We get it—motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes, a few minutes of screen time is what keeps the day running smoothly. At Viva Glow, we understand that completely digital-free parenting isn’t always feasible for every family. Screens can be a helpful tool to give tired parents a moment's peace. Yet, as much as screens can act as temporary aides, it’s important to balance digital interactions with enriching hands-on play that supports healthy development. Let’s explore what research says about screen time for young children and discover ways to create a balanced media plan that includes engaging, screen-free alternatives.
Understanding Screen Time Impacts
Research has given us a mixed bag of insights. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children under 18 months should avoid screen time other than video chatting, due to concerns about its impacts on a child's development. For toddlers aged 18 to 24 months, high-quality programming is advised, but with parental interaction to help children understand what they're seeing.
Studies suggest that excessive screen time can affect young children’s attention spans, sleep, and learning abilities. It's also linked to slower development of language and cognitive skills due to passive engagement.
Recommendations for Healthy Screen Time
Be Present: When screen time is allowed, make it interactive by joining your child. This can turn a passive activity into an engaging and educational experience.
Set Limits: For children older than 2, limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programs, as recommended by experts. Use timers to enforce these limits, helping children transition from one activity to another with less fuss.
Create a Media Use Plan: Include what and when children can watch, ensuring content aligns with your family’s values. The AAP offers a helpful tool online to create this plan.
Encourage Unplugged Play: This is where Viva Glow toys come into the picture. Engaging your child with toys that stimulate creativity and learning helps reduce dependency on screens.
Viva Glow’s Screen-Free Alternatives
At Viva Glow, we champion toys that not only entertain but also educate and develop essential skills. Here are some great options:
Montessori Wooden Rope Board: Perfect for toddlers, this toy enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. It’s an engaging way to learn through play without a screen in sight.Montessori Master Explorer Cube: Safe for babies and toddlers, an engaging and educational toy designed to stimulate learning and creativity through hands-on play.
Baby Sensory Books: Designed for tactile exploration, these books come with high-contrast colors and textures to stimulate visual and sensory development, making them a fantastic alternative to digital screens.
Engaging Beyond the Screen
Encouraging screen-free time doesn't mean just keeping your child occupied; it's about enhancing their developmental journey. Here are some quick tips:
- Outdoor Adventures: Nature is one of the best educational tools. Simple walks or play in the park can do wonders for a child’s sensory skills.
- Read Together: Incorporating books into your daily routine can improve vocabulary and reading skills more significantly than passive screen time ever could.
- Creative Play: Arts and crafts can spur creativity and fine motor skills. Even young toddlers can engage in simple crafts with safe materials.
Balancing screen time with active, engaging activities is crucial for healthy development. Remember, every parent has their moments, and it’s okay to lean on digital crutches once in a while. At Viva Glow, we’re here to support you with toys that nurture, educate, and develop essential life skills.
By choosing quality, engaging toys over passive screen time, we can help foster a generation of curious, active, and educated children. You're doing great, and we're here to help you keep going. Explore our collection today and empower your parenting with choices that enrich both you and your child’s lives!