Winter holiday can so easily turn into a time for our kids to watch more TV and play more video games. After all, we are busy getting ready for the holidays and it is so convenient to let them do what they seem to like best. But TV and video games are not what it is best for them. When kids spend too much time with electronic media their social development suffers. Children with ASD find electronic media particularly attractive. TV and video games are a chance for them to excel. But if used too much, electronic media will get in the way of our children developing competence in real-world activities.
Of course, in order for them to unplug, we have to turn away from our own electronic devices and give attention to our children. So here is my personal ode to an unplugged Christmas. Feel free to comment, add your own verse, or sing along!
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Raj hasn’t slipped off to play games on the iPad
Papa’s not responding to every ping from his iPhone
I won’t even think of updating my blog
As we gather to light the Yule log
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Cousins look lovely detached from their iPods
Tonight there will be no chatting on Facebook
Grandpa has agreed not to watch “Dancing with the Stars”
As I strum my acoustic guitar
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Raj hasn’t slipped off to play games on the iPad
Papa’s not responding to every ping from his iPhone
I won’t even think of updating my blog
As we gather to light the Yule log
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Cousins look lovely detached from their iPods
Tonight there will be no chatting on Facebook
Grandpa has agreed not to watch “Dancing with the Stars”
As I strum my acoustic guitar