behaviour

How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

Jj is for Jottings 154.  How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

In this article we will cover some of the latest research on how smartphones affect the brain.  We have previously discussed  the effects of screen time on children.  Amongst other aspects, this included language delay in children exposed to screens at an early age.  We have also discussed the effects of digital distraction, which relates to a range of technological devices.  Here we will look into the specific effects on the brain of smartphones, rather than screens in general. Continue reading →

The Effects of Watching Violence.

Jj is for Jottings 152.  The Effects of Watching Violence.

Did you know that the effects of watching violence are different from the effects of simply reading about violence?  Researchers consistently find that, the more often you watch disturbing scenes, the more anxious you become.  This can result in forming long-term traumatic memories.  Your brain is unable to distinguish between reality and fiction when viewing violence on screen.  Continue reading →

Neuroplasticity, Power and Children.

Jj is for Jottings 124.  Neuroplasticity, Power and Children.

This article follows on from the previous article on neuroplasticity and power.  However, I just want to mention a couple more points before moving on to the subject of neuroplasticity, power and children.  These points include people’s differing needs for power, and avoiding the negative effects of power. Continue reading →

Neuroplasticity and Power.

Jj is for Jottings 123.  Neuroplasticity and Power.

The topic of neuroplasticity and power is related to this article which defines neuroplasticity and this article on neuroplasticity and complaining.  Every experience we have and every thought we think affects the way our brain develops and changes.  In turn, this affects our physiology and psychology.  The interplay between neuroplasticity and power has consequences in all aspects of life, from the playground bully to leaders in business and beyond.

Photo of kitten with ball of paper in her mouth and the caption: Neuroplasticity and Power. Shanti says, "I have such power over this paper. Will neuroplasticity mean I will turn into a lion?"

Neuroplasticity and Power. Shanti says, “I have such power over this paper. Does neuroplasticity mean I will turn into a lion?”

Continue reading →

Neuroplasticity and Complaining.

Jj is for Jottings 113.  Neuroplasticity and Complaining.

 

Following on from the previous article on neuroplasticity, we will now be more specific – how complaining rewires the brain for negativity.  Research shows that most people complain once a minute during a typical conversation.   Although complaining might feel good, but just like smoking or eating a whole box of chocolates in one sitting, it doesn’t do you any good. Continue reading →

What is Neuroplasticity?

Jj is for Jottings 112.  What is Neuroplasticity?

Just what is neuroplasticity?  It is the term which describes a sequence of processes that take place in your brain in response to incoming stimuli. In other words, your emotions, behaviours, experiences and thoughts physically change the way your brain functions.

Picture of a cat balancing on a clothesline with the caption: "What is neuroplasticity? I think it is - if I keep practising balancing, I'll get better at it."

“What is neuroplasticity? I think it is – if I keep practising balancing, I’ll get better at it.”

Continue reading →

Personality Type in Addition to Intelligence.

Jj is for Jottings 110.  Personality Type in Addition to Intelligence.

Intelligence isn’t the only factor when considering how people operate.  We need to consider personality type in addition to intelligence.

In the previous post, we discussed the 8 types of intelligence, which is a broader view of intelligence than is tested by conventional IQ tests.  This helps us to see ourselves, our children and other people in a more understanding light.  If you are strong in one particular area, it can be difficult to understand why others don’t “get” what is obvious to you.  But knowing that there several types of intelligence allows us to be more accepting of differences between people.  And the person who doesn’t cotton on to this apparently obvious thing?  They may be thinking the same thing about us in a different area of intelligence.  Quite humbling, really. Continue reading →

Parents’ Screen Time.

Jj is for Jottings 91.  Parents’ Screen Time.

This follows on from the effects of screen time on children.  Before we go into the topic of how to limit our children’s screen time, we need to look to parents’ screen time.

Picture of a man holding out his hand to a baby alpaca, with the caption: No parents' screen time here. This "parent" has his full attention on the "child", complete with eye contact. Good parenting skills, David.

No parents’ screen time here. This “parent” has his full attention on the “child”, complete with eye contact. Good parenting skills, David.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS’ SCREEN TIME AND CHILDREN’S SCREEN TIME.

Studies from the University of Bristol show that the amount of time a child spends on a screen is closely associated with their parents’ own habits.  They found that children were 3.4 times more likely to spend more than 2 hours a day watching television if their parents did the same.  This is when compared with children whose parents watched less TV.  The statistic carries over into other screen types as well. Continue reading →

Fluctuating Hearing Loss

Jj is for Jottings 87.  Fluctuating Hearing Loss.

Fluctuating hearing loss in young children often results in speech and language delays.  (For an explanation of the differences between ‘speech’ and ‘language’ see here.)  Figures quoted by the Audiometry Nurses Association of Australia Inc suggest that 90% of childhood hearing loss is of the fluctuating kind.  For figures for Australian 4-5 year olds having a speech problem from any cause see here. Continue reading →

Raising a Reader Part 1: The Baby.

Jj is for Jottings 61.  Raising a Reader Part 1: The Baby.

There are various things parents can do to maximise their child’s chances of becoming a reader (i.e. someone who is proficient at reading, reads for pleasure and has no difficulty in using reading for information-seeking and the school curriculum.)  We can divide this topic into 4 stages: Baby, Toddler, Emergent Readers and Early Readers.  Question: What stage comes before the Baby stage?  Continue reading →