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Impact of Video Games on Children - The Good and the Bad
Several researchers have tried to understand the effects of video games on children's development. There are many types of games made for varied purposes - some can be entertaining and relaxing while others can be challenging and good for learning and brain development. However, not all games are good for children and their effects can be adverse.
Positive Effects of Video Games on Children
Here are some of the advantages children can have from playing video games:
1. Working Together As a Team
Most games today are played online and often involve several players from across the country or world, which encourages the child to play with others. This will help your child build the skills required to work together as a team and solve problems together.
2. Better Decision-making Skills
Games function in real-time, and most games are fast-paced and require the player to make quick decisions in a short period of time. This helps in sculpting decision-making skills that are valuable in real-life fields like sports or medicine, where split-second decisions under pressure are often required to be taken.
3. Maintaining Accuracy in Quick Decisions
Video games can help your kid maintain a good level of accuracy by learning to calculate all the dependent parameters fast. This is an extremely useful skill, which is why even soldiers and doctors are advised to play video games to sharpen their decision-making skills.
4. Coordination Between Hands and Eyes
By playing video games, kids understand hand-eye coordination - they begin to learn how the movement of their limbs affects the space and visual references around them. Good hand-eye coordination is essential for daily life activities; it is also required in nearly all sports activities and can even be beneficial in puzzle-solving.
5. Better Cognitive Functioning
When a certain skill is repeated multiple times, the brain starts developing a structure and creates new neural pathways and transmitters to optimise its functioning. This has been observed in musicians and artists and is also seen while playing video games. In times when intense concentration is applied, the brain moulds itself to be able to solve problems faster, which can ultimately also help in solving issues in real life.
Negative Effects of Video Games on Children
The disadvantages of playing video games are also pronounced. Some of them include:
1. Health Issues
Spending a lot of time playing video games instead of indulging in physical activities can be detrimental to a child's health in several ways. Constantly sitting in one place and playing video games at length can increase the chances of obesity, weaken the muscles and joints, make hands and fingers numb due to over-exertion, and can even weaken eyesight.
2. Academic Issues
The fun that video games provide is in stark contrast to a typical day in school. This can cause kids to prefer video games over anything else, thus pushing them to not pay attention to school work. Even outside school, they may skip homework or studying for tests and choose video games instead. This can result in poor performance.
3. Exposure to Wrong Values
Many video games in the market contain excessive violence, over-the-top sexuality, profanity, racism, and many other things that cannot be perceived by kids in the right manner. They may fail to take these depictions with a pinch of salt and may end up trying to emulate the same behaviour as portrayed in the games.
4. Makes Them Socially Disconnected
Even though multiplayer games exist, most kids end up playing them by themselves in their own rooms. This severely limits their interpersonal skills in real life, and they may prefer being by themselves and interact digitally. Such kids fail to strike up conversations and feel bored and out of place at social gatherings.
5. Aggressive Behaviour
The violent content in video games and the instant gratification that they provide can cause the kids to be impatient and aggressive in their behaviour. When things fail to go as planned or any restrictions are laid on them, they may lash out or start harbouring aggressive thoughts that can manifest in troublesome behaviour.
Signs of Video Game Addiction in Kids
The World Health Organisation added "gaming disorders" to its 2018 medical reference book, International Classification of Diseases. Video games are quite easy to get addicted to. Your child may be addicted if he has the following symptoms:
1. Denial
The first sign of addiction is being defensive and denying that the problem exists. Your child may refuse to accept the fact that he is heavily dependent on video games, even if you provide him with proof.
2. Game-related Expenses
Your child may ask for money to be spent on upgrading the game, to buy various items related to the game, or he may even end up stealing from you to fuel the habit.
3. Disinterest in Other Aspects of Life
The world of video games may take over your child's life to such an extent that friends and family may start to seem boring. Neglecting other activities like studying will likely result in poor academic performance. Some children fail to maintain basic hygiene as well - skipping baths for days on end and spending most of their time playing video games can be some of the habits they may develop.
4. Uncontrolled Gaming Times
Your child may promise you that he will play only for 10 minutes or until he finishes a particular level, but he may not be able to follow through and end up playing for longer hours. He may do so without realising it!
5. Unable to Process Failure
Your child may exhibit aggressive behaviour in situations where he loses the game or fails to complete the level. He may become unreasonably angry and frustrated, unable to understand that it is merely a game.
6. Hiding and Playing
If you end up scolding or prohibiting your child from playing, he will try to find ways to play the game in secret without letting you find out. He might start lying or making up excuses to play the game just for a few minutes.
7. Constantly Preoccupied
Even when away from the video game, your child will appear distracted and lost in thought, usually thinking about something related to the game or constantly talking about it. Any mention of the gaming habit could end up irritating him.
How Can Parents Help Children Enjoy Video Games Properly and Avoid Problems?
There are many pros and cons of video games for children, but parents can keep certain aspects in mind to ensure that their kids can enjoy the games without any problems.
Don’t allow your children to play video games when they are in preschool.
Before buying a game or letting your child play it, check the rating, the age limit, and any content warnings provided with it.
Try to play the game yourself and make yourself a part of their world. Your child will open up by discussing the various aspects of the game.
Keep fixed and restricted times for playing games. This includes playing games at a friend’s place as well.
Keep a track of any online interactions your kid has with strangers and ensure they do not reveal any personal details to anyone.
Keep any kind of gadgets out of your child's room, especially during nights.
Make sure the gaming area is in public view and you can easily spot the screen from afar.
If you are a gamer, enforce the same rules for yourself so that the kid learns from you.
Allow your kids to play video games only after they complete their homework and other tasks.
Make other physical activities or outdoor sports a part of the child’s life as well.
Video games aren’t advisable for young kids as the light from screens can adversely affect their eyes. Such games also expose tender minds to inappropriate values and morals, which is why you should try some other activities to keep your child happily engaged for long. You can buy craft kits to keep your child busy. A fun-filled activity box with worksheets and storybooks is a great way to keep your kid busy!t
Resources and References: WebMD
Also Read:
Impact of Television (TV) on Kids
Influence of Advertising on Kids Read more
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Physical Development In Early Childhood
Children grow at a rapid pace between birth and two years of age, but once they hit the age of two, toddlers tend to have slower growth. This is when the parents get concerned about the changing eating habits of their child and wonder whether the child is growing normally.
Physical development during infancy happens in a series of growth spurts. It is important to keep in mind that after the growth spurts, the child grows at a standard and steady rate until adolescence. The best way to determine if your child is growing properly is to closely monitor and track his growth.
What Is Physical Development?
Slowly but steadily, your child is preparing to take on the structural build that is almost similar to that of an adult. This is considered physical development in a child.
Signs of a Child's Physical Development
Here are some of the pronounced signs of a child’s physical development:
1. Limbs
The arms and legs of the child will grow longer and will be proportionate to the torso as well as the head. You will also notice that your child appears much slimmer and distinctively thinner than he was as an infant.
2. Muscle Growth
Muscle growth will be faster in order to aid the child's movement. The muscles of the arms and legs, which are known to be larger, will grow faster than the muscles in the toes or fingers, which are smaller. At this stage, it is essential to provide proper nutrients to your child to help the growth process.
3. Brain Development
Under brain development, your child will be able to perform more complex mental and physical tasks. During early childhood, there is significant growth in the neural fibres in the brain, specifically in the frontal lobes. It is also noted that around 2 years of age, the human brain is already 70% of its adult size. By the age of six or seven, the size of the brain is almost 90% of its adult size. The increase in motor skills can be contributed to this growth. It is also a common practice to measure the circumference of the head in order to figure out the growth rate of the brain.
4. Motor Skills
Motor skills are associated with the child’s ability to perform tasks on an everyday basis. It can be anything from running to building blocks. Motor skills can be categorized into:
Gross Motor Skills
Also known as large motor skills, these are the skills that are required to perform general tasks like running, walking, jumping, or even balancing their bodies as they engage in these activities.
With gross motor skills, your child should be able to perform some of the below-mentioned activities:
Walk with a steady balance
Run comfortably in a single direction or around obstacles
Throw a ball or catch one
Hop on each foot several times
Jump over objects or low lying hurdles
Kick a ball that is stationary
Pedal a tricycle
Fine Motor Skills
Also known as small motor skills, these involve finer movements that hold necessary to perform tasks that may be slightly complicated. These are also associated with the brain development of the child.
Fine motor skills allow the child to:
Use cutlery
Brush teeth or comb hair
Pick up small items likes coins
Work on simple puzzles
Draw simple shapes like circles or squares
Stack up blocks
5. Height
By 12 months, the length of an infant is known to be about 50% of the birth length. When children reach the age of five, they should ideally be double their birth length. Also, boys reach half of their adult height at around 24 months, and girls are half their adult height when they are about 19 months old.
6. Weight
At one year of age, the weight of the infant will be three times that of the birth weight. The growth rate tends to slow down after the first year, and between one and six years, he will be gaining around 2 kg every year.
7. Teeth
Typically, around five to nine months of age, your baby will have lower front teeth. The teeth on the upper front appear at around eight to twelve months of age. Children tend to get all 20 of their baby teeth or deciduous teeth by the age of two-and-a-half years. Permanent teeth replace the baby teeth anywhere between the ages of 5 to 13.
Stages of Physical Development
The stages of physical development in children follow a general pattern:
Babies can crawl, sit, and hold their head up by age two.
Walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs with help, building blocks, and holding crayons are learnt between the ages of two and four.
Around the ages of four to six, they can climb stairs without help, write, and even dress on their own.
Ways to Boost Physical Development in Toddlers and Preschoolers
You can work in some physical development activities for preschoolers to improve your child's dexterity and overall development:
Walk with your child and provide him with the opportunity to run and jump and use his muscles.
Prepare a simple obstacle course for your child to jump over, or encourage him to run around in the garden or in the house.
Play catch using a ball. You can also play games that allow your child to kick and throw the ball, thus working his muscles and motor skills.
Take your child on a nature walk. Make sure to stop every now and then and allow him to touch the grass, leaves, and flowers. Ask him to bring you pebbles and twigs. These activities will help develop your child's gross and fine motor skills.
Have a dance party at home. Put on some music and dance with your child, especially to nursery songs that stimulate fine motor skills, such as 'itsy bitsy spider’.
Play pretend games, such as laying a tightrope on the ground and trying to balance on it.
Get creative with art. Provide your child with ample opportunities to draw in and around the house.
Get some child-safe scissors and teach your kid some craftwork.
Have a block-building contest.
Play an easier version of 'Simon Says' with your baby. If you are Simon, your child has to do everything you ask him to do - use this opportunity to make him get things, pick up objects, and even enact various animals like ducks, cows, dogs, and monkeys.
Get toys that can boost physical development in your child, like a tricycle, basketball hoop (child-sized) or hula hoops.
Get a small inflatable pool and fill it with water. Encourage your child to splash or paddle under supervision.
Get your child to hop in a bouncy castle or a trampoline. Ensure he has proper adult supervision during this activity.
Get your child to help with simple, fun chores like bathing the dog or washing the car.
Ensure that your child has adequate sleep to enable overall development.
Take the child for routine check-ups to catch any issues early.
Physical development in children should be complemented with proper nourishment and a healthy balanced diet, as this ensures proper growth and development of the muscles and bones.
Resources and References:
Livestrong
Very Well Family
Also Read: Moral Development In Children - Stages and Concepts Read more
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Workouts during Pregnancy Second Trimester - Safe Exercises to Try
Week 13 to 28, or months 4 to 6, of your pregnancy comes under the second trimester. This is a period where you can finally start feeling that the pregnancy is real! The second trimester carries along with it new energy that you may not have felt in the beginning. Nausea, exhaustion, and anxiety take a back seat during this period, which makes it a perfect period to undergo some physical exercises.
Precautions to Take While Exercising During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Owing to the delicacy of the pregnancy period, safety and the urge to not take risks should be your priority. For the same reasons, a few precautions should be kept in mind while doing physical exercises in your pregnancy’s second trimester. Some of these precautions are listed below.
One should consider avoiding exercises that may carry along risk of falling.
Stop exercising in case you experience abdominal pain or vaginal discharge.
Maintain a healthy and a supervised diet to keep you all charged up for undergoing physical activity.
Do not exercise too much. Exerting yourself beyond your limits is something that is not at all recommended.
Avoid physical exercises, where jumping, balancing, changing sides or risk of jerks is involved.
Consider doing light exercises, specifically those where your heart rate does not increase rapidly.
On a normal day, exercise for about 30 minutes. Exercising 3 to 5 times a week is quite enough.
Refrain from any kind of physical exercise in case your pregnancy has any complications.
A test termed as 'talk test' assures whether your exercise is normal or intensified. While exercising, if you cannot make normal conversation and you breathe too heavily, exercising is not a good option as it could be quite intense for you. Take this test and make sure that you exercise normally and in a less intense way.
Women who have a history of heart disease, asthma or even diabetes, should consider exercise only after consultation with the doctor, as there could be complications that arise.
Exercises You Can Do in the Second Trimester
Pregnancy workouts in the second trimester that are normal and considered safe include:
1. Walking
Walking is the simplest of exercises that can be done on a daily basis for about 30 to 40 minutes. Walking ensures that your body is not sedentary and also keeps your heart healthy. Keep moving your arms too while walking. Do not walk in a brisk manner as this may lead to more exertion than required.
2. Slow Jogging
Jogging is another good exercising option that will help you keep fit. Jogging should be preferred only on flat surfaces as you easily maintain a pace on it without getting tired. In case you feel tired while jogging, do not continue; sit immediately and relax for a while. You can also prefer running on a treadmill, but with controlled speed.
3. Yoga
Yoga is the safest of all exercises, as it helps you stay fit and also helps to better your mood. In case you are a pro at practising yoga, continue the way you are doing now, but avoid positions that could hurt you in any way. Practice more of breathing exercises and other simpler movements or poses that can be easily carried off.
If you are new to yoga and have not been practising it before, consider getting some guidance through video lessons, or join yoga classes.
4. Stationary Cycling
Exercising on a stationary bike is the best option to improve muscle strength, and move from place to place while exercising too. When you are in your second trimester, your belly starts growing and this is the time you actually shouldn't put a lot of stress on your abdomen. Sitting on an exercise bike and cycling may prove to be the best exercising option for you during this period.
5. Swimming
Swimming is another great option for women in their pregnancy. Swimming in the pool would help you relax and get all the me-time you need. You can also consider practising some swimming exercises in which no exertion on the abdomen is involved. Swimming for about 30 minutes is generally recommended for women in second-trimester pregnancy.
6. Squats
Stretch your feet wide apart while standing. Extend your arms in front of your eyes at your shoulder level. Squat down, i.e. move your bottom in the downward direction, keeping your feet upright in one position. Try to stay in that bent position for about 3-4 seconds and then lift up. Repeat the exercise and remember to not bend completely and keep your knees in place. Also, breathe out when you bend down and breathe in when you lift up.
7. One Arm Row
Place your right knee on a chair and keep your other foot on the floor itself. Bend down towards the chair and keep your right hand on the chair’s seat. Now, with the other hand, pick up weights according to your capacity and start lifting it up and down. Do it for about 15 minutes, then repeat the exercise after changing sides. Remember not to lift extremely heavy weights as this may lead to exerting more than required.
The above mentioned prenatal exercises for second-trimester pregnancy are considered safe. Always remember to check with your doctor and let them know about your exercises, and keep in mind to not exert yourself.
Also Read: Exercises to Avoid During Pregnancy Read more
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Is Using Birth Control during Breastfeeding Safe?
Your baby has finally made his entry into this world and you cannot be happier. Your baby will be your centre of attraction but after those few initial weeks of delivery, when things will settle into a routine it is natural for you and your partner to want to make love. However, there is a fear of getting pregnant again. But would birth control be a good option, especially now that you’re breastfeeding? This is what you’re going to find out!
Can Breastfeeding Work as a Contraceptive?
There are many who say that breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy, however, some say this is a myth. So, what is the truth? Prolactin is a hormone that interferes with ovulation. When you’re pregnant, this hormone spikes up and prevents multiple pregnancies from taking place within nine months. When your baby starts sucking on your breast, prolactin is once again produced by your body. This way, your body produces its own natural contraceptive. But there is a catch! This technique, known as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method, is effective if these criteria are met:
You are breastfeeding your baby.
You have not experienced any menstrual bleeding during this time.
Your baby is not consuming any other food, meaning that the volume of breastfeeding is not affected.
Your infant is less than six months.
If the above-mentioned points are fulfilled, then this is a good option. Numerous studies have confirmed that more than 98 percent of women who use this technique will not get pregnant.
What are the Safe Birth Control Methods While Breastfeeding?
What is the best birth control while breastfeeding? This is a question that must be heavily weighing on your mind. Below are some types of birth control for breastfeeding mothers that are relatively safe.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
This form of birth control does not introduce any hormones into the bloodstream and thus, cannot affect breastfeeding:
Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
Usually made of copper, this device is fitted by a doctor, nurse or trained medical professional into the uterus. Unlike hormonal IUD’s which release progesterone, copper is released into the womb which affects the sperm’s ability to reach the egg. While there is a small chance of infection, when inserted correctly, it can prevent pregnancy for close to ten years. It has an advantage to its hormonal counterpart as it does not have any side effects such as dizziness and nausea. However, it can cause some issues like painful sex, backache, and anaemia.
Sterilisation
This is a permanent form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. The male form of sterilisation is known as vasectomy which has a failure rate of less than 0.15 percent. It involves the litigation of the vas deferens which prevents the sperm from reaching the urethra. For women, tubal litigation is performed where the fallopian tube is cut or tied to prevent the eggs from reaching the womb. The failure rate is 2/100 and recovery period is usually less than a week.
Condoms
One of the most popular types of contraceptives, they are readily available and cost-effective. They are effective 98 percent of the time and are available for both men and women. Male condoms are a thin latex rubber and prevent the sperm from physically entering the vagina. It is important to note that their effectiveness is guaranteed only when used correctly. Performing sex with broken condoms, slipping off the condom in the middle of intercourse and using old condoms reduce its ability to stop a pregnancy. One of the biggest advantages of a condom is that it prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control methods to prevent pregnancy do not affect breastfeeding in any way:
Injection
The hormone progestin is given in the form of injection once in three months. It interferes with ovulation by not letting the ovaries release the eggs which mean pregnancy cannot take place. In addition, it also prevents the sperm from reaching the egg as it thickens the cervical mucus. An example of an injectable includes Depo-Provera.
Morning After Pill
This is emergency contraception while breastfeeding which helps delay ovulation or prevents fertilisation from taking place. It contains levonorgestrel, which is a hormone that has a similar effect to that of progesterone. This is taken if you have unprotected sex with your partner and can be consumed afterwards.
Hormonal Intrauterine Device
This is a plastic device which contains the progestin hormone and is placed in the uterus. It makes changes to the uterine lining making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. The device works by consistently releasing small amounts of the hormone and can prevent pregnancies for three to five years.
Vaginal Ring
This is a device that is placed inside the vagina and has a lifespan of roughly three weeks. This can be easily fitted inside manually and slowly releases hormones that prevent sperms from reaching the egg. In addition, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. An example of a vaginal ring includes NuvaRing.
Natural Birth Control
Some natural birth control methods include the following:
Abstinence
This is the act of voluntarily forgoing sexual activity with your partner. As no sexual activity takes place, there is no chance of pregnancy taking place and does not negatively affect you or the baby. However, this form of contraception is something that must be agreed to by both participants as otherwise, it can lead to resentment.
Withdrawal
This form of birth control is when the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. While this can increase the level of pleasure experienced, it does hold some interesting challenges. Firstly, the pressure is all on the man to withdraw at the right time which means intercourse will have to be done based on his terms. Secondly, it requires a great deal of concentration and self-control for this method to be performed correctly. However, there is a matter of debate on pre-ejaculation fluid. While studies have shown that this contains only dead sperm or none at all, pregnancy through this cannot be ruled out.
Effects of Contraceptives on Milk Production
Does birth control affect breastfeeding? This is a question on minds of most new moms, if not, even yours. While natural birth control methods and non-hormonal methods cannot affect milk production, the story is different for hormonal birth control options. This is because birth control pills contain oestrogen, progesterone or a combination of both. Oestrogen based methods are known to severely affect milk production and must be avoided. Progesterone based methods generally do not affect milk production. Those which have a combination of both should only be used once the baby is more than six months of age and is not entirely dependent on breastmilk.
Side Effects of Birth Control on a Baby
Women who use birth control may themselves feel some side effects from a hormonal birth control methods, like tender breasts and nausea. However, no study has shown that taking birth control while breastfeeding is likely to cause any issues for the baby.
So, while breastfeeding is one option of birth control, there are numerous other out there as well. As long as you don’t use oestrogen-based hormone pills, you’re good to go!
Also Read: Failure Rates of Birth Control Methods Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
42 mins ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
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