search.noResults

search.searching

note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
increased prevalence of attention defi cit disorder to higher rates of depression. Brain imaging studies from institutions such as the medical schools at Indiana University and University of Utah have shown how heavy exposure to digital media has effects on the brain similar to substance addiction, reports Kardaras, affecting areas of the brain linked with functions like impulse control, brain


connectivity and processing speed. In his practice, red fl ags for poten-


tial digital addiction include strong reactions when devices are taken away, disinterest in “offl ine” activities, wors- ening of interpersonal relationships and dropping grades. Modeling good practices is as


important as monitoring kids’ behavior, suggests Cross. In her household, all


electronic tablets and cell phones are kept in a drawer when not in use. “If I have work to do or have to take a phone call, I’ll go to another room, then come back and be present with the kids,” she says. “Quality, face-to- face time is important.”


Connect with freelance writer April Thomp- son, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.


FOUR WAYS TO SET DIGITAL LIMITS


Corinn Cross. HealthyChildren.org/Medi- aUsePlan offers a free interactive online tool to create a personalized family media use plan.


If kids don’t comply with rules, Kathy Marrocco suggests turning the Wi-Fi off at night or taking away devices altogether. But don’t leave a void, cautions Cross. Substit0ute fun, fulfilling activities.


K 1


eeping the family in sync about the amount of digital media use is


challenging. Here are some expert tips on maintaining a healthy balance.


Decide the ground rules. “Determine rules that make sense for


everyone, and it’ll be much easier to get your kids on board, as they won’t see it as arbitrary when you tell them to put their devices away,” advises Pediatrician


2


Be wary of even “good” screen time. Test educational apps before


approving them for kids to ensure their quality and so parents can help reinforce the learning, says Cross. She likes Com- monSenseMedia.org for parental reviews and information to filter media of all kinds, from apps and games to TV shows.


Consider advocating for limiting screen time in local schools. “I asked my boys’


elementary school not to give them portable devices until they were 10,” says Nicholas Kardaras, the father of 9-year-old twins.


3


Watch out for rewards. Some screen time is more mesmerizing


for kids than others, according to Kardaras, who treats such addictions. Most video games are designed on a variable reward schedule, similar to slot machines, which intentionally stimu- lates players to chase future rewards. Consider stricter limits on such media.


4


Play first in the real world. Because it reduces overall exercise,


screen overuse can contribute to obe- sity. Cross recommends prioritizing exer- cising before daily allotted screen time; after being online, it’s more difficult to engage kids in physical activity.


Couldn’t focus. Wouldn’t sit still. Struggled in school.


Aidan’s skills were all below level. After Brain Balance, reading, writing and math are now above where he needs to be. It’s been an amazing transformation. He’s done things everyone said he couldn’t do.”


- DAN G., Brain Balance Parent CALL US


919-851-2333 BrainBalance.com


$50 off our


Comprehensive Assessment *Valid through 12/31/17. Cannot be combined with any other offer. At participating centers.


50 NA Triangle www.natriangle.com


BRAIN BALANCE ADDRESSES: • Academic, Social or Behavioral Issues • Processing Disorders • Lack of Focus • Trouble Making Friends • Tantrums


• Impulsiveness • Learning Disabilities • Sensory Integration • Family/Social Relationships • ADHD


Brain Balance is a non-medical approach combining physical and sensory exercises with academic skill training and healthy nutrition. We identify the issues, then create a plan that addresses your child’s specific needs.


107 Morganford Place, Suite 114 • Cary, NC 27518 1728 Fordham Blvd., Suite 161 • Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Individual results may vary. Our advertising features actual parent testimonials.


Subbotina Anna/Shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56