Hey mamas! Ever found yourself handing over the phone to your toddler just to
snag a few minutes of peace? I totally get it – parenting is a juggling act, and sometimes those screens feel like a lifesaver. But did you know that all that screen time might not be the best thing for our babies?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to mom-shame anyone (we've all been there!). But as a fellow mama, I wanted to share why experts suggest steering clear of screens for our little ones, and why good old-fashioned playtime is so important for those growing brains.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: No screen time for children under 18 months. Limited screen time (less than 1 hour per day) for children aged 2-5 years old. (source)
Why Less Screen Time = More Happy Time
Brains on Fire: Our toddlers' brains are like tiny sponges, soaking up everything around them. Screens don't offer the kind of real-world, hands-on experiences they need to build those neural connections and learn about the world.
Short Attention Spans: Those bright lights and fast-moving images can be super stimulating for little eyes. But all that stimulation can actually make it harder for our kiddos to focus on things like playing and learning later on.
Healthy Habits Start Early: Let's face it, those screens are addictive for us grown-ups, too! If we start them young on too much screen time, it can lead to unhealthy habits down the road, like not getting enough sleep or exercise.
Stronger Social and Emotional Skills: Kids learn how to be good friends and talk to people by actually hanging out with them – not by staring at screens. It's kind of sad to see a bunch of kids on their own devices instead of playing together, don't you think? Let's give them the chance to learn how to share, take turns, and just have fun being kids!
Hey friends! If you found my blog helpful and think other parents might enjoy it too, I'd be so grateful if you'd share it with them. Spreading the love is what it's all about! 😊💕
Okay, So What About Older Toddlers?
I know, sometimes those screens are a lifesaver. So, here's the lowdown for kiddos over 2: Experts recommend keeping screen time to less than an hour a day. And when they do watch, make it quality stuff (think educational shows) and cuddle up on the couch together to watch. It's a chance to bond and chat about what they're seeing!
Let's ditch the devices and get back to basics with some screen-free fun, Your Toddler Will Love It!
These activities are not only screen-free but also promote physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development in your toddler.
1. Sing and Dance: Put on some music and move! Dancing is a great way to bond, laugh and burn energy. Add scarves or streamers for extra fun.
2. Sensory Play: Babies and toddlers thrive on exploring textures, sounds, and colors. Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, sand, or water, and add scoops, cups, funnels, and small toys. Let your toddler explore textures and practice pouring and scooping. water (supervised, of course!) and let them go wild.
3. Obstacle Course: Use pillows, blankets, tunnels, and boxes to create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course. Crawling, climbing, and jumping promote gross motor skills.
4. DIY Art Projects: Finger painting, potato stamping, making collages, or drawing with crayons on large paper are all great ways to spark creativity.
5. Play Kitchen: Equip your little chef with pots, pans, and utensils, and let them "cook" up a storm with pretend food. Bonus points for real ingredients like pasta or rice!
6. Nature Walk: Head to a park, forest, or even just your backyard to explore nature. Talk about the sights and sounds, collect leaves and sticks, and discover bugs and critters.
7. Dress Up Fun: Create a dress-up box filled with old clothes, hats, scarves, and accessories. Encourage your toddler to try on different costumes and create characters.
8. Building Block Mania: Building towers, bridges, and houses with blocks helps develop problem-solving and fine motor skills. Use cardboard boxes for extra-large constructions!
9. Story Time: Snuggle up with a stack of picture books and let your toddler choose their favorites. Make it interactive by asking questions and encouraging them to turn the pages. (board books with flaps and textures are a hit!)
10. Baking Together: Even young toddlers can help with simple tasks like mixing ingredients or decorating cookies. It's a great way to teach them about following instructions and working together.
Remember, mama, you're doing an amazing job! Let's focus on giving our little ones the best start possible. Put down the phone, get down on the floor, and rediscover the joy of playing together. the best way to nurture your toddler's development is through active play and interaction.
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