Tablets for toddlers or use an adult tablet?

For parents who are generally open to tablets for children, the question arises which kind 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 an adult tablet also suitable for children? You can take these differences into account when making your decision.

Robustness:

Tablets for children are significantly better than adult tablets in terms of stability. Since the slim device tends to fall out of hands, the child models are equipped with double glazing and a thick rubber case. This makes dirt not a big problem for these devices. Adult tablets are much more sensitive. The delicate technology is not so protected. But there are also accessories with which you can protect your tablet.

Appearance:

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

Usage:

Turning the parents' tablet into the family tablet has the advantage that applications like games or other entertainment can simply "grow with" the child and be adapted to their age. Children's tablets can do this in many cases as well. However, there are also devices that are only intended for a specific age group. If your child is then too old, you would have to purchase a new device.

Using the tablet to fight boredom? 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 allowed to play with the tablet whenever they are bored and whine gradually develop the feeling that they only need to be restless to be entertained. On long car rides or in waiting rooms it is sometimes the easiest solution to hand the tablet to the child.

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

Tablets for toddlers: This is how it works

• Be there:

  Show your child how to use the tablet, especially at the beginning. That 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 consumption doesn't get out of hand, you should agree with your child on a fixed time period during which the tablet may be used. Once your child is used to the times, they won't whine for the tablet when bored.

• Choose content:

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

• Ensure balance:

  Make sure 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 . And don't forget playing outside and in the playroom.

• Not in the evening:

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

Image credits:

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

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