Key points A 2021 study found screen time increased by 4.8 hour per day for kids during the initial COVID-19 lockdown; now, 37% continue at the same level. While the concept of “screen addiction” is debated, researchers are increasingly aware that technology is designed to keep users coming back. Too much screen…

Key points We protect kids from strangers, always know their whereabouts, and spend hours watching them play sports, but don’t monitor screen time. We complain that our kids don’t pay attention to us, but they see us check text messages, binge-watch Netflix, and haunt social media. A healthy “Play Diet” requires parents…

Key points Distance learning is often a poor substitute for the classroom, especially for younger kids and those with ADHD or learning differences. Executive functioning skills such as the ability to manage time, prioritize, plan, and follow directions are crucial for remote learning success. Teachers reinforce executive functions via the the physical…

Some kids are born readers, others are not. Those we would describe as “born” readers have an affection for books and the capacity to read early and easily. Most of these kids probably have a brain that has optimal wiring for reading. Kids who are not “born” readers may find…

Psychological evaluations and testing are a structured, formalized method of understanding a wide variety of psychological strengths and weaknesses. Most psychological assessments include the use of psychological tests. Psychological testing may include measures that provide objective information about the person’s cognitive abilities, academic strengths and weaknesses, methods of processing information…

Nowadays, technology is an integral part of children’s lives. However, children’s play proves to be just as important. In fact, children’s play is recognized as one of their most powerful tools for learning. But how do kids play during a pandemic? Play is still important, but it’s different for kids…

Homeschooling and remote learning are on a collision course- or maybe they have already crashed into each other. Traditional homeschoolers report that they choose to homeschool because they feel that they can provide their child with a better education than public or private schools. Some parents choose to homeschool for…

Kids with learning disabilities have often been forgotten in the effort to improve remote learning. I have conducted dozens of interviews with these kids and their families and the stories couldn’t be more different. For some kids with learning disabilities remote learning has been a wonderful experience. Their resource teachers…

Role models for kids are changing. Ask a preteen who their role model is, and you are likely to hear about a celebrity YouTuber whose name you have never heard. The accessibility of screen-based mobile media has created a plethora of role models for 21st-century kids. In the days prior…