for younger kids. Let them play with the spoons, and teach them new words about the food you’re preparing.

What is important is that you spend time with them, now how you spend time with them.  It is time to get creative with your schedule to show your children and family that they are a priority in your life.

David Jack in association with ElementaryAssembly.com is the leading presenter of school assemblies in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York area.  Mr. Jack has made educational presentations at several National Head Start Conferences and his national presentations included NAEYC Conferences in Atlanta, Washington, Dallas, Toronto and New Orleans respectively.  He has won two Parents’ Choice Awards as well as the Early Childhood News’ Director’s Choice Award giving him the distinction as being one of America’s foremost children’s recording artists.

So what is the hype about? Why exactly has it been ingrained on our minds that the morning meal is of such importance? It all boils down to simple biology really. In ages past, the first meal of the day was called “breaking the fast”. Imagine that your body has been fasting for a good eight hours, while it is still using energy to perform all the usual vital functions. When you wake up, it is time to refuel the now depleted resources. The way you start your day sets the mood of how your day will unfold.

Obviously breakfast is important, but even more so for children. Our brains require fuel in order to work at its best capacity. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast will;

• Perform better in the classroom and on the playground
• Have improved concentration
• Make healthier nutrition choices in the long run
• Help to keep their weight in check by kick-starting their metabolism

On the other hand, when they skip breakfast, children tend to become irritable and sluggish during the late morning. The body simply cannot function without its fuel supply. Even just a small morning meal will keep them going. The challenge presents itself when you are running around trying to wake the household, get everyone fed and still make it to the office on time – when your still sleepy and groggy child insist that they are not hungry.

In our modern day and age, it would be idyllic to serve whole grain waffles with a glass of freshly squeezed juice, but let’s be honest; it is simply not possible in most households. It is very tempting to give in, and let everyone fend for themselves over a box of sugary cereal. However, it is not just that kids have to eat, but you need to consider what they eat. Breakfast does not have to steal hours of your time. Fibres, whole grains and lean proteins are perfect for the family on the go. Eggs, especially the whites, are considered a super food, giving you all the healthy benefits of lean proteins. If you don’t have time to fry eggs on the stove top, simply grease a muffin pan, crack a few eggs, and pop it into the oven for a few minutes while you go about your business. Other simple breakfast options include whole wheat toast or muffins, yoghurt, milk and fruits.

Now, some people simply can not stomach food first thing in the morning, which is completely understandable. If that is the case with your child, at least be sure to pack them a lunchbox-friendly breakfast they can enjoy on the way to school. A fresh fruit, nuts, muesli clusters and half a peanut butter wholegrain sandwich all provide excellent breakfast-on-the-run options. Just remember that you as parent lead by example, so you cannot expect your child to appreciate the importance of breaking the fast if you yourself only scoff down a cup of coffee.

David Jack in association with ElementaryAssembly.com is the leading presenter of school assemblies in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York area.  Mr. Jack has made educational presentations at several National Head Start Conferences and his national presentations included NAEYC Conferences in Atlanta, Washington, Dallas, Toronto and New Orleans respectively.  He has won two Parents’ Choice Awards as well as the Early Childhood News’ Director’s Choice Award giving him the distinction as being one of America’s foremost children’s recording artists.

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