Do You Have an iKid?
Ever stare at your 5-year-old son as he works a Kindle Fire tablet as well as if he had invented the thing himself?
Ever watch your daughter reading her science textbook on her computer while studying for a test?
Today’s generation of kids are the most tech-savvy yet! Many parents worry about whether or not this is good for our kids. In fact, 52% of children under the age of 8 have access to mobile devices, such as smart phones, iPods, iPads, and similar devices.
I still believe kids need to spend time outside using their imaginations, but we also have to accept that our children will need to be efficient in the ways of technology, especially when schools and work places are incorporating more and more technology into how they do things. Fisher Price has even begun studying children and their use of applications on electronic devices within their Play Lab.
Many parents are attributing their children’s extensive vocabularies and sight-word knowledge to some of these apps that have been designed for toddlers and younger children. There are so many on the market today that it may be hard to know which ones are worth you and your child’s time.
We want apps that are educational and engage our children. HLN’s Raising America asked panelists at this years’ SXSW Interactive Festival about which apps they recommended. They shared the following list:
- Day of the Diesels
- Angry Birds
- Temple Run
- Minecraft
- DoodleJump
- Baby Flash Cards
- Talking Tom
- Fruit Ninja
- Cut the Rope
Some of these apps you may recognize, and you may be questioning just how educational they may be, but each can bring something unique to the table as well as being entertaining and fun for your child. Many of these apps can be fun for you and your child to do together!
Now, just because we found some great apps for your children doesn’t mean you should stop monitoring screen time. Be sure to limit your child’s time on electronic devices, and encourage them to spend time outside.
It is still important for children to use their imagination and foster creativity.
