February 2018 | Those are some fine motor skills
Babies, toddlers, and kids need lots of time to play so that they learn fine and gross motor skills, how to negotiate interpersonal relationships, and how to manage their emotions. Various essential types of play include, in no particular order, focused time alone, drawing and other creative pursuits, play that lets children explore their physical senses (sensory bins, playdough, sand boxes, digging in the dirt …), connection with adults, and connection with other children. That sounds like a non-digital-native’s childhood, though, doesn’t it? These days, babies learn how to manipulate touch screens before they learn how to speak. Long before they can write their names, they can navigate to their favorite music app, find the song they want, and play it, pause it, skip it, or repeat it. Touch screens are easy, they’re fun, they’re enthralling, they’re addictive, and a whole bunch of parents out there allow their kids ample screen time because it provides engaging, tantrum-free entertainment (until you try to take it away).
We’ve all heard that being in digital media’s thrall has drawbacks, that several hours of engagement each day at work and for play, the allure of our devices, the habit we can’t kick, is damaging our bodies along with our minds. Bad posture, worsening eyesight, repetitive stress injuries – we know about these. But did you know little kids can’t hold pencils anymore? Yeah, it starts that early.
Break the cycle, people. Get your kids outside. Entertain them with books, paper, pencils, rocks, dirt, plants. Let them explore. And then teach them how to swipe a screen.
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KIDS CAN’T HOLD PENCILS ANYMORE. THANKS, TOUCHSCREENS.
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GATHER YE INTO YOUR COCOON FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT
Maybe you’re not sleeping because you’re stressed. Or maybe you’re not sleeping because your mind is active. Or you’re worried about, well, everything (I mean, what is there not to be worried about?). Or maybe, just maybe, you haven’t forced yourself into the perfect sensory experience because you didn’t know that earplugs and an eye mask are not the only two accessories you need for a restful night. You’re missing a key element. Cut out the noise, yes, block the light, obviously, AND cover yourself with a weighted blanket for maximum restfulness. This induces a deep slumber. It’s the ultimate in coziness. You might be asking yourself, “Is this why I sleep under my comforter even on the hottest summer nights?” Yes! The answer is yes! Do yourself a favor: Get a weighted blanket, and force yourself into a state of cozy.
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PROPER AI HAS TO SCREW UP AND BE AWFUL FIRST
Here’s something discouraging: We humans aren’t capable of building something innately good. But maybe we can teach something without a soul to take on good characteristics. We just have to put up with some hatred first. Worth it?
When is a button pure perfection? You might be thinking, “Never,” but au contraire, my contrarian audience. Let’s take the humble toaster by way of example. The toaster has a one function: caramelize the sugars in your bread until they taste divine. (Slather butter with abandon to achieve mouthgasm. But I digress …) A good toaster toasts evenly and can even blast one side of your bread with more heat than the other, improving bagels and English muffins, or even if you just like two different mouthfeels in one bite. But a good toaster becomes great with the addition of the “A bit more” button.
Admit it: You’ve burnt your toast to a crisp by popping your lightly toasted slice down for a second round of heat. You’re waiting, smelling those caramelizing sugars, mouth watering, and then, boom, the acrid smell of burnt bread. The worst. You’re hungry, you’re late, you just want your toast toasted to perfection. Is that so hard? What if you could add that little bit of extra brown you were seeking without fear of burning? Tap that “A bit more” button, and you’re golden. Or, your toast is.