I found it interesting in the article ‘Old-fashion play
builds serious skills’, how 60 years ago children’s idea of play consisted
mainly of using their imagination. For example playing pirates and princesses
without having toys for props. In today’s society it is very rare to see
children using their imagination; instead play usually revolves around a toy.
This has changed how the mind develops. It decreases cognitive thinking and
effects how children are able to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors. This is because when children use their
imagination they use ‘private speech’ to come up with rules to their own games.
This critical cognitive skill called
executive function.
I think today's life style has changed so much; not only how
children play but how busy are life styles have become. Maybe parents don’t
have enough time to take their children outdoors or don’t get them away from
video games or computers enough. I think this is the case for many parents and if
we had known that we were neglecting our
children of using their imagination and that it would have such negative
consequences; that we would encourage
them to play outdoors more, and limit video games and computers. I know myself
that I’m guilty of this. Right now my son is playing the Wii so I can have some
quite time to write my paper, but I will try to work on it.
I think that this could be a cause of why ADHD has increased
so dramatically in the United States. If children are losing their ability to concentrate
and self-regulate; I think that there should be further research on why? ADHD
research should be focused on the underlying problem, not on being so quick to prescribe
medications.
I would like to comment on what you said about ADHD. It is a fact that the diagnosed of ADHD has increased dramatically; by no means am I a doctor but I don't agree that young kids should be given the strong drugs that effect the brain so dramatically because their brains are still developing. This really worries me because parents are seeking help for their children and doctors are quick to give and increase the dosage of certain drugs.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was younger, i played in the forest as that's all there was around my house ( i lived in sudden valley before a billion houses were built) i am really thankful for this because as a teen now, my life doesnt revolve around tv and i only play the games on my phone for brief periods of time. Of course somedays i spend way more time than i should on the computer or catching up on tv shows, but most of the time i would rather be out working in the horse barn or riding. when i was in middle school, i wasnt outdoors as much as i should have been but i still volunteered at the marine life center whenever i had the chance. i guess what i am saying is playing outdoors on a regular basis at a young age helped me figure out that being outdoors is more energizing and self rewarding really to me than being indoors watching a show or playing on the computer.
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