Screen Time and Media Consumption
Many parents have expressed concern about their children’s use of technology during the pandemic. Here are a few articles for understanding the impact of screen time on development, and how to structure your child’s screen time to minimize any potential risks: Screen Time During the Coronavirus Crisis, Screen Time and Young Children
Research has shown that the quality of the screen time your child is exposed to matters. Here are a few resources that can help you make the best choices about your child’s media content.
Common Sense Media: This website provides ratings on a variety of children’s apps, TV shows and movies (basically anything your child can access on the internet). A highly valuable tool for parents!
Ok Play: This app was created by developmental psychologists to help children build skills of empathy, confidence and kindness.
Celebrating Diversity in Media
Speaking to your child about identity and diversity-related issues can be challenging. Luckily, over the past few decades, there have been a number of storybooks and TV shows with positive messages of acceptance, compassion and celebrating each other’s differences.
It’s Okay to Be Different: A Children’s Picture Book About Diversity by Sharon Purtill & Sujata Saha
A picture book for children age 2 – 5 that promotes kindness and celebrates all types of diversity, from racial differences to persons with disabilities.
Little Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
A collection of images of children from different backgrounds in New York City. A fantastic way to expose infants to human diversity through photography.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
The protagonist in this children’s book has moved to North America from Korea and teaches her classmates the pronunciation and special meaning of her name. A lesson in helping Kindergarten-age children navigate cultural identity.
Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano Ph.D., Marietta Collins Ph.D., Ann Hazzard, Ph.D., Jennifer Zivoin
A book written by psychologists for the purpose of helping parents talk to their 4 – 8-year-olds about racial injustice and inequality. This book is highly revered and useful for starting tough conversations with young ones.
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
This story, written for children age 4 – 8, challenges gender stereotypes and promotes self-worth and individuality.
14 kids TV shows that celebrate diversity