Toddlers and electronic devices don’t mix. This is my first post on my new laptop since my toddler poured coffee on my old MacBook. Ugh. Yes, when you have a toddler expect anything. Just when you think you have your eyes on them but turn your back for a second, forget about it.
MONITOR YOUR KIDS WHEN THEY’RE ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A good lesson in raising a toddler and having kids in general is to keep electronics away from them. My toddler loves my iPhone and loves getting on the computer. She’s has such a focused look on her face when she’s on it, too. It’s like she’s a little businesswoman already. Yikes, she is growing up too fast!
Toddler’s love gadgets, because they’re cool and they’re fun. My toddler loves to explore electronic devices. I will allow her to watch Trolls, a movie we both love, on my iPad, but I monitor her closely. In this day and age, our kids don’t know a day when we didn’t have smartphones, the Internet or social media. I mean, our 23-month old is advanced and, yep, turning 2 this May. She knows how to swipe the menu with her little fingers; Ariabella will be asking mom and dad for an iPhone by the time she’s in Kindergarten if not sooner!
ELECTRONIC DEVICES CAN BE LEARNING TOOLS
Electronic devices can be learning tools. There are games and apps on your smartphone and tablet that are beneficial for toddlers. These are especially great when you interact with your child and are present as they use the devices. Toddlers can learn their ABC’s and sing songs that allow them to build their vocabulary. But, my limit is when parents give their children their own cellphone too early. Every parent is different, though, and in case of emergencies or busy practice schedules for adolescents I agree that cellphones do come in handy.
I think that kids can get quickly addicted to playing video games if they stay glued to computers or electronic devices. If adults get addicted, and we’re supposed to have more self-control, it’s easy to see why kids would rather play Pokémon then do their homework.
TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY
For me, liquids need to remain far away from my laptop and all electronic devices. I also monitor my toddler and play learning games with her. Technology is here to stay, but it’s not meant to be a babysitter or a substitute for parenting.
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