Newswise — With the holiday shopping season now at its peak, parents, family members and friends are faced with the daunting task of finding the right gifts to create a special and memorable experience for the children in their lives. Media have become increasingly central to the holiday season, not only in driving consumer purchasing through print and broadcast advertising, but also as some of the most popular gifts given—video games, DVDs, MP3 players and cell phones to name a few. So, the Center on Media and Child Health (CMCH) at Children's Hospital Boston is making sure the well-being of children remains foremost in our gifting decisions. "Media powerfully influence all of us, young and old, to want the latest innovation or fad toy," says Michael Rich, MD, director and founder of CMCH. "It is important for both parents and children to recognize how we are all being led to think and behave. The greatest gift we can give our children is the freedom to be themselves, rather than simply joining the herd of kids who must have a toy that everyone else has and will be bored by it in two weeks." To help parents and their children make these holidays their own, Dr. Rich and CMCH researchers have developed a gifting strategy for parents and caregivers. "Think of your own childhood and what remains with you," suggests Rich. "This is about taking back the holidays and providing your kids with a healthy alternative to the commercial frenzy." CHILD-friendly tips to consider when choosing gifts this holiday season: Creative: Think creatively about who the child is and what makes him or her truly happy.
Homework: Study the nature, content, and age-appropriateness of gifts before buying.
Imagination: Provide your child's growing mind with gifts to stimulate their creative growth and development.
Learning: Look for gifts that encourage problem-solving, creativity and positive social interaction.
Donate: Give the gift of giving. For an expanded version of the holiday shopping tips, please visit http://www.cmch.tv/gifts/. The Center on Media and Child Health (CMCH) is an interdisciplinary center of excellence in research, clinical intervention, and education on the effects of media on the physical, mental, and social health of children. CMCH makes research and tips for parents and teachers available at: http://www.cmch.tv . Children's Hospital Boston is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, nine members of the Institute of Medicine and 11 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is a 347-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care grounded in the values of excellence in patient care and sensitivity to the complex needs and diversity of children and families. Children's also is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
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