background noise

today we had a wonderful presentation on the research of tv/video watching on child's brain and language development. One thing that I loved was how the presenter didn't say "kids shouldn't watch TV!" because, duh, that's practically impossible for a parent to prevent unless they don't own a television to begin with. But what was really interesting was the information about what happens when television is on as background noise. There are actual studies that observe kids playing when the tv is on vs. on, while parents are engaged with them with tv on and with tv off, and the ability to filter out language when there is a lot of noise going on (tv on, people talking around them and someone talking to the specific child). Anywho, the presenter has a website that is equally interesting www.lisaguernsey.com

past lives

Julius has always said things that blew my mind. For example, once my mom had commented to him that she had lost her earring and was looking all over the backyard for it. He told her (without even seeing her that whole day) "Mima, it's not outside. It's in your room." Sure enough, that evening, my mom found it lying on her bed. He's always saying things like this. It's really incredible.

This morning was no different:

Today we were sitting on the sofa watching tv while sharing a snack. There was this kids' music video thingy on it about a train in a Japan. I pointed to the screen and said, "That's a country called Japan." Julius turned to me and replied very seriously, "I know that Mommy. I used to live in Japan before you were born." And then he turned back to the television and continued to eat his fruit snack.

Wha----????! LOL

Vote/Boat

Today I went to vote. Julius tagged along and listened as I explained the importance of voting, what happens when we vote, and what it means for people to vote.... he was listening very intently and watched as I voted on the screen in the booth.
As we walked back to the car, Julius asked me, "But, Mommy, where are the boats?"

LOL