The ages from one to three is an amazing time for mental and emotional development. However, it can be downright exhausting for moms. Luckily, the Internet offers educational and entertaining online games and activities. Playing online games with your toddler can give them a sense of independence and give you a much-needed afternoon break.
Toddlers love nothing more than to mimic their parents. Viki Lovine, author of The Girlfriends Guide to Toddlers [The Berkeley Publishing Group, 1999] writes, “The struggle for independence is the hallmark of this entire age group.” Introducing your toddler to Internet activities at a young age can give them a sense of independence.
Guidelines for Playing Online with Your Toddler
Your toddler will love using your computer and keyboard. Try to have an extra toddler only keyboard on hand for online Internet games and activities.
The Internet offers a great alternative to couch surfing. To date, there are few studies on Internet use and toddlers. In the article,Toddler TV Time Can Cause Attention Problems[WebMD Health News, April 5, 2004], Peggy Peck says that one hour of television can decrease a toddlers attention span by twenty percent. When using the Internet with your toddler, set time limits.
Choosing an Online Game
When choosing an online game or activity think about the following:
- Age appropriateness. Good websites will have age guidelines, but use your best judgment. If a game seems advanced for your toddler, try the next age range down and vice versa.
- Ease of use. Your toddler should be able to independently control the game.
- Educational components. Find activities that reinforce educational exercises offline. For instance, if you practice your ABCs, look for activities that focus on letters; if shapes are what your toddler loves, look for games with colors and shapes.
- Reinforce lessons offline. After your game time, remind your child of all that you learned with fun lessons offline.
- Allow for fun. Education is great, but also allow for a fun, such as online peek-a-boo games that your toddler can control by pressing keys on a keyboard. Alternatively, listen and watch an online child’s book.
Where to Find Online Activities
There are many places to find activities online for toddlers. But for activities that will excite your toddler try these tips:
- Look up your toddler’s favorite book.
- Search for your toddler’s favorite television show or character.
- Let your toddler’s favorite toy brands lead the way.
Online Playtime
Your toddler will probably love using your computer. Just the opportunity to use something you enjoy using will be fun! Using the Internet for online games and activities is a great way to interact together or to break up a monotonous weekly schedule. Remember to reinforce what you learned online with your toddler later in the day.
Just like television, set a strict time limit. Making it a special event keeps the activities you play online fresh and exciting. Most importantly, have fun!
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