It is so tempting to give your restless or angry toddler your phone to calm him. We understand! But recent research indicates that doing so may make matters worse. Looking at toddlers, ages 3 to 5 years, researchers found increased emotional outbursts and poorer self-control in children whose parents commonly used cell phones to distract or calm them. It makes sense: Cell phone distracting robs your child of opportunities to learn emotional regulation and patience.
The take-home message: Parents, keep your phone out of sight (in your purse or pocket) and don’t give in to the easy fix. Help your toddler learn self-control with creative alternatives, like coloring books, cars, dolls, and books to read.
Read more about it on page 52 of Dr. Trumbull’s book, Loving by Leading.
The research: https://t.ly/oNzYb