Goldberg: Modern times are tricky when raising kids

Technology has changed, and keeps changing, but no one changed the babies, young children, teens and adults. They all still need the same tender loving care they always did. There is nothing “artificial” about that.

There are five areas of human development that start at birth: Cognitive, motor, social, language and self-esteem. Parents and grandparents intuitively know exactly how to foster these in their children and are fantastic at it. Then what is the problem? Modern times. It has wreaked havoc by creating barriers that keep interfering with the basics. Look around and you will see these impediments in action.

1. Cognitive: Learning about the world. Hands-on interaction is needed, not being glued to the handy small screen often doing the same thing over and over.
2. Motor: Gross and fine motor moving. Multiple places for moving are needed, not staying for long periods in the confines of infant seats and strollers.
3. Social: Talking, holding and hugging. Frequent opportunities to read, sing and talk are needed, not being overly sedentary watching a big screen.
4. Language: Listening and speaking. These relationship-building tools are needed, not to be blocked by the overuse of swings and pacifiers.
5. Self-esteem: Believing in yourself. Responsibilities are needed.

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