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Let them explore and get into things. I don't think a little tv is a bad thing but kids aren't learning anything from it.

I think the setting of the story also comes into play when we want to deal with the playing ground. Perhaps Toni was in a place where there were no electronics.

When I was growing up there wasn't so much gadgets and electronics, out door was inevitable. These days kids stay on their electronics more. I dare say they're missing a lot especially in human relationships.

I do love that the author took outdoor activities into perspective in the book. It could help kids to learn other ways of having fun.

The thing about modern electronics is that they encourage a "spectator type" of attitude. Nowadays a person can scroll through tons of posts about workouts and diets but still order takeouts the next day. So, children can read such a book and still choose to watch TV instead of playing outside, more so if they read this book as an ebook or pdf. Again, like most of the other posts have said, the responsibility falls back on parents to see to it that their children are physically active.

I honestly feel kids spend too much time on electronics. Maybe this is the author's way of encouraging them to spend more time outside.

I think young children still love to play outside. As they get older, they seem to become more interested in video games or social media. I think the problem is that too many parents sit their kids in front of a tv or just give them their phone to play with instead of actually interacting with them. I think most children's books do promote playing outside over watching tv, and this may inspire them somewhat, but it's still the role of the parent to allow and enforce that. This book had indoor and outdoor actions. A book that takes place all outside- perhaps a camping trip- would inspire more imagination about playing outside and maybe the child would request to do something like that. Children should learn about electronics because that is the future. This should be done responsibly though. For example, some countries actually teach coding and programming in schools as early as elementary school.

Yes, Toni encourages children to read more books and play the traditional toys. Nowadays, children play everything by phone and it saddens me. It is extremely hazardous for their social, mental, emotional, and physical health. This is why depression is on the rise because children tend to seek consolation in gadgets and forget the importance of human interaction.

briellejee wrote: ↑14 Jul 2018, 22:47 Yes, Toni encourages children to read more books and play the traditional toys. Nowadays, children play everything by phone and it saddens me. It is extremely hazardous for their social, mental, emotional, and physical health. This is why depression is on the rise because children tend to seek consolation in gadgets and forget the importance of human interaction.

Even when interacting with others online, there is still something lacking. It isn't the same as spending time face to face. And unfortunately, people spend too much time on social media comparing what they see of others' lives to their own. And when teens see their friends doing activities, they may feel they were left out or their life isn't as good. It can lead to a lot of self-esteem issues and depression. You don't get as much of that nonsense on the playground.

I also believe that children should have more time for physical play with live playmates. The physical exertions will make them physically stronger, and the social interactions will make them emotionally healthier.

I read somewhere that a person needs at least eight hugs a day to keep healthy. Everybody needs to be touched in the right way.

Yes! I definitely think that children these days spend too much time using electronics!! It's so good to see the book promoting doing outside activities and spending time with friends instead!

I would totally agree with the fact that children these days are spending a lot of time in electronics rather than spending time outside. It is not healthy at all. It's nice to see that this book encourages children to get out of the house and spend time with friends and outdoor games.

kfwilson6 wrote: ↑14 Jul 2018, 22:57

briellejee wrote: ↑14 Jul 2018, 22:47 Yes, Toni encourages children to read more books and play the traditional toys. Nowadays, children play everything by phone and it saddens me. It is extremely hazardous for their social, mental, emotional, and physical health. This is why depression is on the rise because children tend to seek consolation in gadgets and forget the importance of human interaction.

Even when interacting with others online, there is still something lacking. It isn't the same as spending time face to face. And unfortunately, people spend too much time on social media comparing what they see of others' lives to their own. And when teens see their friends doing activities, they may feel they were left out or their life isn't as good. It can lead to a lot of self-esteem issues and depression. You don't get as much of that nonsense on the playground.

I strongly agree with this. Even I, as an adult, felt that way when i browsed through my social media. Also, I was in the park one afternoon, walking our dog, when I see these two kids, aged 6-7, holding up their phones and take selfies and photographed the flowers. I heard one of them said, "it's for facebook, so people will like it." It was sad that at this age, kids already seek approval based on likes. Then minutes later, two different kids, same age, were running and playing tag. I smiled at them, really happy that at least some know the value of youth. I wish parents would stop shoving gadgets into their kid's faces when they seek attention from them. I'm afraid for these kids to grow up hating themselves for not having the same life as others they see on social media.

Absolutely! Screen time is now proven to new addictive and is rewiring our brains. Anything to encourage outdoor time should be encouraged, whether sport or even old-fashioned socialising...without phones!

I don't have any children, but would children really be interested in reading books about other children sitting inside and playing video games? I would think it would be much more interesting to read stories about people doing things outside, whether it is adventures in a backyard, playing in the ocean, or climbing a mountain.