Managing Screen Time for Toddlers: Tips & Alternatives
Screens are everywhere in our digital world. Toddlers are exposed to screens more than ever before, from smartphones and tablets to televisions and computers. Screen time can have educational benefits but excessive use can impact a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. As parents and caregivers, we need to find the balance and offer healthy substitutes. Some of this information is practical as to how to manage screen time and foster more engaged activities with toddlers.
Why Limit Screen Time?
Extended screen exposure results in multiple developmental challenges, which are:
Delayed language development
Reduced attention span
Poor sleep patterns
Limited social interaction
Elevated risk of obesity in kids
According to the Australian Department of Health, children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. Acting as alternatives to a screen, they offer opportunities for hands-on interaction and creativity, both of which enrich learning and development.
Tips for Managing Screen Time
Set a Daily Limit
Set obvious display timings guidelines according to your toddler’s schedule. Structured routine helps in keeping the screen time in proportion and makes time for various other developmental activities.
Create Screen-Free Zones
Set boundaries for screen use by designating certain areas in your home, like the dining room table and bedrooms, as screen-free zones. This promotes family interaction and contributes to a healthier end of the day.
Encourage Active Engagement
If permitting screen time, select high-quality, educational programming that fosters learning. Apps or programs that are interactive, encourage singing, dancing or solving problems are wonderful options.
Be a Role Model
Kids learn from watching grownups. When you limit your own screen use and participate in other activities, you become a model for your toddler.
Use Screens Purposefully
Resist the impulse to use screens as a panacea for tantrums or boredom.Instead, try to use them as a learning tool like watching educational videos together, or doing interactive storytelling.
Set a Consistent Routine
Include structured playtime, reading time, and outdoor activity in your child’s daily schedule. A balanced schedule will help eliminate reliance on screens.
Other Fun Things to Do Instead of Screen Time
Playful activities encourage cognitive skills and social skills for toddlers Here are a few alternative creations that are just as creative:
Outdoor Play & Exploration
Promote play outside too, be that running in the garden, heading to the park or being out in nature. Sensory experiences and motor skills: Playing with sand, water or leaves
Arts & Crafts
Basic tasks such as coloring, painting, or creating with paper and glue encourage creativity and develop fine motor skills. Give toddlers safe art supplies to explore and express their imagination.
Storytelling & Reading
Reading books together improves language skills and creativity. Head to your local library or make yourself a cozy spot at home to read. Use props to act out stories or create your own stories to promote creative thinking.
Sensory Play
Sensory play, where toddlers can manipulate materials with their hands, such as play dough, dry rice or water beads, also helps to focus their minds. There are sensory bins with different textures which promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Music & Dance
Singing nursery rhymes, using simple musical instruments, or dancing can be excellent fun and will help enhance coordination and rhythm. Music activities also help little ones with listening skills.
Pretend Play & Role-Playing
Explore with pretend play — dolls, pretend kitchen, dress-up games, etc. Pretending to go to places you go in real life (a grocery store, a doctor’s office) helps build problem-solving skills.
Building & Puzzle Games
Stacking blocks, solving simple puzzles or shape sorters can promote problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination and patience.
How an Early Learning Childcare Centre Can Aid in Well-Rounded Development
Attending an early learning childcare centre breaks this cycle to some degree, providing an enriched environment that serves to limit screen time. Childcare centres focus on:
Sessions of interactive storytelling
Group play activities
Sensory and hands-on learning
Peer interaction contributing to social skill development
Fostering movement and physical activity
We emphasise all around development via new experience (Newtown Early Learning Childcare Centre) Screen time is carefully monitored and our experienced educators provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and grow without a heavy reliance on screens.
Final Thoughts
Screens are unavoidable in the digital age we live in but maintaining balance with screen time is key so toddlers can develop basic essential skills by involving in active hands-on experiences. Establishing limits show you lead by example and help them understand that unhealthy behaviors can be swapped out with productive options whenever possible.
Sending your child to a well established childcare centre like Newtown Early Learning Childcare Centre can also greatly aid in your child’s development in a great environment.
Looking for a trusted early learning childcare centre? Contact us today to learn more about our programs!