Dr. David Walsh

In the deep days of summer here in Minnesota, I am going to put in my plug for giving our kids more play time. Hopefully, the summer months have been host to numerous outdoor adventures, neighborhood games, and expeditions into imaginary lands for kids. As we start thinking about going back to school next month, lets not forget the importance of these diverse summer playgrounds.

Far from simply giving kids time to ‘let loose’ during vacation, it turns out play is serious business for children. Recent studies have shown that kids who get activity breaks at school and free time in their day to play and exercise actually do better in school. Besides giving kids time to practice social skills with their peers, active exercise actually increases brain growth and development.  Exercise releases brain chemicals in key learning and memory centers of the brain which stimulate the growth of neural networks.  At a time when we are asking our kids to perform at peak levels in their school work, we should be giving them all the tools and support to help them succeed – exercise is key.

Play and exercise are of course also key to fighting our current epidemic of overweight and obesity.  Helping kids build stronger, more active and fit bodies will only help them succeed at school.  I am heartened by the fact that I am seeing more and more families out exercising together.  Last night on a bike ride, our local bike path was as crowded as a freeway and many of the bikers were families out for a ride together and getting some good exercise to boot.   Even as simple an exercise as walking is healthy for kids.  But nothing beats kids just being able to play.  So as your kids return to school don’t forget to keep visiting your backyard, playground, local gym, or open space – get your kids off the couch, away from the video screens and outside to move and play all year round.

What’s your kids’ favorite playtime activity?

Everywhere I travel around the country lately, parents and teachers are asking the same question – how does a steady barrage of digital entertainment impact children’s ability to focus and pay attention? While attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appears to be largely rooted in genetics, our ability to pay attention is shaped by experience.

I co-authored a study published in Pediatrics this past Monday that adds to a growing list of studies and reports showing that kids with a heavy diet of media and technology start to develop shorter attention spans. This makes sense in terms of what we know about the brain. One of the basic principles of brain development, “the neurons that fire together wire together,” simply means that whatever we do a lot of, we get better at. So for kids who are getting plenty of practice shifting attention, what they get “good at” is distraction.

Media and technology are an exciting part of our 21^st century lives. The problem arises when media use crowds out other activities. Young people need to develop focused attention to do well in school and life.  Focused attention enables us to do abstract and critical thinking, integrating new information, and–old fashioned but important–reflection. Wiring a generation of young brains for constant entertainment robs them of the opportunity to develop focused attention – a skill they will need for the rest of their lives.

Try these mind positive tips:

1. Enjoy screen media but set and enforce rules about when, where, how much.
2. Choose slower paced, educational and non-violent media for your kids.
3. Have technology free family meals.
4. Create technology curfews – young brains need a break from technology at night.
5. Remember that our brains are built for one thing at a time – limit multi-tasking during homework.

Thanks,

Prom has always been a much anticipated right of passage for high school students. Unfortunately, at too many schools, this right of passage is becoming less about the event itself and more about the partying before and afterward. As a result, prom season is generating growing concern for school administrators and parents alike. For starters, the number of teens killed in car crashes during prom season is higher than any other time of the year. For students attending a local high school in my area, the Monday after prom is an official release day, giving students time to recover from what they call “hangover weekend.”

As the stakes get higher, more and more high school administrators are realizing that they are playing russian roulette when it comes to prom. In response to growing concern that prom nights are becoming dangerously risky for teens, one New York high school moved it to the middle of the week coupled with mandatory attendance the following day. Though likely unpopular with many teens, these measures reflect the importance of rethinking prom policies to ensure that prom is a positive night to remember.

Check out this video for Good Morning America’s story on prom season and teen drinking.

Most importantly, connect with your kids around this issue. Here are five tips for talking to your teens about drinking and drugs on prom night:

1. Set your expectations about drinking early. The number one deterrent for teen drinking is parental limits – make sure your kids know where you stand.

2. Ask your teens about their plans before and after prom. Ask where they are going and who they will be hanging out with. Be in touch with other parents about their plans.

3. Remember that teenagers’ prefrontal cortexes are still under construction, and that, drop for drop, alcohol does more damage to a growing brain than a developed one. Share this with your teen, even if there is eye rolling.

4. Consider hosting your teen and his or her friends at your house post-prom. Promise to be out of their hair, but not out of the house.

5. Make sure your kids know that they can call you on prom night, NO MATTER WHAT.

As many of you know, we closed the doors to the National Institute on Media and the Family on December 31, 2009. The process of winding down the Institute’s work was emotional, gratifying, and humbling.

My wife, Monica, and I hosted a final gathering in our home a few weeks before the Institute officially closed its doors. The gathering provided a nice opportunity for all of us who played a role in the Institute to reflect on our work, the relationships we’ve built, and the various ways all members of our staff want to continue to positively impact the lives of children and families. The afternoon was full of delicious food, storytelling, and plenty of laughter. At one point, Monica shared something that I think rang very true for each one of us.

“Very few people are honored with the opportunity to engage in work that not only helps them make a living, but aligns with their values. Through the Institute, we’ve each been given this opportunity – to do work that we believe in, and work that makes a difference in the lives of others. I want each of you to know that for Dave and me, this has been a true joy.”

As I think about the “next chapter” of my own work, I remain very cognizant of Monica’s words. In 2010, the Institute’s programs will be transferred to Search Institute where they will no doubt flourish. In collaboration with Monica, and my daughter, Erin, I will be launching a new Web site in the next few months and will continue to speak throughout the country on issues related to 21st century parenting. As we navigate these transitions, I will use Monica’s words as guideposts for our ongoing work together – does our work continue to align with our values? Does it positively impact those around us?  We are committed to answering those questions affirmatively and look forward to this next chapter of our work with you.

Sincerely,

David Walsh, Ph.D.