Technology time for young children

We use technology in many ways during everyday routines, and young children don’t want to be left out. The Illinois Early Learning Project has a great tip sheet that shares some ways families and caregivers can find a healthy balance with tech and electronic media in their daily lives.

Use technology together

Talk and interact while using technology. Conversations help your child understand what she sees and how it works. Talk about what you see to help your child understand it.

Choose wisely

Young children have trouble telling the difference between reality and fantasy. Choose age-appropriate, nonviolent media for young children.

Be a good role model

Your child is watching your use, which can often interfere with sleep and mealtimes. Find a healthy balance between when you use technology and when you take a break from it.

Encourage learning

Choose educational games and programming that help children learn. Show them that technology can also help them find important, useful information.

Balance your time with technology

Young children need hands-on play with real objects. They benefit most from their interactions with people through play and conversations. Use technology to enrich and build upon other experiences. Develop a family plan for media and decide ahead of time when and what to watch.

For more information on University of Illinois Unit 19 programming and to read more helpful articles, visit our website at https://extension.illinois.edu/ccdms, call us at (217) 345-7034, or by contacting Cheri Burcham at [email protected].

Cheri Burcham, University of Illinois Extension

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Cheri Burcham is responsible for family life programming in the counties of Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby and other parts of east central Illinois as needed. Cheri’s emphasis is on healthy lifestyles throughout the life span which include family relationships, communication, caregiving, stress management and human development including early childhood and healthy aging. Her passion is to help people to be their best selves and to promote a healthier, independent older population.

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