Work may have resumed for many parents, but schools haven’t. So, not only do you need to get back into the swing of things, you have to do that while managing havoc at home. And, while we’re not too keen on screen time, smart screen time might just serve as a last resort to get restless and bored kids engaged, happy and peaceful.
The summer holidays are the ultimate balancing act for working parents. Hence, it comes as no surprise that screen time has become a necessary evil in most households. But, clued-up parents would have realised by now that it doesn’t have to be an evil. According to Arno Jansen van Vuuren, the Managing Director at Futurewise, screen time can be educational and fun at the same time.
“By choosing wisely, parents can turn screentime into an opportunity for kids to learn and grow. There are incredible tools and platforms out there that offer engaging, educational content that can actually benefit children while keeping them busy.”
Further to this, he says that “with a little planning and access to the right tools, parents can ensure their kids stay engaged and inspired this holiday season – no TV marathons required.”
Here are three examples of how to achieve the art of smart screen time:
Via Futurewise’s Learning Hub, children can learn the ins and outs of technology and coding at a young age. Suitable for ages five to ten, CodeSpark teaches the basics of coding through puzzles and games. The advantage is that not only will your kids stay out of trouble, but they will also build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Jansen van Vuuren explains that “coding is one of the most valuable skills a child can learn in today’s world.”
There are an abundance of online art platforms for children to unleash their imaginations. Also via Futurewise’s Learning Hub, Creative Bug offers step-by-step tutorials on painting and other arts and crafts.
Besides keeping their hands and minds occupied, children build fine motor skills, improve focus and nurture creativity when completing artistic projects. You can even hang their creations on the wall and admire it all through the year.
Kids can now travel far and wide without having to move an inch. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture, Google Earth or live feeds on YouTube take your children straight from the living room to the world.
Sparking curiosity and teaching things along the way, the San Diego Zoo’s virtual tour teaches art, history and wildlife to children of all ages. Who knows, soon you might be learning something from your kids too!
Screen time doesn’t have to be an enemy. By opting for smart screen time, it can be your best friend. By knowing which tools to use, parents can turn technology into a learning experience with unlimited potential.
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