Parting Thoughts XXVIIII: Fostering Holistic Leisure Experience for Infants in the Digital Era

Abstract

The essay discusses the dynamic landscape of leisure in the digital era through the lens of a caregiver reflecting on a child’s interaction with screens and technology. It emphasizes the need for mindful navigation of the digital realm while preserving non-digital leisure experiences for children, including infants. Specifically, balancing digital exposure with tangible experiences that foster growth, imagination, and human connection is discussed, emphasizing outdoor adventures, face-to-face interactions, and setting boundaries around screen time. Additionally, the essay underscores the role of secure attachments and the influence of ecological systems in shaping a child’s leisure experiences. Ultimately, it highlights the need for caregivers to adapt, make informed decisions, and guide children toward a balanced approach that values both the digital and non-digital realms, ensuring their well-being and holistic development in the digital age.

Keywords:

• attachment theory
• child leisure
• ecological systems theory
• holistic leisure experience
• well-being

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).