As I reflect on my journey into motherhood, I vividly recall the overwhelming quest for knowledge about babies and parenting. There was an undeniable urge to ensure that I raised a well-rounded child, guided by research and expert recommendations. One of my firm resolutions was to enforce a strict no-screen policy for my little one until he turned two. Experts seemed to have a consensus on this approach, and while I’m no authority, I trust their insights.
Fast forward a little. Picture this: I’m nursing my son on the couch, the TV flickering in the background. As he tries to catch a glimpse of the action behind him, he suddenly unlatches and contorts himself to watch the intense drama unfolding. In that moment, I realized that my screen ban might have been a tad unrealistic.
Screens have become a part of our lives, and I’ve learned to embrace them—albeit with caution. When I’m under the weather or buried under a pile of chores, screens often come into play. However, I’ve curated a list of apps that I feel good about my kids using during those extended screen time sessions. So, let go of the guilt and check out these fantastic options!
1. Endless Alphabet Series
During my pregnancy with my daughter, I often took my then-2-year-old son to OB appointments. To keep him entertained, I handed him my iPod loaded with Endless Alphabet. Before I knew it, he was using words like “demolish” and “gargantuan” in conversation. This app is a gem! There are also versions that focus on numbers, reading, and even Spanish.
2. Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System
This app is a delightful way for kids to explore the vastness of space through entertaining games and animations. They’ll learn about rockets, planets, and our solar system while having fun.
3. Move the Turtle
A fantastic introduction to coding, Move the Turtle allows kids to write the code needed to guide a turtle around the screen. It’s a creative and imaginative way to learn the basics of programming.
4. Quick Math+
Quick Math+ turns math into a thrilling race against the clock. Kids can hone their mental arithmetic skills as they solve problems and unlock fun characters, all while mastering concepts like the order of operations.
5. Monster Physics
This app combines fun with science, allowing kids to create and operate their own inventions. Through various missions, they’ll learn basic physics concepts and understand why their creations function the way they do.
6. Peekaboo Barn Series
Perfect for the littlest learners, this app teaches kids about animal sounds and names, introducing them to creatures beyond the usual barnyard suspects. My kids also adore Peekaboo Sesame Street and Peekaboo Wild, which offer familiar characters and exciting habitats.
7. Crazy Gears
In Crazy Gears, children tackle puzzles with an engineering twist, figuring out how to connect gears, pulleys, and other components to make a machine work.
8. Duolingo
With Duolingo, your child can explore multiple languages like Spanish, English, French, and German through interactive lessons and games. I’m even using it to learn French myself!
9. Sight Words
This app offers a robust selection of 320 sight words across five grade levels. Parents can tailor the word list to match their child’s learning needs, allowing them to play games that enhance their reading skills.
10. MoMA Art Lab
A unique creative experience, MoMA Art Lab gives kids access to art collections from the Museum of Modern Art while providing tools to craft their own masterpieces. It encourages artistic expression through music, poetry, and collaborative drawing.
11. Fish School
Ideal for preschoolers, Fish School covers foundational skills like letters, numbers, shapes, and colors while incorporating fun and engaging activities.
These apps not only provide entertainment but also foster learning and creativity. For additional resources on home insemination, check out one of our other blog posts here or consider reputable retailers like Make a Mom’s BabyMaker for at-home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for more information about pregnancy and home insemination, the NHS offers invaluable insights.
In summary, while screens are prevalent in our lives, it’s essential to choose quality apps that promote learning and creativity. Embrace the tech tools that enrich your child’s experience, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey of parenting!