5 YouTube Shows That Might Be Harmful To Your Child's Development and 5 Great Shows To Watch Instead

Screen time is a hot topic and one that brings up a range of thoughts and emotions from parents across the globe. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) children under 2 should have no screen time at all. Considering the fact that screens are such a pivotal part of modern family life, the idea of limiting or banning screen time might seem atrocious. It certainly sends chills down my spine! The reason behind the AAP's advice on no screens for under 2s stems from research that purports that because young children's brains are still developing, they need to interact with the world around them in order to learn and grow. Screen time can be a passive activity that interferes with child development.

There are some exceptions to the AAP's recommendation. For example, it's okay to use video chat to connect with family and friends far away. It's also fine to use screen time for educational purposes, such as watching educational videos or apps that teach children about letters, numbers, and shapes. However, it is important to limit screen time and ensure that it is not replacing other activities, such as playing, reading, and interacting with family and friends.

• If you do choose to let your child under 2 watch screen time, there are a few things you can do to make it a more positive experience:

• Choose high-quality content that is appropriate for your child's age and development.

• Watch the content with your child and talk about what they are seeing.

• Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.

Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities to play, read, and interact with family and friends.

By following these tips, you can help your child have a positive experience with screen time and avoid negativeconsequences.

YouTube is an excellent resource for children's entertainment. YouTube shows are not created equal. Some shows can actually be harmful to children's development. Here are five YouTube shows that you may want to avoid:

1. Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig is a popular British animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young pig named Peppa and her family and friends. The show has been praised for its humor and its educational value. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's portrayal of gender roles. For example, Peppa is often shown to be bossy and demanding, while her brother George is often shown to be more passive and compliant. This type of portrayal can reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, which can harm children's development. Peppa has also been criticised for her impolite and occasionally violent behaviour. This some claim can lead to an increase in tantrums among young children.

2. Masha and the Bear

Masha and the Bear is a Russian animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Masha and a bear. The show has been praised for its humor and animation. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's violence portrayal. For example, Masha is often shown to be physically aggressive towards the bear, and the bear is often shown to be passive and accepting of this aggression. This type of portrayal can normalise violence, which can be harmful to children's development.

3. Cocomelon

Cocomelon is an American animated children's television series featuring nursery rhymes and educational content. The show has been praised for its catchy songs and its colorful animation. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's lack of educational value. For example, the songs on the show are often repetitive and simple, and they do not teach children new concepts. Additionally, the show's fast-paced and chaotic environment can be overwhelming for some children and contribute to a reduction in their attention span.

4. Ryan's World

Ryan's World is a YouTube channel created by a young boy named Ryan. The channel features videos of Ryan playing with toys, opening presents, and doing other activities. The channel is very popular, with over 25 million subscribers. However, some experts have raised concerns about the channel's focus on consumerism. For example, many of the videos on the channel feature Ryan playing with expensive toys, and the channel often promotes products to viewers. This type of focus on consumerism can be harmful to children's development, as it can teach them to value material possessions over other things, such as relationships and experiences.

5. Blaze and the Monster Machines

Blaze and the Monster Machines is an American animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a monster truck named Blaze and his friends. The show has been praised for its educational value. For example, the show teaches children about science and engineering concepts. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's fast-paced and action-packed environment. This type of environment can be overwhelming for some children, and it can also promote aggressive behavior.

5 Alternative Shows to Watch Instead

If you are looking for YouTube shows that are safe and educational for children, here are five alternatives to the shows listed above:

1. Miss Rachel (Songs for Littles)

Miss Rachel (Songs for Littles) is a YouTube channel created by professional music teacher Rachel Platten. The channel features videos of Rachel singing songs for children. The songs are all original and designed to be educational and entertaining.

2. Bluey

Bluey is an Australian animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Bluey and her family. The show has been praised for its humour, heartwarming stories, and realistic portrayal of family life.

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3. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is an American animated children's television series based on the popular children's book series "The Giving Tree." The show is designed to teach children about social-emotional skills.

4. Sesame Street

Sesame Street is a long-running educational television show for children ages 2-5. It has been on the air since 1969 and is now in its 54th season. The show is a brilliant option for screen-conscious parents as it's known for its use of puppets, music, and animation to teach children about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and other basic concepts.

Furthermore, Sesame Street has been praised by educators and parents for its educational value. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that children who watched Sesame Street for one year scored significantly higher on tests of literacy and math than children who did not watch the show.

Another thing that sets Sesame Street apart from its contemporaries is its diversity. The show's cast includes children of all races, ethnicities, and abilities.

Sesame Street is an excellent aid in helping to educate and motivate young children. It is a safe and educational show that helps children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

5. Barney the Dinosaur

Barney the Dinosaur is another popular children's television show known for its educational value. Barney is a purple dinosaur who loves to sing, dance, and play. He uses these activities to teach children about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and other basic concepts. Barney is also known for his positive messages about friendship, acceptance, and love.

Both Sesame Street and Barney the Dinosaur are great options for children's television shows. They are both educational, entertaining, and promote positive messages. Ultimately, the best show for your child will depend on their individual interests and needs.

12 Gestures Your Child Should Know By Age 2

12 gestures your child should know by age 2

Gestures: A Brief History

The earliest evidence of gestures dates back to the Paleolithic era, when cave paintings depict people using gestures to communicate. In the ancient world, gestures were used in a variety of contexts, including religious ceremonies, theater, and everyday life. In the Middle Ages, gestures were adopted by the Catholic Church to communicate with the illiterate masses. In the Renaissance, gestures became increasingly important in art and literature. In the 18th century, gesture study became a scientific discipline. In the 20th century, gestures were used in a variety of new contexts, including film, television, and computer-mediated communication. 

As a parent, you know that your child's language development is a critical part of their overall growth and development. By age 2, most children will have a vocabulary of around 50 words and should be able to communicate their basic needs and wants. However, children communicate in another important way, and that is through gestures.

Gestures are non-verbal cues that can express a variety of emotions, thoughts, and desires. They can also be used to supplement speech, making it easier for children to communicate their ideas. For example, a child might point to a toy they want or wave goodbye to a friend.

Gestures are a crucial part of language development because they help children communicate with others. They also help children develop their understanding of the world around them. For example, when a child points to a dog, they're learning that the word "dog" refers to a specific animal.

By age 2, most children should know at least 12 basic gestures. These gestures can help them communicate more effectively and develop their language skills. Here are the 12 gestures your child should know by age 2:

1. Pointing. Pointing is one of the most significant gestures for children. It allows them to direct the attention of others to something they are interested in.

2. Waving. Waving is a gesture of greeting and farewell. It is a way for children to show that they are friendly and social.

3. Giving. Giving is a gesture of sharing and generosity. It is a significant gesture because it enables children to show they care about others.

4. Taking. Taking is a gesture of wanting and needing. It is a way for children to show that they are interested in something.

5. More. More is a gesture of wanting something in an increased quantity. Children use this method to express their desire for more food, toys, or attention.

6. Less. Less is a gesture of wanting something in lesser quantity. This method enables children to express their desire for fewer food, noise, or activity.

7. All done. All done is a gesture of finishing something. It is a way for children to express their desire to stop an activity or be put down.

8. Help. Help is a gesture of need. It is a way for children to express their desire for help with a task or get something they cannot reach.

9. Me. Me is a gesture of self-reference. Children express their identity and claim ownership of something.

10. You. You is a gesture of comparison with another. Children refer to other people and indicate that something belongs to someone else.

11. No. No is a gesture of rejection or refusal. Children can express their dislike for something or indicate they do not want to do something.

12. Yes. Yes is a gesture of affirmation or acceptance. Children can express their approval of something or indicate that they want to do something.

If your child is not using these gestures by age 2, or if they are using them inconsistently, it is imperative to talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying developmental delay that needs to be addressed.

Here are some tips for helping your child learn gestures:

• Start by modeling gestures yourself. Point to things, wave goodbye, and give and take objects.

• Name the gesture as you do it. For example, say "point" as you point to something.

• Use gestures with speech. For example, say "more milk" as you point to the milk bottle.

• Be patient and consistent. Your child may need some time to learn gestures.

With your help, your child will use gestures to communicate effectively in no time.

Further Reading

Butterworth, G. (2003). Gesture and the human evolution. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 358(1431), 531-544.

• Kendon, A. (2004). Gesture: Visible action as language. Cambridge University Press.

• McNeill, D. (1992). Hand and mind: What gestures reveal about thought. University of Chicago Press.

• Rizzolatti, G., & Arbib, M. A. (1998). Language within our grasp. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2(11), 269-276.

• Streeck, J. (2007). Gesture in interaction. John Benjamins Publishing Company.

Pretend Play Power: Why Pretend Play Is Critical For Your Child's Intellectual Development

The power of pretend play in shaping your child’s academic development

Pretend play is essential for childhood development. It helps children explore their imaginations, develop social skills, and learn problem-solving strategies. Children who engage in pretend play are statistically more likely to succeed academically and develop stronger writing skills. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of pretend play in young children's development and ways parents can encourage it at home.

The Benefits of Pretend Play

Pretend play is an essential part of childhood development, and it has several benefits. One of the primary benefits is social skills development. Through pretend play, children learn to take turns, share, and communicate with others. They also learn to cooperate and negotiate with their peers, which helps them understand the social world.

Another benefit of pretend play is its impact on the development of problem-solving strategies. When children engage in imaginative play, they are faced with various problems and obstacles that require creative thinking. For example, when playing "doctors," they may need to come up with a creative solution to fix their patient's "injury" or when playing "restaurant," they may need to find a way to make the food taste better. By engaging in pretend play, children learn to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills that can be applied to real-world situations.

Pretend play is also an excellent way for children to explore their imaginations. Through imaginative play, children can create their own worlds, characters, and stories. This helps them develop their creativity and imagination, which can be applied to other areas of their lives, such as writing and art [4].

Encouraging Pretend Play at Home

Parents can encourage pretend play in several ways. One way is to provide children with toys that encourage imaginative play, such as dolls, dress-up clothes, or building blocks. These toys allow children to engage in open-ended play, where there are no right or wrong answers, and the child is free to explore their imagination.

Another way to encourage pretend play is to create a designated play area in the home. This area should be free of distractions and provide enough space for children to play comfortably. It can be a corner of a room or a separate playroom, depending on the available space.

Parents can also encourage pretend play by playing with their children. By engaging in pretend play with their children, parents can model creative thinking and problem-solving strategies. This also provides an opportunity for parents to bond with their children and create lasting memories.

The Impact of Pretend Play on Writing Skills and Academic Achievement

Pretend play has a significant impact on children's writing skills and academic achievement. Through imaginative play, children develop language skills, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and syntax. This is because pretend play involves storytelling, which requires children to use language to create a narrative.

Pretend play also helps children understand story structure. When playing pretend, children create their own stories with a beginning, middle, and end. They learn how to develop characters, create conflict, and resolve the story's plot. These skills are transferable to writing and can help children become better storytellers.

Research also suggests that pretend play can significantly improve academic achievement. A study conducted by the University of North Texas found that preschool children who engaged in pretend play had higher scores on literacy and math assessments than those who did not. This is because pretend play helps children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and creativity, all essential for academic success.

As a parent, there are several ways to encourage pretend play at home. These include providing toys that stimulate imaginative play, creating a designated play area, and playing with your child. By fostering an environment that encourages pretend play, parents can help their children develop the skills necessary for success in school and in life.

In summary, pretend play should not be underestimated. It is a valuable tool for childhood development that provides numerous benefits, including social skill development, problem-solving skills, and language development. Parents should encourage pretend play at home to help their children develop these skills and set them up for success in the future.

Enjoyed this article? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

For further reading, check out the scholarly articles below:

Whitebread, D., Basilio, M., Kuvalja, M., & Verma, M. (2012). The importance of play. Retrieved from https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/research/projects/theimportanceofplay/

Lillard, A. S., Lerner, M. D., Hopkins, E. J., Dore, R. A., Smith, E. D., & Palmquist, C. M. (2013). The impact of pretend play on children's development: A review of the evidence. Psychological bulletin, 139(1), 1-34.

Bergen, D. (2002). The role of pretend play in children's cognitive development. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 17(2), 121-143.

Singer, D. G., Golinkoff, R. M., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (Eds.). (2006). Play= learning: How play motivates and enhances children's cognitive and social-emotional growth. Oxford University Press.

Tamis-LeMonda, C. S., Shannon, J. D., Cabrera, N. J., & Lamb, M. E. (2004). Fathers and mothers at play with their 2-and 3-year-olds: Contributions to language and cognitive development. Child development, 75(6), 1806-1820.

[Rubin, K. H., Fein, G. G., & Vandenberg, B. (1983). Play. Handbook of child psychology, 4, 693-774.

Van Kleeck, A., Gillam, R. B., Hamilton, L., & McGrath, M. (1997). Classroom discourse: What teachers and children can learn from each other. The Reading Teacher, 50(8), 648-656.

Neuman, S. B., & Roskos, K. (1993). Access to print for children of poverty: Differential effects of adult mediation and literacy-enriched play settings on environmental and functional print tasks. American Educational Research Journal, 30(1), 95-122.

Fletcher, K. L., & Reese, E. (2005). Picture book reading with young children: A conceptual framework. Developmental Review, 25(1), 64-103.

How To Help Your Child Pass Their 12+ Exam

The 12+ exams are a significant milestone for many children on their educational journey. These exams, which typically take place when a child is in Year 6, can determine whether they are accepted into their desired secondary school. As a parent, it is natural to want to help your child succeed, but it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we will discuss some strategies to help your child pass the 12+ exams.

1. Understand the Exam

It is important for you to understand what the 12+ exam entails in order to help your child pass it. The 12+ exams can vary depending on the school, but they usually include tests in Maths, English, and reasoning skills. These exams are designed to test a child's knowledge and skills and are usually taken in Year 6.

1. Start Early

It is never too early to prepare your child for the 12+ exams. Even if your child is in Year 5, it is a smart idea to introduce them to the types of questions they will be asked. This will help them become familiar with the exam format and will reduce any anxiety they may feel about taking the exam.

1. Provide Resources

There are many resources available to help your child prepare for the 12+ exams. These resources include practice papers, textbooks, and online resources. Make sure to provide your child with the resources they need to succeed. You can also work with their school or tutor to find the most suitable resources for your child.

1. Develop Good Study Habits

It is crucial that your child develops good study habits in order to succeed in the 12+ exams. Encourage your child to study regularly and create a study schedule that works for them. Make sure they have a quiet and comfortable place to study and eliminate any distractions.

1. Focus on Weaknesses

Identifying your child's weaknesses is essential for helping them pass the 12+ exams. Work with them to identify areas where they need improvement and focus on those areas. This can include providing additional resources, hiring a tutor, or working with their teacher to develop a plan for improvement.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice is crucial for 12+ exam success. Encourage your child to practice as much as possible. This can include working through practice papers, solving maths problems, and improving their reading skills. The more they practice, the more confident they will become in their abilities.

1. Develop Reasoning Skills

Reasoning skills are an essential component of the 12+ exams. These skills include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which can be challenging for some children. Work with your child to develop their reasoning skills through practice papers and exercises.

1. Encourage Reading

Reading is an essential component of the 12+ exams, as many questions involve comprehension and understanding. Encourage your child to read as much as possible, both fiction and non-fiction. This will help them develop their vocabulary, comprehension skills, and critical thinking abilities.

1. Build Confidence

Building confidence is crucial to helping your child pass the 12+ exams. Encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Celebrate their successes and offer support when they face challenges. A confident child is more likely to perform well in the exam.

1. Stay positive.

Finally, it is essential to stay positive throughout the exam preparation process. Avoid putting too much pressure on your child and focus on their progress. Remember that every child is different, and some need more support. Stay positive and encourage and support the process.

In summary, helping your child pass the 12+ exams requires a plethora of resources, practice, and support.

How to Improve Your Child's Non-Verbal Reasoning Skills for the 11+

Non-verbal reasoning is the ability to understand and solve problems without the use of words. It’s a key skill that’s tested in many school entrance exams, including the 11+.

This article will provide you with some fast but effective tips for improving your child’s NVR skills so that they can go onto ace the 11+. 

Game Away

There are several  games that can help children improve their NVR  skills. These include puzzles, Sudoku, and logic games. By playing such games, you’re encouraging your child to think creatively, solve logical but complex problems, improve their spatial reasoning and enhance their cognitive ability. Furthermore, these sorts of games enable children to think visually and adopt an ‘outside the box’ approach to tackling academic problems.

Be explorative

Encourage your child to explore their environment and take an interest in the world around them. This can help them develop their spatial awareness as well as their ability to visualise objects.

Make the most of apps

There are dozens of apps in the Apple Store and on Google Play that enable children to improve their NVR skills and several of them are designed for 11+ applicants. It’s definitely downloading a few free ones so that your child can practise using them and get a feel for how to answer exam-style questions. .

Incorporate Extracurricular Activities 

Extracurricular activities are incredibly important as they can help your child to develop NVR skills in a fun and exciting way. Often times, children don’t realise they’re learning anything when they’re engaging in these activities but the results of doing them can be enormous. Some examples of extracurricular activities that can help develop reasoning skills include robotics, chess, and art.

Practise Away

The best way to improve your child's non-verbal reasoning skills is to practise. There are many resources available that can provide your child with exam-style questions. You can also help your child by playing games together or by doing puzzles with them. To take things up a notch, consider incentivising them with treats or rewards for consistent revision or engagement. Also, remember to track your child’s scores whenever they’re completing test papers.

Be patient

Improving your child's  reasoning skills takes time and effort. Be patient  and encourage them to keep practising.

Take breaks

It is important to take breaks when your child is studying. This will help them avoid getting frustrated and prevent overwhelm..

Monitor their  progress

It is important to monitor your child's progress as this will help you determine how they’re doing and  help you adjust their revision schedule accordingly.

Get help from professionals

If you are struggling to help your child improve their NVR skills, you may want to consider getting help from a professional such as a tutor, teacher or 11+ specialist. There are many tutors and educational professionals who can provide your child with the support they need.

We hope you enjoyed this article and as always, feel free to reach out if you’d like us to help your child with their learning.

Best wishes,

The Tutoress Team.