I have to admit that I have exposed Gab to the iPad and iPhone from the day he was able to see. I got excited that I kept on downloading every app that I think will be useful for him as he grows up. Will he be addicted?
A recent article from Telegraph talked about kids, as young as 4-years-old, being so addicted to iPads that they require treatment. It was an eye-opener for me as I assess the possibility of turning Gab into an gadget addict as well.
I am not keeping the iPad away from Gab. The iPad has taught or reinforce a lot of skills for Gab. He learned baby sign language, alphabets, count 1-10, memorize songs, dance to nursery rhymes, phonics and solving puzzles. I believe that with proper use, an iPad or iPhone can bring more benefits for your kids.
Gab with an iPad while sitting on Mom’s lap
Here are some tips on iPad and iPhone use for Toddlers. This goes out to any gadgets that are similar to iPads like Kindle, Leapfrog, PSP, Nintendo DS and more.
1. Set an example. If kids see us often with an iPad or iPhone, they will have an idea that these are cool stuffs and will crave for it like we do. I use the iPad for hours to play or read e-books but I do it upstairs so that Gab don’t see me use it that much. I’m also happy that my mobile phone is a bit outdated and boring. It doesn’t have much games or entertainment on it.
2. Define the start iPad use. Establish a routine on when toddlers can use the iPad and stick to it. Gab knows he can use the iPad only before bedtime. Once he gets on his bed, it’s automatic that he get’s his iPad time. This established routine minimizes the whining and the tantrums if he doesn’t get to use the iPad at other times of the day. With this rule, we also avoid bringing the iPad when we go outside for dinner, play or bonding time as this will trigger unwanted use.
3. Define the end iPad use. Ending the iPad time is the hard part especially when Gab is having a great time. To minimize the drama, we tell him before hand that it’s almost time to sleep. We say 10 minutes more or 5 minutes more. Gab doesn’t know how to tell the time yet but he knows that his iPad time is almost up. This way, he gets preconditioned that his iPad will be taken away from him. Once the time is up, we asked him to give back the iPad or turn it off himself. It may take a while before he gives it back but there is less crying compared to just grabbing it away.
4. Supervise iPad use. Using the iPad before bedtime has its perks. Quennie and I are with Gab when he uses it, thus, we know that the games he is playing is appropriate for him (and not daddy’s war and fighting games), or we are there to help him in puzzles he is trying to complete. We help him choose the apps that is appropriate for him and help him understand and enjoy the educational apps.
5. Install more educational apps. There a lot of educational apps at the App store. Everything from counting to alphabets, storytelling, vocabulary, math and sciences. More than 70% of the apps on my iPad are for toddlers and kids. This limits him from playing the more addicting games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds. That’s reserve for Daddy. 😀 For some recommended education iPad apps and reviews, click here.
6. Be involved. Make iPad time, bonding time. Play together with the games, dance together with the songs, sing together with the rhymes, laugh together at the videos. Let the child know it’s more fun to play and learn the iPad when Dad and Mom is around.
Do you have some tips to share as well? Write them in the comments below.
