Clinical studies show that heavy use of gadgets pump up aggression and anxiety, and induce depression. Psychiatrists report that this can even lead to a form of psychosis in which the user loses touch with reality.
Despite these findings, parents regularly use tablets, for instance, as electronic babysitters because it buys them quiet time.
Gymboree, the global leader in play classes for kids up to four years old, saw the need of parents for guidance in effective child-rearing when it was founded 40 years ago.
Its expansion the past few years to Asia and the Philippines attests to the need for parents to be encouraged and dynamically coached through meet-ups and parenting seminars.
In 2017, Gymboree will host free monthly parenting sessions at local Gymboree branches listed at www.gymboree-ph.com.
Parents frequently ask when is the best time to enroll in play classes for kids. The answer often surprises them: when the child is six months or no later than his first year.
A childís brain is rapidly developing and forming synapses. It develops at the fastest pace in oneís lifetime and doubles in size from birth up to two years.
Even before they learn the fundamentals of reading, writing and numbers, youngsters need socio-emotional competencies that predispose them to learning. These competenciesóincluding confidence, curiosity, communication, self-control and perseveranceóserve as solid foundations for future learning and determine what kind of adults they will turn out in life.
Whatever the exercise, a child learns best in an environment that encourages discovery, exploration and, most especially, play.
Play is vital because it is the channel preferred by kids developing cognitive, physical and social skills. It allows trial and error where a child feels safe and curious enough to stretch beyond his/her comfort zone.
Playful parenting, as we call it, can be learned.
Visit www.gymboree-ph.com for the upcoming schedule on parenting seminars.