Dr. Chheda – Recently I saw a mom with her 12-month-old, and I have to tell you, just as I told this mom, I was really, really proud of her. For when we were done with the exam, mom and I were talking and, you know, child was getting kind of wiggly, squirmy in her arms. I said, “Please put him down.” She put him down, she let him play. It was amazing that she let him play – 12-month-old without needing to give him the phone. That’s what I was really proud of.

You do not have to give your phone to your child just to keep them quiet. They will play, they will learn, they will explore. That is what they need to do at this age to learn about the world.

Yeah, so what if they’re banging pots and pans? Yes, it makes noise, but that’s what they learn – cause and effect. If I hit something, it will make noise. Kids need to play.

We are now giving out prescriptions for playtime. How ridiculous is that? Just let your child play. That’s how they learn.