Electronics for young children
Posted September 29, 2015 - 1:28pm
As an early childhood teacher I am noticing a trend in small motor skills being lower than normal. Cutting and writing skills are not as refined as they used to be. i am wondering if this is a result of children using iPads and electronics for entertainment instead of coloring and cutting. At what age did you allow your little one to play on tablets or phones?
Your Kid's Table
As an OT, I totally agree! I allowed my kids at age one, but it was very infrequent and only because of older siblings. Even now my kids don't have access to the tablets regularly.
Hallz105
Guilty! My kids probably use tablets too much but they also love crafts and do a lot of coloring...less cutting though because there have been a couple of haircut incidents!
Mommy Ramblings
My kids school is very attentive to kids motor skills fine and gross and they have an OT on staff so I can say my kids were good we even had our older one get a little help from the school OT that came to the house when he was 3 and then to the preschool when he was 4 so they were good. He did not use a tablet at the time. Our kids got their own tablets when they were 4 and 6 I think it was.
CandyOvercaffed
This is why I was reluctant to let my kiddos use my devices. I'm old fashioned I'm sure, but those fine motor skills are important! Simply because of their age difference and when devices were available, my younger daughter used the iPad at a younger age. But she went to a preschool with no computers or devices (Montessori) so I feel like she had lots of practice on fine motor skills. She's one of the youngest in her kinder class and could write and read before she started so I think I made the right choices. She's my last kiddo - I'm not sure how I would treat devices if I had a younger one. They are useful and make mom-life easier...
Hallz105
Yes, they certainly make mom life easier! There are some apps that are probably good for fine motor skills. We have a writing app that let you practice writing your letters with your finger or a stylus. I think they can be a really good tool as well as a lot of fun.
CandyOvercaffed
I think we are getting to the point that kiddos are behind if they don't know how to use certain devices. So crazy. We didn't even use computers when I was in high school. I had typing class!
justamom
I guess pretty young, but my son's always had good motor skills. I don't think my daughter's ever been very craftsy, but neither have I.
sunnykathleen
I think there can be a healthier balance than what I am seeing as a trend. If children are coloring and cutting and painting or beading, then they are developing the muscles needed for writing. If they are just clicking a mouse or swiping a tablet then they are missing some crutial steps.
Frugal Minded M...
SO my youngest (3) had access to electronics at the youngest age of any of my kids since she has older siblings who have them. Even with that she has been one of my most advanced with fine motor skills. I think it might depend on the kids.
jonbonjovious
I remember hearing that swinging on a swing was teaching motor skills. I don't see many kiddos outside. I seldom see anyone at the park when we go. It seems times change and maybe I'm not with the program. My kiddos use electronics (far more than I care to admit), but we try and balance things out. I also watch my two youngest (9 and 11) boy/girl. My son is a ninja with his scissors...he cuts fast and accurate. My daughter, the oldest, cuts slow and rather choppy.....
Frugal Minded M...
My kiddos love the swings in the backyard. When they are outside, that's often where I find them.
jordan_smith35
We have a rule in our house; No electronics/TV for children under the age of 2.
kennyman
Hi,In our case, we allowed to use tablet few mintues a day starting from age of 3. However, our rule was that this time needs to be spend on educational apps. Of course, it was hard to find app that would be suited for such youngsters, thus I made my own game. It is about colors. Idea is very simple, kid needs to match two similar colors in to pairs.Today, kid is able to match colors very fast, and has changed difficulty level to Medium already. This way, time spend on tablet at least is moved more towards education. Soon it will be math time, some language etc.If you are intereseted i this app, you can find it on Google Play.
suziesam
Hi! I have noticed this trend as well. I only let my little girl have an old iphone occassionally to try and combat this trend in my house. When I do give it to her, I only let her watch educational channels likeLittle Learners CluborGenevieve's Playhouse There have been early studios to link early onset memory loss with the high amount of stimulation we give our brains now. Imagine, 15 years ago you would wait by just sitting back and taking in your surroundings or reading a book. Now it's phone in nose.
anatgld
I worked as an assisatant in a kindergarten with the ages of 2-4,almost all of the kids had tablets and a pretty big percentage had some issues with motor skills.Now that i've seen your post, i think that it might have a connection.I remember one child who was pretty addicted to that piece of electronic device, but fortunatley most of the little ones we'ren't.
adamsonspecialist
As a pediatrician, I`ve been asked a lot this question by moms who are afraid of technologies. The first 3 years of a child’s life - the most crucial period for brain development. That is way it is important to choose apps developing important life-long skills: problem solving, communication, self-control and relationship building. I believe small motor skills couldn`t be a result of using iPads or what`s so ever. Moreover, I suggest games being one of the most intensive aspect of brain evalusion. My grandkids simply love Zebrainy ABC Wonderlands https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1165324239?mt=8. It is the most beautiful game for learning letters ever, amazingly detailed and warmly touching. And what is more important it wouldn`t harm your child.
marina1
I have a couple of kids. I play together with my 2 year old most educational games: shapes, colors, puzzles ets. I let watch short videos on youtube and play games on her own for my 5 year old. She play pony, puzzle and recently started to play racin games. This one is her favorite http://bit.ly/2AgbJUN I really encourage parents play together with kids. It's fun. You can control time & appropriate content.
criss_lemach
The struggle I have is that my son uses the phone to watch videos, but I would like him to learn something while he uses or wtaches what he likes, but not choosing for him what to see or playfor him, since then we start having little arguments. we have android everything, any ideas, suggestions?
victoria.vigilanti
I am a big fan of e-learning and providing kids with quality screentime! My kids use Eduka's Word! Helps them learn English from a young age and they think it's so fun! allows me to get stuff done around the house and I can feel better because they are learning and not just watching Peppa Pig haha and its free!!! Here is their app link: https://bit.ly/3l5hB8v