Why Avoiding Electronic Devices Before and After Therapy is Important

In today’s world, electronic devices like tablets and smartphones are a big part of children’s lives. While they can offer entertainment and education, using these devices before or after therapy sessions can hinder your child’s progress. Let’s dive into five reasons why avoiding screens is beneficial and five screen-free alternatives to help your child thrive.

5 Reasons to Avoid Electronic Devices Before and After Therapy

1. Increased Anxiety and Resistance: Taking away a device before therapy can interrupt a highly preferred activity, creating frustration and making it harder for your child to transition into therapy.

2. Decreased Focus and Engagement: Screens can overstimulate the brain, making it harder for children to focus on therapy tasks. This overstimulation can linger, reducing their ability to participate in the session fully.

3. Rushed Participation: Promising a device immediately after therapy can make children rush through the session, eager to finish quickly and get the device sooner. This minimizes the quality of their effort.

4. Interrupted Skill Consolidation: After therapy, the brain needs time to process and integrate the skills practiced. Introducing a screen right away interrupts this crucial “learning window.”

5. Dependency on Devices as Rewards: Frequent use of devices as a motivator can create an over-reliance on screens, making it harder for children to engage in other meaningful activities or develop self-regulation skills.

   
   

5 Alternatives to Screens

1. Calming Activities Before Therapy: Help your child transition smoothly into therapy by engaging in a calming activity, such as reading a book, solving a puzzle, or coloring. These activities prepare their brain to focus.

2. Reflective Conversations After Therapy: Spend a few minutes talking about what your child worked on in the session. Ask questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “What did you learn today?” This reinforces their learning and helps them feel proud of their progress.

3. Skill Practice Through Play: Practice therapy skills in a playful way, like using toys, games, or pretend play. For example, if your child is working on language skills, try naming items during a scavenger hunt or describing objects together.

4. Outdoor Activities: Encourage physical activity by playing outside, going for a walk, or riding a bike before or after therapy. Physical movement can help regulate emotions and solidify learning.

5. Creative Projects: Foster creativity with art, crafts, or building activities. These can be relaxing and provide an opportunity to practice fine motor or problem-solving skills, language concepts,social skills among others.

   
   

Your Role in Your Child’s Success

Therapy is most effective when children feel calm, engaged, and supported. By avoiding screens and introducing enriching, screen-free alternatives, you create an environment that helps your child fully benefit from their therapy sessions.

Additional Resources for Families

• Books: 

  • “Glow Kids” by Nicholas Kardaras explores the effects of screen time on children and strategies to set healthy boundaries.

  • “Reset Your Child’s Brain” by Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley offers valuable insights into managing screen time and its effects on child development.

• Websites: 

  • Check out tips for managing screen time from Common Sense Media: commonsensemedia.org.

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidelines on appropriate screen time for children: AAP Screen Time Recommendations.

• Activity Ideas:

  • Visit The Genius of Play for creative, screen-free play ideas for kids of all ages.

  • Try screen-free family activities from organizations like The Screen-Free Week Campaign.

  
  

Remember: Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in your child’s therapy progress. By avoiding electronic devices and creating enriching alternatives, you’re empowering your child to engage, learn, and grow.

For more tips and strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to your therapy team. Together, we can help your child thrive!

Until next time!

Your Friendly Local Speech Therapist,

Irene Gutiérrez

Bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist

Founder Brainstorm Speech Therapy