Getting your Preschooler a Tablet? Think Twice!
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Children today are far advanced beyond their years. It comes as no surprise anymore when we see preschoolers using tablets. However, before you can get your toddler that tablet there are a few things you might want to consider.
It’s the coolest toy your toddler has ever seen and it buys you valuable time when you need to get things done without your baby getting in the way. Better still the tablet also serves as a learning tool in the hands of your little one. But is the gadget healthy for your child and will it turn out to be a boon or a curse? If you’re one of those mothers wondering what to do, here are some suggestions when you’re buying tablets for preschoolers that’ll help you make up your mind.
The Pros and Cons of Tablets for Preschoolers
1. The Advantages of The Gadget
Tablets for preschoolers are a fun way to engage your toddler and add to his or her cognitive development. It sure beats carrying around your baby’s toys and toddler books. But how much use of tablets is good for preschoolers? The idea should be to moderate the usage of the tab; it isn’t such a bad thing when used in moderation. We must remember that a tablet comes with its educational benefits and fosters creativity in those young minds.
2. Designate a Time
While the tablet is a great educational toy, it’s not the best alternative to toys, books, games and physical and social activities. Your child cannot get from an app what they can from playing with their toys, turning the pages of a picture book, or playing a game of Frisbee with you. Designating a time for your child to play with a tablet is a wiser choice.
3. Will it Help in the Long Run?
Tablets don’t really have what it takes to develop your child’s motor skills or their logical thinking ability as they would from stacking building blocks or working on puzzles. Being glued to a tablet can only make them miss out on those formative years, outdoor playtime and they do not learn things in real time.
4. The Sound of Your Voice
Your child needs to hear the sound of your own voice instead of those on the tab. Don’t get too taken in with the free time you gain by allowing your little one to form a bond with the tablet instead of you. Too much screen time can strain the eyes. Finally, before you can spend those big bucks, ask yourself this question- should preschoolers use tablets before they even know what it is? Once you know the answer, taking a decision would be easy.
In this ongoing debate, the cons always seem to outweigh the pros of getting tablets for preschoolers. Exposing your child to the real world will ensure a healthy development of their mental and physical abilities and provide a rich experience in their social interactions with people around them. However, if you can strike a balance between their natural world and the digital world, a tablet might not be all that bad after all!
