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skep/dad’s “free time” the first

…because free time is quite rare when you’re a dad.

I have gaps in my attendance here. And the fact that this is a parenting blog, such a statement should be fairly self explanatory. I’m a busy guy. I’m in demand (or so I’m told.) And I’ve got a little girl who yearns for my undivided attention. So here are some “free time” moments that I don’t have the “free time” (except on a lunch break) to flesh out much further at the moment.

And speaking of “moments”… we were watching the news the other day and an advertisement for a new (gasp) Baby Einstein DVD was suddenly on the screen. The girl (who was laying on the floor distracted by her toys) was drawn immediately to the screen. I saw it: it was as if in slow motion, her whole head swiveled towards the television. I don’t deny that kids find these things absolutely fascinating. I do deeply, skeptically, question their educational value.

And speaking of “educational value”… I’ve been reading a great book by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek PH.D. (et al) called Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn-Why They Need to Play More after I ordered it from Amazon a few weeks back. The gist is that kids need unstructured time and that parents are deluding themselves if they thing that they can artificially promote intelligence through so-called educational products. It’s a solid work and backed up by loads of research. I’ll review it more thoroughly when I’m through.

And speaking of “play”… I’m still struggling with the world of independent play and avoiding the swoop — as in dropping from the sky for the save as the girl struggles, reaches, pangs, pulls, aches, and screams to get a toy just inches from the tips of her fingers. I lamented on this earlier, but lamenting didn’t make it easier.

And speaking of “swooping”… I’ve been busy honing up on the myths of air-travel with children as we prepare to take our first mini family vacation in the coming few days. The well-known urban legend of a “screaming kid on the plane” is about to be put the test by your’s truly as we jaunt out to the west coast for a long weekend experimental excursion. If anyone has any advice — or just wants us to test a safe and practical theory — comment below.

And speaking of “advice”… I’m still looking for people to fill in the Gaming and Critical Thought Survey that I published in a post a few weeks back. Yes, I did get some responses. And yes, I will be following up on that more later. If anyone has any thoughts on promotion, please let me know in the comments. It’s not the most scientific analysis, I admit, but I’m going for a general “feel” of my audience.

And speaking of “scientific”… I was digging through the discount bin at the bookstore (it’s not actually a bin) and found a very tasty morsel of a science book for kids called something like (and I don’t have it in front of me so I’m going from memory) “730 Easy Science Experiments With Everyday Materials”, a thick, illustrated, and inviting collection of household observations and Saturday afternoon activities that emphasize science and critical thought. The explanations are a little vague, but as an engagement tool, wow! And it was only ten bucks!

And speaking of “wow”… my lunch break is over. Already.

The skep/dad blog is meant to casually reflect on questions surrounding parenting and raising kids to become critical thinkers by asking questions and examining parenting ideas with a skeptical eye for facts and science. Each article is one dad's personal opinion, backed where relevant by literature and published research. skep/dad welcomes balanced discussion, comments, and ideas.

March 6, 2008 by Brad
Filed as: Skepdad thoughts

Popularity: 20%

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