The INDEX magazine october 2011
Kids’
INDEX parenting corner
Sophie Astin on imaginative technology,
coping with mud – and where to find the best clothes for image- savvy children
WHEN I was growing up, there was one TV set in the house (with three channels – gasp), no computer, games console or mobile phone... like most kids of my generation, we just played, mainly outside, for hours on end, building camps, playing families or schools or
doctors, riding our bikes, rollerskates, falling over and getting on with it. But things have changed and we have to be realistic and embrace
technology – not only is it here to stay, but used correctly, it has a lot of very positive effects. The key challenge for most parents is how best to find the balance, and those who are worried about their children’s usage of technology should rest assured that there are sympathetic developers out there who are keen to include some, or all, of the five basic types of play within their software products: Active, Make-Believe, Manipulative,
Make time for mud If your child isn’t remotely interested in techie stuff, and dirt is more their thing, you’ll be glad to know that dirt really is good for both body and soul. Some types of bacteria naturally found in soil activate the neurons that produce serotonin – a key chemical in many bodily functions, as well as a natural anti-depressant. So, not only can dirt actually help make you feel happy it’s also good for the immune system, especially in children. Early exposure to naturally-occurring microbes will help build stronger, more disease-resistant children, and reduce the rates of asthma, eczema, and other diseases that some believe are made worse by over-exposure to super-clean environments.
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Creative, and Learning. There are some fantastic apps (applications for smart phones, tablets or PCs). Here are my top three: Swedish developer, Toca Boca, has created a series of imaginative ‘digital toys’ for kids including Helicopter Taxi,in which you receive calls and pick up passengers by moving the phone around the room. Or set the table and serve your favourite food and drink in Toca Tea Party. Both offer beautiful, original artwork and fun sounds. Other fun options include MyPlayhomea digital dollshouse for the iPad generation – and my three-year old’s current favourite app. It’s a vitual home where your child can use everything – the cupboards, TV and shower. Here, you can fry an egg and feed the family apples or pizza. You can pour drinks, blow bubbles and turn out the lights. Loads of fun and nothing can get
broken or lost! And with the nights drawing in,
Star Walkis a must for any budding astronomer. Winner of several design awards, this amazing app enables users to point their iPhone at the sky and see what stars, constellations, and satellites they’re looking at in real- time. Not only is it visually stunning, it’s educational and lots of fun.
All apps available on iTunes.
Photograph by Amanda Causer
The UK has now adopted the 1950’s Swedish movement of Forest kindergartens and schools; the concept is gaining momentum, with many local education authorities embracing the idea. Rather than spend their days cooped up in
a classroom, children are educated outside, in a woodland environment (or on a beach, or in a field), the emphasis being on play with things that can be found in nature, rather than toys from shops. So, enjoy these last few weeks of autumn and encourage your children to spend as much time outside – exploring nature and studying insects, leaves and flowers. And there’s no need to clean their hands with antibacterial wipes before they eat: old-fashioned soap and water is just fine!
Get close to nature on the family wildlife trail
through Knole Park in Sevenoaks and enjoy the glorious autumn colours. October 26, 27, 28 from 11am-3pm. All tickets are £1.
59
CLOCKS
Don’t forget the clocks go back on 30 October, so it will be getting dark much earlier on Hallowe’en evening. Make sure your children are extra-vigilant when crossing the road, especially if they’re out trick or treating.
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