None of us want to allow an electronic babysitter, whether that be TV, video games, tablet, or cell phone, to attend to our children. Although at times, it’s frankly inevitable that even children under two will find moments when they are in front of a screen.
When I first learned about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) policy statement, which recommends children under the age of two avoid television and entertainment media, I was honestly surprised. And bewildered. I was, by no means, planning to allow my son, who just turned two, to become a couch potato or carry our iPad around all day, but it can be challenging to avoid electronic media altogether.
However, I learned the AAP study that served as the basis for this recommendation was published in 1999. As in, before I even graduated high school and before anyone in my entire family even carried a cell phone, let alone before the emergence of cell phone apps, tablets. Sixteen years ago, that recommendation concerned television programs, videos, and DVDs.
I think there is definitely a difference between using an iPad to watch a movie or show, as opposed to playing an educational game–one that appears to me to seamlessly provide an alternative at employing skills that many educational toys on the market offer as well.
This past October, the AAP began debating the recommendation at its national conference, as a way to address new technology that’s come out since the current recommendation, and as a way to not become so out-of-touch with people and hurt the organization’s credibility.
I find myself siding with those who argue young children can benefit from technology, yet not give them unlimited access. In some ways, certain apps can be a budget-friendly, easily portable way to have children practice learning the alphabet. It’s definitely not a complete substitution for 3D, hands-on learning activities. But some electronic devices do open up new opportunities to work alongside your child and interact together, as you aid and assist in the introduction to technology.
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Just like their toys, we might all be looking for something new for them. Here are a few favorite iPad apps for toddlers we use in moderation. (Most are a few dollars each, since I have found free apps come with a lot of ads that compete for their attention too much.)
Bubl ABC – This app is vibrant, colorful and allows kids to tap a letter that will be added to the lyrics of a funky song. It’s a pretty simple app, but for my son, who shows interest in identifying letters, he likes making his own song using his favorite letters.
Nighty Night – This is basically an electronic bedtime story, so not traditionally educational. On occasion, we find this app helpful to communicate that it’s quiet time; if nothing else, it is working to get him to settle down. This app teaches that it’s time to “turn out the light” and take a nap or go to bed. (Beware: using an iPad can definitely backfire if the goal is to get them to sleep, so be sure your iPad is on Guided Access so they can’t hit the home button and see other app options.)
Animal Adventures for Kids! – We have Africa and North Pole, and love discovering new animals and hearing the sounds they make. We don’t easily tire of this one, and the main perk is learning interesting facts about animals and plants as well.
Peek-a-Zoo (by Duck Duck Moose) – In this app, toddlers not only learn animal names, but also identify their differences in emotions, actions, positions, activities, sounds and attire. Another similar app is Peek-a-Zoo (by treebetty) is also very pleasantly designed and displays vignettes for the zoo animals, complete with their animal sound.
abc WOW! – Kids’ Alphabet Flash Cards – This app allows kids to select a letter, then names it and attaches a noun to it. It’s a nice mix of “play time” with the object and the connection of it to the letter.
Does your family have a couple favorite educational apps or an electronic device you enjoy mindfully using together? Are there any great free apps your kids enjoy? What is your family’s policy on screen time?
