As a physician and a parent, I understand the importance of providing children with enriching experiences. Early in my parenthood journey, I was determined to limit screen exposure for my child until the age of two, based on expert recommendations. However, reality often presents challenges that make such goals difficult to maintain.
Fast-forward a few months, and I found myself nursing my baby while inadvertently exposing him to a show on television. In that moment, I realized that a strict screen ban might not be practical. My children do have screen time, and while I strive to keep it balanced, there are occasions when a device becomes a helpful tool—especially during busy or stressful moments.
I’ve learned to embrace technology as a resource for learning and creativity, and I’ve compiled a list of apps that I feel good about my kids using. These applications offer educational content while allowing for some fun, making them excellent choices for extended screen time. Here are my top picks:
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Endless Alphabet Series
During my pregnancy, I often took my then-2-year-old son to my appointments, and I would hand him my iPod loaded with the Endless Alphabet app. It quickly expanded his vocabulary with words like “gargantuan” and “demolish.” This app, along with others in the series, helps kids learn about numbers, reading, and even Spanish. -
Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System
This app engages kids with games and animations that teach them about space, rockets, and the solar system in a fun way. -
Move the Turtle
An introduction to coding, this app allows children to write the code needed to guide a turtle on the screen. It’s creative and imaginative, making programming accessible for young minds. -
Quick Math+
In this fast-paced game, children race against the clock to solve math problems, helping to enhance their mental arithmetic skills while earning rewards as they progress. -
Monster Physics
This app allows kids to build and operate their own inventions, providing hands-on experience with basic physics concepts in a fun, interactive way. -
Peekaboo Barn Series
Perfect for the littlest learners, this app introduces kids to animal sounds and names, featuring a variety of animals beyond the usual barnyard suspects. -
Crazy Gears
A puzzle game with an engineering twist, Crazy Gears challenges kids to assemble gears and pulleys, teaching them about mechanics while having fun. -
Duolingo
This language-learning app offers lessons in multiple languages, making it easy for kids—and even parents—to explore new languages through entertaining games. -
Sight Words
With 320 sight words categorized by grade level, this app helps improve reading skills through customizable word lists and engaging games. -
MoMA Art Lab
Kids can explore art collections from the Museum of Modern Art and create their own masterpieces using various digital tools and techniques. -
Fish School
This app is designed for preschoolers, teaching them essential skills like letters, numbers, and shapes through fun, interactive activities.
As a parent, it’s essential to strike a balance between screen time and other activities, and these apps can provide a healthy outlet for learning and creativity. Remember, moderation is key, and there are plenty of resources available to help guide you along the way. For more helpful insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource.
In summary, while screens can sometimes feel like a guilty indulgence, they can also serve as valuable educational tools. The apps listed above are not only entertaining but also foster learning and creativity in a way that feels good for parents. So, next time you need a break or some time to yourself, consider letting your kids enjoy these enriching apps without the guilt. For additional information on home insemination and parenting, visit this blog post and check out this fertility booster.