For the past couple of weeks, after being trapped indoors because of cold viruses and snowstorms, I’ve noticed how much time my toddler is spending watching tv, grabbing my iPhone and simply begging to hop on the iPad or computer.
Call it stir-crazy, but in order to avoid listening to non-stop temper tantrums and chasing a fast-moving toddler with a 7-month pregnant belly, I’ve been giving in. Sometimes it’s just easier to do so (not to mention the fact that there are some pretty educational apps on those tablets). But enough is enough. I don’t want my little guy to be surrounded by electronics 24/7 or predisposed to any so-called “computer addiction” whether it exists or not. So I’ve been thinking long and hard on ways to get him involved in more interactive, stimulating activities that can keep a little boy engaged. This is what I came up with.
1. Read Picture Books
Not just any books. I’ve noticed that books with bright colors and silly characters or animals that I can narrate really grab his attention. Board books with pull-out tabs are also really great to keep him engaged. He loves grabbing his favorite books and plopping down on my lap during bed time, so why not read more throughout the day? To keep it interesting, I like to ask him simple questions about the photos or ask him to point out objects. Serves as a great learning activity.
2. Cook with Mommy in the Kitchen
Every time I run to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher or grab a snack from the fridge, I can’t keep my toddler away. He either yells for mama or finds a way to push through the baby gate! That’s when I realized why not set up a little toddler kitchen within our kitchen?! He already has one of those toddler kitchen/oven down in the playroom although it rarely gets much use there. I needed to actually bring it up to mamas kitchen. That way I can have him “make a meal” and even give him some real snacks to “prepare” while I quickly wipe down the counters or make a smoothie without a toddler reaching up for me. Brilliant!
3. Have a Party
Anyone with a rambunctious toddler knows how hard it is to keep their attention for more than a minute. Something catches their attention, they get bored or would…ahem…just rather reach for that iPad. So why not throw a party? Not an actual party of course. A just-for-mommy-and-me party!
Seriously. As ridiculous as it sounds, movement-type activities work wonders for young kids. Every time I throw on some tunes, jump up and down and chase the little guy around the house he has a blast. That and the fact that he is able to see mommy loosen up and relax a bit may help, but it also helps to release any pent up energy kids build up from not being able to run outdoors on the playground.
I also like to mix things up by tickling and letting him hop on my back (for as long as I can endure). Sometimes I even grab packing bubble wrap and let him stomp all over to his delight. Finally, a great way to end the party and reward good behavior is with a little cookie treat. Works quite well, I must say!
Been through something similar? What has helped you get the kids away from electronics?
Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.
It’s amazing how early the fascination with technology starts! We do lots of picture books and tons of (baby-held) dance parties over here. 🙂
Thanks for the comment Sara! Baby-held dance parties are the best :)!
Right there with you! It’s so hard to resist the temptation of the tv, especially after the 76th “Moooommmmy, movie??” Great ideas though. Cooking is a favorite of ours, it’s something we can both enjoy!
I don’t have any children of my own, but I have certainly see how much technology has an impact on them now. It’s great to get them away from that and enjoy non-technological activities. I love your idea of reading a picture book together and the party! Love your ideas, I’ll have to keep them in mind!
Great post. We struggle with “screen” time. Great suggestions on how to get them away.
Great tips! Sometimes it’s hard to get them away. Technology is all around, and I think it’s increasingly important to balance it with real, hands on play. #sitsgirls
It’s so hard the last few months of pregnancy – and then the first few months as you adjust to having a new little person in the family! Hang in there and do the best you can. Sometimes those tablets are a totally necessary evil. But good for you in trying to limit it as best you can in your circumstances!
Your ideas are great! It’s so important to take a tech break and get moving and talking as a family. Starting these activities in the toddler stage is a great way to build a great foundation for your kiddos as they grow.
We’ve got a little phone/tablet addict in our house. I don’t even know how it happened. We don’t really let him play with them, except for maybe when we’re out and he’s being cranky. But yeah, if I sit down after dinner with my tablet, he’s practically on top of my head trying to see what I’m up to. How can I play Candy Crush like that 😉 I love your ideas though. I’ll have to try throwing a little party. He does love music, maybe even more than the tablet!