Embracing the Bright Side of Screen Time
As parents of young children, we naturally worry about the impact of screen time on our little ones’ development. But did you know that limited, age-appropriate screen time, including tablet games, can actually benefit preschoolers and young children? In this blog post, we’ll delve into how tablet games can positively impact early childhood development, backed by key research studies.
One study published in the journal “Pediatrics” found that children aged 2 to 5, who engaged in interactive, age-appropriate tablet games for a limited time each day, showed improved cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and executive function (Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015). Another study from the Journal of Children and Media reported that children aged 3 to 6, who played educational games on tablets, demonstrated increased learning and retention of the content (Strouse et al., 2018).
At Lil n Will, our games are designed with this research in mind. We create games that promote short periods of play for younger children while stimulating their minds and enhancing problem-solving skills.
Picking the Perfect Tablet Games for Your Child
…games should have clear learning objectives and encourage the development of essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking…
As parents, we want to ensure that our children’s digital device time is meaningful and contributes to their growth. With countless options available, how do we choose the best tablet games that are both educational and entertaining?
First, look for tablet games that are age-appropriate and specifically designed for young children. These games should have clear learning objectives and encourage the development of essential skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Additionally, games that promote social-emotional learning and empathy can be beneficial in nurturing your child’s emotional intelligence. Reading app reviews and consulting expert recommendations, like those from Common Sense Media or the American Academy of Pediatrics, can help you make informed decisions.
Moreover, parental involvement is essential for maximizing the benefits of tablet games. Play and interact with your child while they engage with the app, ask questions, and discuss the game’s content. This not only reinforces learning but also strengthens the parent-child bond. By choosing the right tablet games and being actively involved, you can ensure your child enjoys a balanced and enriching digital experience.
A Balanced Approach to Screen Time
While concerns about screen time are valid, research shows that limited, age-appropriate tablet game usage can have positive effects on early childhood development. By selecting high-quality, educational games and balancing screen time with other activities and parental involvement, tablet games can become a valuable tool in fostering cognitive growth and essential skills in young children. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive deeper into the world of educational apps and their benefits.
For further reading, take a look at these references:
Hirsh-Pasek, K., Zosh, J. M., Golinkoff, R. M., Gray, J. H., Robb, M. B., & Kaufman, J. (2015). Putting Education in “Educational” Apps: Lessons From the Science of Learning. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(1), 3-34.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100615569721
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Guidelines for Children’s Media Use:
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/Media-and-Children.aspx
