When is it OK ?
Children are curious and they begin exploring the world around them from a young age. Seems a bit crazy to be talking about screen time gadgets already. Once your three year old can understand that they can control what happens when they push buttons or drag their fingers with a color, it’s time. Now kids begin to become interested in all the things around them. It is no surprise that they also begin to grab those digital devices you have laying around. They become fascinated with the objects that their parents have . Also those that you introduce to them to look at pictures or listen to sounds.
Suddenly you realize they are understanding what they are seeing or hearing and that they want to play with these devices themselves. Now is the time usually from late threes, that you can think about introducing your kids to a handheld wireless gadget of their own.
The iPad, tablets and smartphones are modern devices which have many applications that can aid in child development such as speech, reading, and games for entertainment. This technology comes with all the power of your laptop only in a smaller package. It gives the preschooler access to a world of images, letters and videos. While kids are blossoming and gaining interest in the technology, now is not the time to teach them how to use the gadgets. Give them the freedom to be entertained and learn the skills. To ensure they are using the device correctly, here are some handy suggestions for you to adopt.
Wait Until They Are In Daycare
Toddlers prefer to push buttons and are more keen to understand what the buttons do. It’s just another thing that they are looking at. They are also more interested in enjoying videos. Don’t make the leap to thinking , aha… they need a computer. They are still toddlers not knowing the difference between one screen and another.
It is ideal that you wait until your kid is at least preschool age before you present the youngsters to twentieth century technology such as smartphones, iPhones, iPads, or tablets. Dr. Carolyn Jaynes, a learning designer for Leapfrog Enterprises is very strong on this and I agree. Early learning stimulation is the key to development of all the senses.
Research worldwide is clear that there is physical growth in the brain, and growth in the emotional skills. Also they improve social skills at this three year old age. Waiting until daycare ensures that these skills are encouraged in a socially acceptable fashion.
Are you a parent or caregiver with a child in a new culture? Are you trying to fit yourself and your child into this new community? Use of these screen time gadgets is invaluable as together the child learns speech, games, becomes familiar with images and their meanings and so on. Our recommendation, wait until daycare.
Add Parental Guidance and Controls
It is not recommended that children get free rein over the use of these devices. These devices have access to a lot, so parents must be aware of the screens the child is using. Share the experience with kids. Get involved with your youngster as she/he experiments with a brand-new application. Ask questions concerning the video game and explaining the material.
A recent study from Stirling University’s School of Education found that children three -five years old are influenced hugely by parent’s and children’s relationship with technology.
Time Limits Are Important for Screen Time Gadgets
Screen time is usually the time that the child spends looking at the screen. Apple has what they call face time which is a way to make video calls. This is an app which makes the person stare at the screen. So it’s essentially the same as screen time.
“Kids who are interacting with the screen get better much faster, make fewer mistakes and learn faster, states Heather Kirkorian, University of Wisconsin. But it is important to limit the amount of time children spend glued to the screen. It is important that children use the time in front of these screens to their advantage by installing/downloading software that best aid their learning.
While most parents can get into a panic about this issue, it is important to note that children are going to be exposed to these types of devices. Do not be so passive. Get involved. Tell them when it is time to do some outside activity. Sign them up for activities. And for the 4-5 year olds I notice there are some new ‘cartoons’ that encourage getting physically involved.
If you want a more automated approach, there are applications such as Screen Time Parental Control, OurPact, and ParentKit to help you monitor and limit your kids. For a gauge of time, 2 hours is roughly enough time for children aged six and under, states Helen Moylett from Early Education Charity.
Content Issues
Whether you pick a cellphone through your wireless service provider or get a tablet or a computer, all of them have software and applications. They include a lot of kid-friendly content to consider. It is essential to focus on the material and message when making the best decision for the age group.
The information a child watches is a reflection of the real world. They then use this in their own interactions with others. There are many applications to teach standard math, time, animals, geography, great explorers. This goes along with software for learning art, songs, and many other valuable lessons. Try to find content that is both relevant and age appropriate. .
If you’re not sure where to find apps, check out Zoodles.com. This app is packed with many applications tailored to your child’s age and likes. You can customize the application in many ways including adding a picture of your kid. The application is password protected, so you must enter a password to get back to other parts of the device.
Developing Future Skills
iPads, tablets, smartphones are great tools to help children learn essential skills to prepare them for life as they grow up. It is important to find applications that are in-line with your ideals and teachings in the home to enforce those same ideals and teachings in your kid. Ideals include your moral values and traditional values.
Remember to tell them at an early age not to throw these gadgets or drop them at will as they are a real cost.
For the most part, you will find that children will incorporate the tablet, iPad, smartphone and other screen time gadgets into their normal play based on your rules and guidance. Do not get too caught up teaching everything you know all at once. Don’t just follow what ever you see others doing.
The child is at daycare and becoming a preschooler. Moderation and common sense should prevail.