I’ve always been a bit anti technology aimed at kids (apart from the TV, which as a stay-and-work-at-home-mum I couldn’t survive without, and therefore doesn’t count).
We don’t have DVD players strapped to the back of our headrests in the car, the kids don’t have their own tablets or iPads and they don’t have iPods or headsets either, because I’ve always been of the opinion they’re probably going to spend enough of their lives glued to screens and plugged in as it is.
Until recently, that is. It all started in the May half term holiday when the Tiny Pop TV channel ran a My Little Pony competition which involved drawing a picture of your favourite My Little Pony, taking a picture of it and sending it in via their app for the chance to see your picture featured on TV.
BB was so excited at the prospect I couldn’t say no, so against my better judgement I downloaded the app so she could take part. I don’t know why I didn’t do it earlier. The app has been a godsend, and my phone now includes both the Tiny Pop and CBeebies Playtime apps (free) and the KidloLand app (from £3.99 depending on how long you subscribe for). Here’s why:
5 reasons apps for kids are a good idea
1. When they wake up at silly o’clock you can simply feel for your phone in the dark, open up an app and you’re probably good to doze for another half an hour. (Just remember to turn the volume down otherwise you’ll get a rude awakening).
2. They can save you from public meltdowns. The good thing about being armed with apps when you’re on-the-go is that you can whip out your phone and divert their attention away from whatever it is they’re objecting to. Think post office queues, bus journeys, the supermarket and doctor’s surgeries.
3. They encourage creativity. The Tiny Pop app has a function in which you can draw your own pictures on the screen and embellish them with stickers, while CBeebies Playtime has a Make a Picture colouring game – at almost five years old BB loves them.
4. They can be educational. The KidloLand app features more than 500 interactive nursery rhymes, songs, activities and games for babies and children up to five. I’ve never come across anything that’s kept Little B (20 months) absorbed for so long. All the old favourite nursery rhymes are on there, including verses I didn’t know the words to – so I’ve learnt something new myself!
5. They’ll spare you from whingy car journeys. You know the ones, where you’re twisted around in your seat putting your back out even more than it already is trying to pacify one or more objectionable children.
Do you use apps with your kids? Which are your favourites?
KidloLand is available through Apple, Google Play and Amazon and costs £3.99 for one month, £18.99 for six months or £29.99 for one year and there’s a free 7 day trial so you can try before you buy. We were very kindly given a year’s subscription to KidloLand for the purposes of review, and as always all opinions are my own and based on my own honest experience.
Linking up with…
Rainbows”>
A definite life saver these days. For us, many a tantrum has been diffused by some sort of app.
I”m exactly like you, we don’t rely on iPads and iPhones to keep the girls entertained. But I do think the right app that offers educational entertainment has a place in their world. If used at the right times it can be a life saver too!! x #TheList
Ha I totally agree with all the above (ok, the car journey one not so much but only because we let Spud play Minecraft on the way back from holiday and he threw up all over the iPad – mmm nice!) I must check out Kidloland as a few people have mentioned it online, sounds better than the nonsense Flump watches on Kids YouTube with dolls talking to each other – painful to listen to!! #thelist
You’ve made me feel slightly less guilty about how much time my kids spend on their iPads! x #thelist
Kiddy friendly apps are lifesavers for any parents sanity! I agree with you, even though you feel that pang of guilt to start with I feel better when I know the girls are learning from them – phonics, numbers, colours etc. We love CBeebies (even the 8 yr old still does a bit, shh, don’t tell anyone)! #PicknMix
My kids LOVE Kidloland! #KCACOLS
We do have DVD players on the headrests (only way to keep toddler entertained and not carsick on our regular hour long journeys) and alas she has an ipad which was my husband’s before a work upgrade. Doesn’t use it a lot but there are a lot of great apps out there! Love the cbeebies one @KCACOLS
Apps are a godsend aren’t they? Mine love the CBeebies one and we also have one called Zoo Train which my train obsessed boys go mad over. #KCACOLS
i always try and think “everything in moderation” – apps for kids are brilliant and they can be educational too – so much out there and like you say, perfect for those moments when you just want your kids to tone it down or behave haha! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday 🙂
They are definitely great for car journeys! I now get to enjoy the ride instead of listening to the kids moaning lol.
#KCACOLS
We let Mia have my ipad in the mornings as it gives us at least an hr to wake up properly before the day starts! She loves the cbeebies app and the kidoland app and they aren’t too bad as they can be educational. She also loves YouTube kids which is ok but not when all she watches is unboxing videos! They drive me mad! 🙂
#KCACOLS
iPads and apps weren’t really around when my boys were small – they’re 10 and 12 now – so I never had to make the decision whether to let them use them or not. They do look like fun though!
Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
Both Holly and Harry love the Ipad. Either films or apps. Ive never had a problem with it 🙂
Lx
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
#fartglitter
Oh gosh I need apps in my life with little ones! It’s so handy for the times when there’s literally nothing else to do – like you say on long car journeys etc. I find most are educational now and even if they’re teaching nothing else, they are teaching our kids to use technology and that’s a skill they’ll definitely need for the future! #fartglitter
We love the CBeebies App, but like you I tend to reserve it for when we really need it (like in the dentist waiting room…) I am however an advocate of seat back DVDs for in the car. Again they don’t come out for every journey, but if we’re doing a particularly long journey they can be a Godsend! Thanks for linking with #fartglitter x
Totally agree, we have loads of app loaded onto our phones and Baby’s tablet. They have saved us from many public meltdowns! Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
I find apps a godsend too. Just this morning I flung my phone at The Kid coz I was up all night with The Baby and couldn’t hack another 5am wake up. She spent 30 mins on it which really helped me get some more shut eye. Love this post and everything you said I can relate to totally! #KCACOLS
Yes to all of these, I know it can be taboo but let’s face it apps p, iPads, smart phones, whatever – they can all have their uses and have developmental and educational benefits. Plus anything that helps me get the washing done is fine by me. #KCACOLS
Yes, apps can be great! Why have I never thought to use them out & about for meltdowns?? #thelist
I’m a big supporter of tech for kids – it’s the future, after all, so why not introduce them to it young? Some great reasons for getting apps for kids, and good app suggestions too! #KCACOLS
I haven’t yet tried any apps especially for my two-year-old, I guess I’ve been resisting it and I think she spends enough time in front of a screen watching Peppa anyway! But also I never have enough space on my iPad! However, maybe I’ll try one of the free apps, it sounds like it would be a good alternative to Peppa! #KCACOLS
We have a few of the Peppa pig apps which both my kids like, as well as the cbeebies and disney junior ones. They’re great for buying me a bit of peace now and then, and I do think the children learn some good skills from using them. We have a great maths app actually that has been really good for my son. x #KCACOLS