Parenting Pointers: Tips for Making Screen Time Less of a Time Suck

 

 

We’ve all been there – you intend to give your kids 30 minutes of screen time and three hours later you realize they’ve been watching cartoons all afternoon. As kids break for summer, parents are looking for ways for kids to continue learning (and prevent the summer slide) without it feeling like “schoolwork.” Below I’ve included top tips for making screen time less of a time suck.

 

Kids are being exposed to screens and content earlier than ever before, and teaching kids how to prioritize their time in front of a screen has never been more important. Using the Learn First feature in Amazon Kids on Fire Kids tablets (Fire Kids Pro, ages 6-12 and Fire HD 10 Kids tablet, ages 3-7), parents can block access to games and cartoons until after educational goals are met.

 

1. Face-to-face (in-person) interactions are preferred, but according to experts, interactive screen time, like video calls with friends or relatives, can be beneficial due to the interactive nature.
2. A tablet’s portability makes it a great nature walk companion to take pictures of nature or look up birds, bugs, or other little creatures spotted in the backyard. Tee up National Geographic content to learn about animals in your very own backyard or use the web browser to set up an experiment station outside for messy projects like creating slime.
3. More than half of parents (51%) view time spent listening to music, podcasts, and other audio platforms much differently from time spent in front of screens. Content you listen to sparks creativity and ignites the imagination to put visuals to the sound. Draw a scene from an audiobook chapter or talk about your family’s favorite podcast at dinner.

 

More information about content offered on Fire tablet devices below. 

• Fire HD 10 Kids, ages 3-5:
• World of Peppa Pig: This game offers kids an exciting look at their favorite TV show, offering a safe and ad-free environment, filled with lots of learning and fun. Tailored towards the development of preschoolers, there are plenty of games, videos and activities for your little ones to enjoy and grow with.
• LEGO Duplo World: Kids can join the exciting world of LEGO. LEGO Duplo World is packed with open-ended play experiences featuring animals, buildings, vehicles, and trains to inspire imagination and creativity through the world.
• PJ Masks – Moonlight Heroes: Kids can choose their favorite hero character to play with, and journey across the moonlit rooftops and through the night for a fun and safe game.
• Fire Kids Pro, ages 6-8
• Minion Rush – Despicable Me: Kids can enjoy the minions they know and love. Enter Gru’s Lair and discover its many mysterious rooms and take on missions around the world. Along the way, your Minions will jump, roll and dodge obstacles while unlocking a collection of cool Minion costumes.
• Geography Drive Arcade: For families who are planning to travel this summer, Geography Drive Arcade is a great game to get kid’s minds learning about their upcoming vacation stops. Kids will be tested on their U.S. geography including shape, spelling and capital of every state in America - perfect for any road trips!
• Thinkrolls: Set your child’s mind in motion with Thinkrolls. Perfect for on-the-go, kids will not get bored during long road trips while playing this game full of obstacles and mazes. The goal is to solve the puzzles and reach the end of the maze where a new Thinkroll wait to be unlocked and lead you to the next quest.
• Fire Kids Pro, age 9-12
• Music: For older kids, the Fire Kids Pro includes a music row that offers stations from iHeartRadio Family for accessible age-appropriate music. Kids can choose from various curated playlists like Acoustic for Kids and Homework Inspiration, as well as live radio stations.
• Web Browser: Also made especially for older kids, the Fire Kids Pro offers an Amazon Kids web browser for an open but filtered access to the web for school projects, summer learning and more. Plus, parents will have peace of mind with the built-in controls to filter out inappropriate sites.
• Digital Store: Kids Pro tablets include access to a digital store, where kids can request access to apps like Disney+, Spotify, Minecraft, Zoom, and more. Parents can approve purchases and downloads. The store offers a wide selection of apps designed for children, and parents can choose to allow expanded access to additional apps, giving older kids the power to independently explore age-appropriate content they love.