Reflecting on my first pregnancy, I was on a quest for knowledge about babies and childcare, determined to avoid any epic parenting blunders. Armed with research and expert opinions, I set a firm rule: no screens until my little one was at least 2 years old. Everyone said it was the way to go, and who was I to argue with the experts?
Fast forward a bit. There I was, nursing my newborn while catching up on a TV show. My son, with all the determination of a tiny acrobat, twisted himself backward to catch a glimpse of the screen. It hit me then—this strict screen ban might be a bit unrealistic.
Like many parents, I’ve come to accept that screens are a part of our lives—usually in controlled amounts, but sometimes not so much. When I’m feeling under the weather, facing a deadline, or tackling the aftermath of a toddler tornado, screens often come into play.
Now that I’m more comfortable with screen time, I keep a close eye on what my kids are engaging with. So, for your own peace of mind, I’ve rounded up some fantastic apps that I feel good about letting my kids use during their screen time.
- Endless Alphabet Series
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I handed my then-2-year-old son my iPod during OB appointments. He quickly picked up words like “demolish” and “gargantuan.” This app is a gem, and the series includes versions for numbers, reading, and even Spanish! - Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System
This app makes learning about space fun with games and vibrant animations. Kids can explore rockets, planets, and our solar system while playing—what’s not to love? - Move the Turtle
This app introduces kids to coding fundamentals. They write the code to maneuver a turtle across the screen—perfect for sparking creativity while learning the basics of programming. - Quick Math+
In this app, kids race against the clock to solve math problems, earning stars as they go. It helps them grasp concepts like order of operations and negative numbers in a fun way. - Monster Physics
A hands-on STEM experience, kids build their own inventions and use them to complete various missions. They’ll dive into basic physics concepts while having a blast. - Peekaboo Barn Series
Ideal for the littlest learners, this app teaches animal sounds and names, introducing them to a variety of creatures beyond the usual barn lineup. My kids also enjoy Peekaboo Sesame Street and Peekaboo Wild for extra fun. - Crazy Gears
This puzzle game challenges kids to figure out how to connect gears, pulleys, and other machine parts to make them work. It’s like engineering wrapped in a game! - Duolingo
With this app, your child can learn languages like Spanish, English, French, and German through engaging lessons and games. Even I’ve jumped on board to learn French—thanks Duolingo! - Sight Words
This app helps improve reading skills with a customizable list of sight words across five grade levels. Kids can play games to enhance their recognition, making learning enjoyable. - MoMA Art Lab
This creative app gives kids access to the Museum of Modern Art’s collections and tools to create their own masterpieces. It’s not your average drawing app; kids can explore art techniques and collaborate on projects. - Fish School
Perfect for preschoolers, this app teaches foundational skills like letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, all while keeping it entertaining.
So there you have it! These apps can keep your little ones engaged without the guilt that often accompanies screen time. And if you’re looking for more insights into home insemination and parenting, check out this post or visit this excellent resource.
Summary
In conclusion, managing screen time with educational apps can provide a great balance of learning and fun for kids. From coding basics to art creation, the right apps can engage young minds without the guilt often associated with screen usage.