Screen Time Smarts: 4 Tips On How To Engage & Educate Your 2+ Toddler Using Digital Devices.
As digital devices become more prevalent in our daily lives, it's not uncommon for many parents to turn to them as a way to keep their toddlers entertained. While there are certainly potential pitfalls to excessive screen time, there are also key ways to use technology in a productive and educational way. Here are a few tips for engaging with your toddler using digital devices. I have used these tips since my toddler was a year and some months and trust me it’s been a very progressive journey.
Choose age-appropriate content:
There are countless apps, videos, and games aimed at children on YouTube especially, but not all of them are appropriate for toddlers. Look for content that is designed specifically for their age group, with simple interfaces, bright colors, and engaging characters. Consider educational apps that teach basic skills like colors, shapes, and numbers, or interactive storybooks that encourage language development. You can also download these child-friendly apps which are completely ad-free.
Use devices as a supplement, not a replacement:
While it may be tempting to hand over a tablet or phone whenever your toddler gets fussy, it's important to remember that digital devices should be a supplement to other activities, not a replacement for them. Encourage your child to play with physical toys, read books, and explore their environment through sensory experiences.There are several baby and toddler shops within Accra selling educational toys. Look out for the most functional and durable ones.
Co-view and co-play:
When you do use digital devices with your toddler, make it a shared experience. I know you may be groaning whilst reading this but trust me this is such a powerful activity. Sit with your child and engage with the content together. Ask questions about what they're seeing and hearing, and encourage them to interact with the device in a hands-on way. This not only helps to build their cognitive and motor skills, but also strengthens the bond between parent and child. Trust me, you will learn a thing or two as well!
4. Set limits and stick to them:
It's important to establish boundaries around screen time and stick to them consistently. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of high-quality programming per day, and that children under 18 months should avoid screen time altogether. Create a schedule that balances screen time with other activities, and use tools like parental controls to limit access to inappropriate content.
In conclusion, digital devices can be a valuable tool for engaging with your toddler, but it's important to use them in a thoughtful and intentional way. By choosing age-appropriate content, supplementing other activities, co-viewing and co-playing, and setting limits, you can help your child get the most out of their screen time while still fostering their overall development.
