Put down the phone and make time for your kids
IT IS not surprising that children have fallen behind by the age of four, so that when they go to nursery, they are not able to speak properly, dress themselves or use the toilet (Mail). Their parents are so busy checking their mobiles that they forget to spend time with their youngsters. On the school run, I often see children walking more or less on their own because Mum is on her phone. Potty training takes time and patience. Again, these days mums are too busy staying on top of their social media to spend that time with their toddlers. No wonder children have tantrums in the supermarket — they are not getting any attention. When my children, Eve and Luke, were young, I took them with me to Sainsbury’s, sat them in a trolley and chatted non-stop to them. Together, we would look for the items on my shopping list. They learned new words by me pointing out various goods in the shop. I spent hours drawing and colouring with them and read to them every night before they went to sleep. They enjoyed reading and left school with fantastic grades. It is a real shame that children are put in front of the TV to keep them quiet. quiet Unless parents make time for them, their children won’t be able to develop and reach their milestones before they go to school.
LUCIENNE CHARNLEY, Luton, Beds. I KNOW what nurseries are for: a safe, caring environment where warmth and love is plentiful, there is fun and games, with storytelling and a nap. And what are parents for? It appears that many have relinquished what I thought was their priority: responsibility for their children.
DEIRDRE LEWIS, London W11.