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Education & Learning

Is age 7 too early to learn keyboarding?
 Is age 7 too early to learn keyboarding? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 7-year-old twin granddaughters have spent less time with computers than most kids their age. Recently, their school has started to teach keyboarding. Those who have spent a lot of time on computers are learning quickly, while my granddaughters are feeling a bit behind. I think that the girls will eventually catch up (and have…

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Are static images on TV harmful to toddlers?
 Are static images on TV harmful to toddlers? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: When our 14-month-old son was born, his pediatrician told us to avoid screen time, so we do not allow him to watch TV and we rarely have it on while he is awake. But, we subscribe to a music service that streams through the TV. When the songs play, the album covers are shown…

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How can I find educational video games for an 8-year-old boy who likes war stuff?
 How can I find educational video games for an 8-year-old boy who likes war stuff? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Do you have suggestions for how to find appropriate media, such as educational video games, for different ages, such as an 8-year-old boy who likes war stuff? I’d like to help direct him to more creative sites.  –Seeking solutions, in Burlington, VT A: Dear Seeking, It’s not always easy to know which video games…

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Do you have any last-minute tips for holiday shopping?
 Do you have any last-minute tips for holiday shopping? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Help! I’m shopping for kids of all ages this year for the holidays, and don’t know where to begin. What are your thoughts about the kinds of toys that are good for kids?
A: This year, focus on the CHILD–opt for Creative gifts you’ve decided upon after doing your Homework on the recipients’ interests, keeping in mind the importance of Imagination, Learning, and making Donations.

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My teens want to start a blog together–what are the pros and cons?
 My teens want to start a blog together–what are the pros and cons? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: We have a 16-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son who are at the same school. They have voluntarily given up Facebook because of the time drain it can be, and both have fairly heavy academic loads. They are interested in starting a blog together. What are the pros and cons? –Benefits of Blogging in…

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Should I correct Thanksgiving stereotypes my kids see on TV?
 Should I correct Thanksgiving stereotypes my kids see on TV? 150 150 Mediatrics

Readers loved this post last Thanksgiving (thanks for your great feedback, Shaping Youth!), so we are reposting it in honor of this one. Enjoy! Q: I know I’m probably making a big deal out of this, but it really bugs me when my school-age kids watch shows and movies in class or on TV that…

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What does the new AAP policy say about screentime for babies?
 What does the new AAP policy say about screentime for babies? 150 150 Mediatrics

On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a revised policy on media for kids two and younger. The recommendations for this age group are much the same as they were in 1999—that it is best for their developing brains and bodies to avoid both screen use (such as placing a toddler in…

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How can I limit my teen’s Internet time without distracting him from homework or invading his privacy?
 How can I limit my teen’s Internet time without distracting him from homework or invading his privacy? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 16-year-old son uses the computer constantly at home in his room and almost always claims he is doing homework. He doesn’t want me to look over his shoulder and see what he is doing when I come into his room, and frankly, I want to allow him his privacy when he is on the…

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Is it OK that my toddler doesn’t like TV?
 Is it OK that my toddler doesn’t like TV? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My two year old has no interest in watching television at all, and my friends think it’s weird. Should I be concerned?
A: No way! The scientific research we have to date supports your decision not to put her in front of an electronic screen until she turned two.

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How can I tell which films are OK for my child?
 How can I tell which films are OK for my child? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Are two year olds too young to see films like Tangled? What should I consider when thinking about taking my kids to the movies?
A: If what you imagine her seeing, hearing, and understanding is what you want for her to experience, then take her and enjoy it together, keeping in mind these developmental considerations.

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