The Blog of Boston Children's Museum
When tragic events happen across the world or in our local communities, it can be difficult for us all to find ways of understanding and coping. Young children need support from the adults in their lives as they try to make sense of what they are hearing, seeing, and experiencing.
On October 18th, Boston Children’s Museum welcomed Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD, MPH to host a discussion at its 108th annual meeting on a topic that has been on the minds of parents and caregivers for over 18 months now: How can I support the mental health of my child amidst the many challenges and disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic?
The ongoing pandemic has prevented many children from learning and playing face-to-face with their peers, leading to a big increase in screen time. Most classes and activities have transitioned to an online format—no avoiding screens there—but there are still SO many screen-free ways kids can play and learn at home. In celebration of #NationalUnpluggingDay, here are some fun, screen-free activities to help engage your child in in-person playtime!
The violent assault on our nation’s capital on January 6th has shocked and angered us and has left us with so many questions. In times like these, young children look to us for guidance and to help them understand such troubling events. It can be daunting to talk with your young children about civil unrest, racial injustice, and violence, but you don’t have to go it alone.
2020 was…a lot. Thankfully, some good did come out of all the chaos. Our staff shifted gears to help kids and families stay engaged, playing, and learning at home, creating dozens of video activities (all accessible on our YouTube channel!) Here is a countdown of the TOP 10 activities of 2020—we hope you’ll give them a try! There is much more to come in 2021.
Guest blog by Sonya Kurzweil, Ph.D | sonya@skdc.org
Today’s parents recognize that childhood is an emotionally sensitive time. And they are very stressed by how to explain to kids what is going on now and what needs to be done. Here are some ideas on how to explain to kids what is going on and what they need to know about social distancing, as well as how to keep your family healthy and connected.
I was so pleased to sit down with Sherry Turkle’s thought-provoking new book, “Reclaiming Conversation.” Through her research, Turkle, an author, professor, and member of Boston Children’s Museum’s advisory board, explores in the book how quick “sips” of conversation— texts, emails, Tweets, posts, etc.—are replacing meaningful conversations, and the negative effects of this shift are becoming more and more evident. I was particularly struck by the consequences the decline in conversation is having on children.
I am absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of the new, completely redesigned PlaySpace, Boston Children’s Museum long-beloved exhibit space for 0-3-year-olds. After extensive research on early childhood development, input from early learning specialists, observations on how kids play, conversations with visitors, design, and construction, it is finally here!
The Power of Play 