# data[].attributes.body
Instructions:

1. Read the article carefully and think of the following:

What are the main concerns about excessive screen time?

How much screen time do you think is appropriate? Why?

What strategies can help manage screen time better?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Screen Time For Kids: How Much Is Too Much?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The world relies heavily on technology and electronic screens are now an integral part of our daily lives. Researchers have long raised concerns about the impact of screen time on both adults and children, and it's not surprising that many parents aren't sure about what is best when it comes to their children with technology.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Click the + button to create your post. Share your reflection using the below prompts:

# data[].attributes.headline
Think and Share your thoughts on Article 1

# data[].attributes.subject
Think and Share your thoughts on Article 1

# data[].attributes.body
What are the main concerns about excessive screen time?

How much screen time do you think is appropriate? Why?

What strategies can help manage screen time better?

# data[].attributes.body
Instructions:

Read the article carefully and think of the following:

Characteristics of young children

How young children learn?

Benefits of playing games and the types of games suitable for young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Countless research articles exist highlighting the benefits of family social interaction on the cognitive, social and emotional development of children.1, 2 As children develop, it is important to continue to prioritise 'family time' as a way to foster strong parent-child relationships, and to strengthen the family unit. One timeless way to spend time together, is through board games. There are a host of benefits to board and tabletop games for a child's development, some of which are listed below:

1. Board games help develop critical social skills
In addition to pulling children away from screens, board games engage a range of social skills including cooperation, turn-taking and other prosocial behaviours. Research in pre-school children has found that both competitive and cooperative board and card games increased prosocial behaviours such as sharing, and complimenting or helping others 3.

2. Board games can improve cognitive function
Game can help develop number knowledge, arithmetic skills, and development of abstract numerical concepts4. As well, games requiring spontaneous speech, reading or writing can be used as a tool for continuing language development. Board games also require using frontal brain functions such as planning, problem solving, decision making, and inhibiting responses.

3. Board games allow for time away from screens
Most parents are aware of the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on their child's development. Structuring family activities away from screens can help improve a child's mood, sleep quality, and help foster feelings of connectedness among family members5.

4. Board games may improve symptoms associated with ADHD
Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have differences in functioning in the front part of the brain, which plays a role in regulating attention, behaviour and emotion. There is some evidence to support the use of abstract strategy games such as Chess or Go in improving attention in children with ADHD by activating this frontal brain region6.
​

​An article about the positive effects associated with board games would be remiss without several suggestions. We have come a long way since the days of Monopoly and Scrabble and now thousands of wonderful new games are being released every year. Below are some family weight games to engage your children socially and cognitively, and to spend meaningful time together as a family. Remember that when engaging children, especially those who have difficulties with attention, it is best to engage them in their interests. So, if your child loves racing cars, then try find a game that involves racing along a track. Keep in mind gameplay length and realistic age-based expectations of your child's attention span when selecting games.
References

1. Dodd, D. C., Zabriskie, R. B., Widmer, M. A., & Eggett, D. (2009). Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Leisure Research, 41(2), 261-286.

2. Hornberger, L. B., Zabriskie, R. B., & Freeman, P. (2010). Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among single-parent families. Leisure Sciences, 32(2), 143-161.

3. Eriksson, M., Kenward, B., Poom, L., & Stenberg, G. (2021). The behavioral effects of cooperative and competitive board games in preschoolers. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 62(3), 355-364.

4. Elofsson, J., Gustafson, S., Samuelsson, J., & Träff, U. (2016). Playing number board games supports 5-year-old children's early mathematical development. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 43, 134-147.

5. Kim, S. H., Han, D. H., Lee, Y. S., Kim, B. N., Cheong, J. H., & Han, S. H. (2014). Baduk (the game of Go) improved cognitive function and brain activity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry Investigation, 11(2), 143.

6. Domingues‐Montanari, S. (2017). Clinical and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 53(4), 333-338.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Benefits of Board Games for Children and their Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Article on "Benefits of Board Games for Children and their Families".

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Click the + button to create your post. Share your reflection using the below prompts:

# data[].attributes.headline
Think and Share your thoughts on Article 2 

# data[].attributes.subject
Think and Share your thoughts on Article 2 

# data[].attributes.body
Characteristics of young children

How young children learn?

Benefits of playing games and the types of games suitable for young children