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Few parents agree on the age at which children should be introduced to technology such as phones and computers. But something that’s unanimous among everybody is that introducing little ones to the wonders of tech has to be done in the most positive way possible.
Little ones must learn how to use tech productively, not addictively, and this has to be taught from the moment they lay their hands on anything electronic.
It’s so easy for them to slip into the cycle of many teens today, spending far too much time with their eyes fixed on their screens, forgetting what the outside world actually looks like. But what can you do to avoid this happening?
If you’d like to know more about how to involve the wonders of tech in your little ones lives in the most beneficial way possible, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips that you can begin implementing today!
Let their creativity run wild
There are so many different innovative ways you can use technology, as there are thousands upon thousands of art related applications and programmes that act to release your creative juices freely. Generally almost all little ones love some kind of craft or colouring, so why not introduce them to a tablet or similar device with colour-by-number that can improve their mathematical skills as well as their patience?
Download an app like the paint app for Mac and invest in some kind of electronic drawing pad and pen that will allow them to sketch and paint whatever their heart desires – but without the usual mess!
They get the chance to practice their artful skills anytime, anywhere on a portable device, and they will no longer have to pester you to keep repurchasing paints, pens and paper at home too.
Make learning fun
Depending on your child’s age, there are so many different educational ways that you can harness the wonders of technology and electronic devices.
From word searches to number games, quiz applications and those that can truly make learning so much more fun. Your little ones simple will not realise the learning they are doing from playing educational games as they are much more interested in the fun side of things, so YOU truly get the best of both worlds.
It’s hard to plan your own games that also act as lessons as you have hundreds of other responsibilities as a parent, so take advantage of software that was invested for that sole purpose instead.
The simple fact that these games are wholly interactive can improve their memory and understanding of the information they are actually being told,
As a result, such games can be a great introduction for little learners that are getting themselves prepared to attend school for the very first time.
Integrate with nature
Though the wonders of tech and nature are two things that are generally poles apart, integrating them with one another can create a much sought after balance that can help you to establish positive habits for the long term future.
Nature is so important and valuable, and little ones don’t get to understand this without properly dedicated explanations. One of the biggest features offered by portable technology devices are their cameras – why not try taking your family on a wild day out to capture some animals and flora in their natural habitat?
Or use the lens to zoom in and spot creatures from far away?
You can easily download a sightseeing guide that can help you to identify every different species, and the pictures you take can be kept forever. You can even purchase special cases for products such as mobile phones that will allow you to take the device underwater – children go crazy for this feature, as it’s in their wildest dreams to record their frolics underwater without breaking mom or dads phones!
Do a little research to identify what extra features are available to add onto your tech to improve its function and educational capabilities much more than ever before.
Introducing your babes to the wonders of tech can be a really tricky business. You must establish the right balance initially as this may reflect upon the way they view electronic devices throughout the rest of their life.
Make it as productive and as beneficial as possible by encouraging them to channel their talents by sketching and painting. You can also make learning fun by mixing games with education to help your little ones progress and smile at the same time. Encourage your children to value nature no matter what. Also, integrate technology by capturing pictures of the natural beauty the world can offer, even diving underwater with a leak proof mobile phone case!
We trust you like these thoughts. Why not check out some of the other articles we have that relate to kids tech?
- How about a little help with managing social media with teens, in case you have older kids too?
- We’ve got an eSafety guide for apps too; did you know these 5 apps let you kids talk to strangers, and finally,
- How about the ultimate screen time guide for kids as well?
There are other tech ideas out there too of course – not exclusively from us so:
- How about some tech challenges from Left Brain Craft Brain?
- What about some robotics ideas from Research Parent, and finally
- Imagination Soup has 42 iPad apps for STEM based learning for kids. So if you aren’t sure where to start to get your kids into tech with apps; don’t worry!
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Helen
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine! Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time. KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on. Get in touch TODAY!