Tablets for toddlers or use an adult tablet?

For parents who are generally open to tablets for children, the question arises which type of tablet their child should use. Of course this is also a matter of cost: Should a special device for children be purchased or is the adult tablet also suitable for children? You can take these differences into account when making your decision.

Durability:

Tablets for children are significantly better in terms of stability than tablets for adults. Since the slim device often falls out of the hand, children's models are equipped with double glazing and a thick rubber case. As a result, dirt doesn't bother these devices much. Adult tablets are much more sensitive. The delicate technology is not as well protected. But there are also accessories available to protect your tablet.

Appearance:

With adult tablets the focus in terms of appearance is usually on a slim and modern design. Devices for children are designed to be especially appealing: bright colors, a slightly wider bezel or even an extra handle for grasping and holding, and a child-friendly user interface.

Usage:

Simply repurposing the parents' tablet as a family tablet has the advantage that apps like games or other entertainment can "grow with" the child and be adjusted according to age. Tablets for children can do this in many cases as well. But there are also devices that are intended only for a specific age group. If your child then becomes too old, you would have to purchase a new device.

Fight boredom with the tablet? Better not.

The iPhone syndrome – Jim Taylor, psychologist and author of parenting guides from the USA, warns against it. But what is that supposed to be? Children who are always allowed to play with the tablet whenever they are bored and whiny gradually develop the feeling that they only need to be restless in order to be entertained. On long car journeys or in the waiting room it is sometimes the easiest solution to hand the tablet over to the child.

However, it is also important for your child's development that they can sometimes tolerate boredom or think up their own ways to occupy themselves. Therefore better to leave the tablet at home sometimes and rely on picture books or play a joint game. How about, for example, "I spy with my little eye"?

Tablets for toddlers: How it works

• Be there:

  Show your child how to use the tablet, especially at the beginning. This way they learn which apps they are allowed to use and which are off-limits.

• Parental controls:

  In the settings of most devices the tablet can be equipped with parental controls. This way you can block certain apps or websites and keep the content child-friendly.

• Agreements:

  So that usage doesn't get out of hand, you should agree on a fixed time period with your child during which the tablet may be used. Once your child is accustomed to the times, they won't whine for the tablet even when bored.

• Choose content:

  Not everything on your tablet is child-friendly. With special apps for children, little ones can learn playfully and develop their perception and motor skills. Good apps for children usually cost a few euros, but keep an eye on the content as well.

• Pay attention to balance:

  Make sure that your child is not overwhelmed by too many impressions. If the day has already been particularly exhausting, you might prefer to read a book together or play an audio play play. And don't forget playing outside and in the children's room don't forget.

• Not in the evening:

  Playing a little or watching a short video before going to sleep? Here you should rather resort to the bedtime story. Researchers agree that the light of the screen disrupts the release of the hormone melatonin. This hormone is, among other things, responsible for regulating sleep and wake phases. So looking at the tablet's display in the evening can lead to sleep disorders and concentration problems.

Image credits:

Two children sit with their parents on the sofa © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com

Child sits with headphones and a tablet on the sofa © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com