It is known that mindful play with an adult is great for kids.
In terms of apps, researchers say that if this play is combined with thoughtful design features of an app can be beneficial for young children!
2 to 4 years old children watch two and a half hours of screen time daily, according to Common Sense Media.
In this post you will read research-based information about screen time.
We discuss the role that parents can play in order to make screen time beneficial for their children and let the guilt go when needed.
Also, there is a list of the best apps for 2 year olds in order to get them entertained and learn at the same time.
Screen time
The term ‘screen time’ is widely used these days, however there are big differences among various uses of different devices. According to Common Sense Media, there are four main categories of screen time. Specifically, these are passive, interactive, communication and content creation. The interactive category includes online games and apps, while passive is watching videos.
Goal vs. Reality check
I have to admit that I was one of those people, who say before kids that they will not offer screen time to their young children blah, blah, blah… Yes, we did manage to do that until our son turned one year and a half (except video-chatting with families and friends during Covid-19 lockdowns). But, as he was getting closer to his second birthday, we realised that some days it was inevitable for us.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends up to one hour of high-quality screen time for children older than 2 and younger than 5 years. However, it’s important to add that parents should ideally engage with media alongside young children.
In real parent life we go through periods where our children watch more screen time. You are sick or they are sick? Maybe you’re moving houses or you have no support and you JUST need a break. Whatever the reason is, if a little more screen time means that you have time to get your thoughts together and kids won’t see you going crazy, do it! Let that guilt go, when needed, and cut back on screen time once everything is back on track.
Parents’ role: How to make screen time beneficial for kids
The majority of the parents, who I socialise with, are sceptical or worried about children’s use of technology. When we accept that it is something that we cannot always avoid, then we consider how we can make the most out of screen time for our kids. Alexis Hiniker, who is an assistant professor in the University of Washington, suggests that if children are going to consume content, it should be high-quality. I was surprised to read on the University of Washington website that “new research shows that thoughtfully designed content that intentionally supports parent-child interactions facilitated the same kind of play and development as analog toys”. Parents are encouraged to support apps that both educate and offer options to children. Thoughtful purchase, download and reviews can contribute to improving apps for kids as parents as informed consumers are able to demand quality designs on their own way.
The best 5 apps for 2 year olds
#1 YouTube Kids
By Google LLC
Rating: 4.2
Pricing: free OR 1-week free trial, then ~7-18$/month (Premium)
Age range: up to 12 y.o.
Languages: more than 80
Description of features:
YouTube Kids is an app that can keep easily toddlers occupied and there are unlimited opportunities of learning. However, you need to consider how you can support your child’s learning, while using this app.
First of all, you need to set up a Google account for your child and grant them access to YouTube Kids and supervised screen time. There are several parental controls and settings available for the parents. There is a time limit feature for the parents and it gives a warning to kids a few minutes before the timer turns off. The parents are, also, able to block some channels, turn off the search feature and disable autoplay. The content on this app is divided in 3 age groups, which are up to 4 years old, 5 to 8 years old and 9 to 12 years old. So, parents need to make sure that they select the preschool setting for their toddler to watch appropriate content. There are videos online that can guide you on how to do it.
Parents have the option to get a YouTube Premium Membership and share these benefits with the kids’ supervised account/profile. Background play and offline features are available. That means parents can play videos, while using other apps or when the screen is off! You can also watch downloaded videos (up to 24 videos per profile), when you are not connected to the internet.
Cons: It requires more time and effort from parents to make this more beneficial for their kids. Also, this app’s features do not always guarantee your child’s safe learning. Experts encourage parents to watch videos with their children in order to maximise learning and safety online. For example, while you’re cooking or having a shower, you should be still able to see the screen that your child is watching and interact with them verbally.
Tips & ideas to make YouTube Kids educational and beneficial for your kid
- Parents are able to direct their children’s learning. For example, you can search for songs and videos in another language that you want your child to get familiarised with. Or you can encourage good hygiene like teeth brushing and hand washing through videos and songs. Also, it would be great, if you have certain TV series, cartoon shows or animation that you prefer your children to watch and put them on for them.
- Also, parents can find out more about their children’s interests through their video choices and build on them. For example, if you observe that your child likes watching videos with cars, you can extend his interest reading relevant books or getting a car as a birthday present. Accordingly, if your child watches videos with art and crafts, you can prepare art and craft activities to do together!
- Parents can explore certain topics with their kids and extend their current learning. For example, you can explore a zoo or a farm encouraging animal-loving children. Or when your child asks a question or looks like they want to learn more about space and rocket ships, videos and/or songs can be a great way to extend their knowledge and encourage further learning and curiosity.
#2 Khan Academy Kids
By Khan Academy
Rating: 4.8
Pricing: free
Age range: 2-8 y.o.
Languages: more than 36 languages
Description of features:
Khan Academy is a very popular app among parents, children and teachers. It includes thousand of virtual books, musical videos, interactive learning activities and creative tools that support building Kindergarten readiness skills. Many parents of toddlers download it, use it with their little ones and recommend it. It is totally free and there are no ads, but you can donate to support Khan Academy.
You can choose the primary language of your child, as there are available more than 36 languages, and set yourself as a coach in order to be able to view your child’s activity. Also, parents have the options to hide visually-dependent content, reduce motion and animations and remove colour from videos.
Circle time is great for toddlers and 2 year olds as they can listen to Caroline and her guests reading books and playing fun activities. The books cover topics such as making friends, being part of a team and celebrating different cultures, communities and backgrounds. Also, there are weekly planners provided for 2 to 4 years old kids. These include activities for every weekday related to blocks and toys, reading and listening, sensory exploration, imaginary play, arts and crafts and helping at home. Most of them are great ideas for family activities such as crafts, dancing and DIY! This app is, also, great for older siblings as it covers a range of levels for various subjects and it allows children work on their own pace.
Cons: Non-obvious major cons
#3 Busy shapes
By Edoki Academy
Rating: 5.0
Pricing: free with ads OR 6.49$
Age range: up to 5 y.o.
Languages: 13
Description of features:
Busy Shapes is a simple app, which encourages young kids’ skills development through a fun matching shapes and colours activity. Children engage in logic thinking, develop spatial recognition and object awareness and improve reasoning, problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Challenge increases over time with various objects and holes of different shapes. There are quick and fun penguin breaks between the levels that parents can choose after how many rounds they show up. It is an option to play it offline!
Parents can add kids, personalise their accounts, save their progression and track the learners’ progress in real time. You can, also, monitor kids’ learning and adjust the level. Parents give Busy Shapes very good reviews.
Cons: Maybe it’s too simple for some children or young toddlers might lose their interest soon. Also, the free version includes many pop-up ads (promotion of the paid version). As far as kids’ learning is concerned, this app doesn’t display or say the name of the shapes or colours. Therefore, parents need to be around to name colours and shapes in order to support young children’s learning.
#4 Lingokids
By Lingokids – English Learning for Kids
Rating: 4.3
Pricing: Free (Basic version) OR 1-week free trial, then 14.99/month (Plus version)
Age range: 2-8 y.o.
Languages: only English
Description of features:
Lingokids is an free app, which is safe and offers ad-free content. The paid version (monthly or yearly plan) offers up to 4 personalised children profiles, a different limit for every child and more than 1.200 interactive learning activities. Children can play offline.
There is content available for three different age groups available, which are 2 to 3, 4 to 5 and 6 to 8 years old. Children practise skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity, while using this app. There are activities available on 12 subjects with more than 600 learning objectives. I liked the fact that there were games about bedtime and dressing routine that could help children with transitions and parts of their daily routine. Also, children can learn about feelings through games, such as memory cards, which is crucial for toddlers’ social-emotional development.
In the parents’ area, you can monitor your child’s progress and achievements. The educational content is organised by units and topics (curriculum section). Printables are also available for parents. I love the community feature for parents! Parents can read helpful articles, watch videos and connect with parents around the world.
It is important to mention that Lingokids received the award for Best Original Learning App for 2023 by the Kidscreen Awards program.
Cons: Lingokids is only offered in English.
#5 Tiny Tap : Kids’ Learning Games
By Tiny Tap
Rating: 4.8
Pricing: 1-week free trial, then 7.99/month OR 9.99/month for 2 apps bundle (TinyTap & Math Lingo)
Age range: 2-8 y.o.
Languages: 52 languages
Description of features:
Tiny Tap offers the option to play offline, as you are able to download the games you like. There is abundance of subjects and games, as there over 200.000 games without any ads. According to American Psychological Association, advertisments don’t only impact product desire from one brand to another, but they can also influence children’s attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, choosing apps without ads is important.
Content is made by teachers, therapists and educators worldwide. There are categories such as math, social skills, science and nature, stories, social studies, therapy, music and arts. Kids can practise key skills and subjects according to their age and needs, as there is an option for the parents to personalise every child’s goals. Parents can also track their children’s progress. The nursery curriculum (2 to 3 ages) includes counting (1-3), matching and sorting, awareness and distinction of sounds, rhythm and rhyme, self-awareness, life science-animals, art with lines and shapes and colours.
Cons: Free version is not an option, only a free week trial is available. Also, there is a feature that gives parents the opportunity to see how their children do in reference to other kids in their age group. I understand that many parents like to compare children’s progress with others, however this is not ideal. This can increase children’s anxiety and stress levels and lower their self-esteem.
Additional tips to keep in mind
- Set a good example with your own safe and healthy screen habits.
- Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection with family and friends.
- Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out good behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful events or places of interest.
- Avoid using screens before bedtime, during family meals or tantrums.
If you’re still struggling and want to explore further your options, the website commonsensemedia.org does a great job of evaluating apps.
This post was all about screen time and the best apps for 2 year olds.
If design features of an app can make a difference to kids’ leaning, then
we should make sure as parents that we choose high quality apps and make the best of screen time.
Specifically, I know that many parents prefer Khan Academy Kids app, but my new favourite is Lingokids.
Now it’s time for you to try these apps and let me know which one you and your little one prefer!
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