TheRiverOtter

TheRiverOtter t1_j5k8kzw wrote

Reply to comment by oDDmON in Bacteria Really Can Eat and Digest Plastic, A New Study Finds by molrose96

This seems like a highly unlikely product, as oil has a higher chemical energy than plastic and biological processes typically convert compounds down the chemical energy gradient.

From the paper, it appears to result in CO2, which is, in the long run, probably less terrible (even if ever so slightly) than bloating all of Earth's biomass with biologically disruptive microplastics.

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TheRiverOtter t1_j022gb6 wrote

Reply to comment by PopPopLolliop in Frequently using digital devices to soothe young children may backfire. The habit of using devices to manage difficult behavior strengthens over time as media demands strengthen as well. The more often devices are used, the less practice children - get to use other coping strategies by Wagamaga

It's brutal, and sometimes it feels like having one arm tied behind your back.

Our twins will be 6 soon. Starting at about 4 and a half they get 30-60 minutes free time on their iPad a week, but in the last few months they can also use reading apps on them with mom or dad daily if they'd like. We've been consistent, and they rarely ask / whine about getting more time. We don't watch TV (aside from Planet Earth and similar shows every couple weeks), and we are just now starting to introduce movies.

The movie thing is mostly because that's almost certainly going to be a part of sleep-overs and we want them to have the concept of long-form entertainment during social gatherings. It may have backfired a bit with one of them, he's very emotional and isn't desensitized, so he can just about handle the tension in Disney's 1961 Incredible Journey.

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TheRiverOtter t1_j0210ms wrote

Reply to comment by PhasmaFelis in Frequently using digital devices to soothe young children may backfire. The habit of using devices to manage difficult behavior strengthens over time as media demands strengthen as well. The more often devices are used, the less practice children - get to use other coping strategies by Wagamaga

We have a strict "no screens at the table" policy during meal times. It's been most difficult to enforce with the boomer grandparents.

Mom, you flew over 2,000 miles to hang out with your grandkids, you don't need to play Candy Crush right now.

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TheRiverOtter t1_j020fpu wrote

Reply to comment by helm in Frequently using digital devices to soothe young children may backfire. The habit of using devices to manage difficult behavior strengthens over time as media demands strengthen as well. The more often devices are used, the less practice children - get to use other coping strategies by Wagamaga

> snacking as a coping strategy

This is the one my wife struggles with. Her family always had lots of sweets around when she was growing up. Rewards for good behavior and pacification were done through food.

We're being extremely deliberate with our twins about rewards being extra "one-on-one time" going on adventures or playing with mom or dad. We still do sweets and screen time, just not in connection with behavioral triggers. When they are upset we make a point to talk through the emotions.

We do have a hidden stash of kids books in our closet that we use as bribes / rewards when absolutely necessary (getting over the fear of a doctor visit), which has baffled other parents that we can "get away with bribing our kids with books".

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