On a recent trip, I was surprised to see that almost every child in the airport or on the plane was absorbed by the bewitching screen of an iPad. While I understand the difficulty of travelling with small children and keeping them occupied during long layovers, I wonder what larger, long-term difficulties we might be creating for our children by allowing them too much screen time.
Research has indicated that excessive screen time interferes with child development. Here are some concerning trends associated with the overuse of electronics: delayed language development, slowed social and emotional growth, poor academic performance, increased likelihood of obesity, sleeping problems, depression, and anxiety. Those possibilities should make us consider hitting pause on the movie or video game.
Still, parents need a break sometimes—especially at night, when everyone’s tank has run dry and patience is spread thin. There’s a place for TV and other electronics as a pathway to getting some peace, of course, but I suggest it’s a smaller place than many modern parents give it. There are other ways to keep small children calm and content that don’t require a huge amount of parental input.
Here are some suggestions.
1. Let Them Get a Little Wet
The magic of water play can easily beguile toddlers, keeping them fascinated for long stretches of time. My two-year-old enjoys “washing the dishes.” We’ll turn on a trickle of water from the kitchen faucet and give her a few measuring cups to fill, dump, and fill again. I’ve seen her intently focused on this task for half an hour, maybe longer. The bathtub plus some bath toys offers another avenue of water enchantment, though if there’s a substantial amount of water in the tub, parental supervision is needed, of course.2. Play an Audiobook or Podcast
Children don’t have to see a story in order to enjoy it. Listening to a children’s podcast or an audiobook provides many of the benefits of a movie or TV show without the drawbacks. Children can get absorbed in a story or informational show without having their eyes glued to a screen. They’re required to exercise their imaginations to bring the content to life in a way that they aren’t when watching something on the TV or tablet.Some companies have developed kid-friendly, screen-free audio devices, such as the Yoto player. By inserting small cards into the Yoto player, kids can access audiobooks, music, radio, and podcasts made for young listeners.
Imaginary lands and brave heroes come to life in a child's mind, while listening to daring tales of adventure. Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock
3. Launch a Dance Party
My wife likes to tell me of the frequent dance parties in her household when she was growing up. When her father went outside to milk cows in the evening, her mother would turn on some music, and her mom and the four little girls would dance the night away—with brooms, rulers, and whatever else was at hand for partners. We’ve continued the tradition in our household, and our daughter loves it.
Most toddlers instinctively enjoy dancing, and in that, they’re simply tapping into a millennia-old human tradition. People have been dancing together since the stone age. Dancing has many benefits for children and adults alike, including improved balance and strength, alleviation from stress and sadness, and greater cardiovascular health. It’s a great activity for a group of children to do together. They can collectively let out energy in a creative and non-destructive way.
4. Use the Sticker Solution
Through the combination of appealing visuals and kinetic engagement, sticker books can keep toddlers entranced. From dinosaurs to cupcakes, there are sticker collections for almost any subject that a child might find interesting. As with most of the items on this list, the entertainment’s effectiveness depends on how often it’s used. If stickers are a special treat, permitted only a few days per week, then each play session will be longer and more engrossing for the child.5. Produce the Pots and Pans
Often, small children will find this one on their own. Children must have some interior magnet that draws them to pots and pans. Sometimes they’ll raid the kitchen cupboards even before they’re walking. The pots’ and pans’ shine, ringing sound, and nesting ability make them irresistible. Consider simplifying the process for your child by getting the kitchen supplies out yourself and setting up your toddler with a skillet or two and a spoon. This option might not be the best if you’re looking for some quiet time because an impromptu percussion performance will probably ensue.6. Have Them Lend a Hand
A parent’s desire to get work done doesn’t always have to conflict with a child’s desire for entertainment. Many children—even very small ones—enjoy imitating the adults and doing “real work.” Consider giving your child an age-appropriate chore to complete. This could be something as simple as picking up toys, setting the table, or folding clothing. The work might not be quite up to snuff, but it’s an enjoyable learning opportunity for children. Not only does this tactic keep children busy, it also begins to teach them important lessons about responsibility and the fulfillment that comes from meaningfully contributing to the household and family life.
Helping out with chores not only helps children develop life skills, they also foster in them trust and confidence. PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock
7. Allow Some Boredom
Finally, parents do not have to keep their children entertained every hour of the day. Permitting your child some periods of boredom, can actually benefit them. With a little guidance, they may learn how to entertain themselves. According to the Child Mind Institute, periods of boredom help children develop important skills, such as dealing with frustration, building the imagination, and practicing creativity. “Boredom also helps children develop planning strategies, problem-solving skills, flexibility and organizational skills — key abilities that children whose lives are usually highly structured may lack.” The experts at the Institute explain that parents should help children learn to manage boredom so that it can become an opportunity for agency, independence, problem-solving, and the ability to entertain themselves.These seven activities may not keep a child glued to the couch for two hours straight, as a movie would, but they will likely provide a sizeable chunk of time for parents to work, rest, or talk with one another—while avoiding some of the pitfalls of screentime. Variety helps keep things fresh for the little ones, opening up more time for the adults.
