Creative Child October 2019 | Page 38

IN SEASON 4. Monitor what your kid is watching. Research has shown that violent content can change kids’ behavior. Some studies have linked  aggressive media to aggressive behavior in children. Viewing content with a child and actively discussing what’s being shown and what the possible meanings are behind the content is one of the best types of monitoring a parent can do. It teaches kids to think critically and monitor themselves. 5. Make sure your kids are getting enough social interaction. More and more kids, especially adolescent, are communicating predominantly through devices. But too much screen time and not enough social interaction rob a child of his ability to understand the emotions of others. Difficulty recognizing other people’s emotions and trouble communicating face-to-face can lead to a child having fewer friends, poor relationships and lower self- esteem. 37