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Unconventional ways to use tech with your kid
Stop getting frustrated with mindless screentime
Sheena Badani
July 27, 2024
We’ve read all the reports about how too much screen time for toddlers can lead to delayed development, and how social media usage can lead to significant mental health struggles for tweens and teens. I am supportive of setting device and app limits to ensure healthy development.
However, there are smart ways to use tech that are engaging and educational!
Today we’re going to cover:
Benefits of Smart Screen Time: How technology can positively impact your child's development.
Tech-Savvy Ideas by Age: Tailored suggestions for different age groups.
Weekly Connection Moment: Fun tech activities to try with your kids this week.
Story time: Screen writer in the making
I’ve always been strict about screen time with my kids. They get 30 minutes a day on weekends for approved apps on their iPads. If we watch TV, it’s old-school shows like Wheel of Fortune or sports. And when friends are over, devices are off-limits.
But, as any parent knows, rules don’t apply at friends' houses.
One day, my daughter went to a friend’s house for a playdate. Later, the friend's mom sent me a video the girls had made using iMovie. I reluctantly clicked on the attachment, expecting the usual silliness.
What I saw surprised me.
I laughed, I smiled, I marveled at their creativity. They had crafted a hilarious storyline, complete with costume changes, scene transitions, and even ending credits. Their editing skills were better than mine!
Lesson learned: Not all screen time is bad. In fact, it can be an incredible outlet for creativity and learning.
Behind the Scenes: Raw footage from their recent “movie”
Benefits of screen time when done right
Let's be real: tech isn't all bad. Here are some of the positive impacts of screen time:
Here are a few great things that can come out of device use:
Love for Learning: Kids can explore new skills and topics that you might not be able to teach. Coding, graphic design, and even foreign languages are just a few examples.
Creativity Booster: Digital art, music composition, and video editing are fantastic ways for kids to express themselves creatively.
Healthy Mind and Body: There are great apps for mindfulness, yoga, and even interactive fitness challenges that can keep your kids active.
Nearly half of all children 8 and under have their own tablet device and spend an average of about 2.25 hours a day on digital screens.
Smart screen time suggestions by age
Here are some of my favorite ways to use tech combined with real world experiences, categorized by age group and outcome. All meet the following criteria:
Must be interactive, not just click-to-watch
No communication with strangers through chat
Must have an educational element
When possible, can be done with a parent or sibling
Creativity Booster | Love for Learning | Healthy Mind and Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
Age 3-5 | Build and control a train with the LEGO DUPLO app, then recreate a similar track with real lego. | Use the Animal Safari AR app to learn about animals and then visit a local zoo to see them in real life. | Listen to an engaging story while doing fun yoga poses with Cosmic Kids Yoga |
Age 6-8 | Use Osmo Creative Set to bring your physical drawings to life in their app. | Learn about stars and planets using an astronomy app like Star Walk Kids, then stargaze at night. | Use a step counter like Fitbit (Minions version!) to track steps and create a family challenge. |
Age 9-12 | Learn some design skills with Canva to create posters, invitations, or schedules to print out. | Create your own stock portfolio with Investopedia Simulator then talk about real world investing | Get moving together with Peloton’s fitness and dance classes |
By embracing technology in thoughtful ways, you can turn screen time into a productive, educational, and enjoyable experience for your kids. Happy tech-ing!
Reflect: Think back to a time when technology helped you learn something new. How did it enhance your experience? Now, how can you use this to connect with your kids?
Weekly connection moment: Connect with tech
Ages 3-5 — Story time: Make up a story together and record your final product to view it in the future
Ages 6-8 — Get Sweaty: Do a dance along with Kids Bop on YouTube.
Ages 9-12 — Home Video Project: Create a slideshow of your favorite pics from the summer and host a premier for the family at night.
Boardroom to Playroom is brought to you by Parint. If you’re a dad looking to carve out dedicated one-on-one time with your kiddo, we’re here to help. We design unique ‘Dadventures’ for dads and kids so they can be present, device-free, and create forever memories.