Smart Screen Time Options
Technology is everywhere these days, and our kids want to be right in the middle of it! But as parents, we have to make sure we make good choices in regards to what they watch or for how long. So how do you find smart screen time options? We've put together a few suggestions from our favorite sources.
There are a few groups of doctors and health providers that suggest no screen time for children under the age of two.
I think that is perfectly fine if this is the route you take. Based on my experience with my own children and now my grandchildren, that would be extremely hard to do! But I also think that limits are a good thing, so here are a few smart screen time options to help you decide how much TV or computer time to allow your young children.
- Educational – Let them watch shows that teach them lessons, whether it's on music, colors, or the alphabet. This way they are learning even though it's entertainment.
- Variety – Most children shows these days do include a variety of race and nationalities. Chances are, not only are our children seeing people like them on the screen, it's also exposing them to others who might look or sound different, and at a young age.
- Involvement – Choose programs that actively involve the children, whether it has them clap along, answer a question, or sing along to a new song. Children learn by repetition, so being able to repeat words or actions back to the screen will only enforce the lesson faster!
- Watch Together – Watch some of the programs together! Not only will your child enjoy the time with you, they can also talk with you and clap their hands, or even answer questions as you talk about what's happening on the show. Plus, you can then relate what they learned to things in real life, like colors or letters they may have learned about.
A favorite television show of some of my children, and now my grandchildren, has to be Teletubbies™! I can still remember a few bits and pieces of the theme song, plus we reference being a “naughty Noo-noo” to this day.
Originally created in 1997, Teletubbies is one of the most successful global children's brands of all-time. Targeted at young preschool viewers, it has reached over 1 billion children to date. The original episodes have aired in over 120 territories in 45 different languages. Debuting on Nick Jr. in May 2016, the new Teletubbies series (60 x 12 min. episodes) stays true to the original series but is designed to captivate todays digital toddlers with updated elements and visual CGI-enhancements. The characters now have Touch-Screen Tummies and techy gadgets like the Tubby Phone smartphone, introducing a contemporary twist for a new generation of preschoolers. The multi award-winning Teletubbies encourages young children to watch television creatively, providing a safe and beneficial viewing experience.
Teletubbies has 4 friends, each a different color and personality, that live, play, and work together in their world. Plus, their bellies have screens so they can show videos to each other and the audience! There are hundreds of episodes to choose from, going back to 1997! They cover a variety of topics and lessons, plus they are cute and funny to watch.
I think the creators of Teletubbies are spot on in addressing the developmental levels of their target audience. Make sure you visit their site for more details on the benefits of Teletubbies for your little ones.
They are releasing a new DVD this month: Teletubbies: Bubbles!
Get ready to sing, dance and splash with the Teletubbies when TELETUBBIES: BUBBLES arrives on DVD June 20 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Six all-new episodes feature Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po as they sing, dance, play and of course, eat Tubby Custard! TELETUBBIES: BUBBLES includes two all-new engaging featurettes: In the first, fans can join the Teletubbies as they sing the classic song, Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes; in the second, little ones can learn more about Laa Laa, the sweet, song and dance loving yellow Teletubby! Video Synopsis: The Tubby Custard Machine is making lots and lots of Tubby Custard bubbles! Join the Teletubbies as they chase and pop bubbles, play with a magical music box and dance the energetic Tubby Phone Dance. Contains six new episodes!
For more information on this super cute video as well as activity sheets, visit Sony Pictures. Also make sure to connect with Teletubbies on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest announcements and promotions.
Speaking of bubbles, we had so much fun with our bubble wand. You can find the homemade recipe on the movie website or you can purchase ready made bubble liquid at your local retailer.
Now I will admit that the learning curve for using the bubble wand was pretty steep. I am not sure if the adults or the little ones mastered it first…but I am sure that I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
By the end of the gathering, we had monster bubbles floating around the yard!
This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.
I don’t know why but I want this 😀
I remember when the Tele tubbies first came out. They were so cute and cuddley looking. I fell in love with them. They are #2 on my list . Barney is still my #1
Love the teletubbies. The kids do too.
All the bright colors are stimulating for the little ones. Cute program.
Anyone else hate the trashy kid videos that are pushed out on YouTube? I wish there were more easy streaming options.
love this
My son loves Spider-Man.
I remember watching this as a kid, it was so good and addictive for some reason,
I remember never really liking the teletubies as a kid. I like shows for kids that I feel there is a bit more they can learn from.
My nephew loves the Teletubbies they are so cute great tv show for the kids too.
I’m glad I don’t have kids to worry about this.
The grandkids love Sesame Street
Really anything on PBS is my favorite. WHY.. because they are educational!
I love your suggestion of a timer. It’s easy to get busy and forget that the children are zoned into a screen!
My grandson loves the Minions right now, next week it will be something else.
Sponge Bob here!
My son loved the teletubbies when he was young and now my granddaughter will too 🙂
My kids grew up watching Teletubbies! Such a strange yet mesmerizing, fun show for kids. Glad to see that it is still around.
I don’t know if I can get past how much this show used to creep me out when I was younger. Don’t think I could ever have it in the house.
My 3 year old niece loves to watch the Teletubbies. She would love the Bubbles DVD and the cute plush toys.
We use technology to teach and help our kids learn. Technology keeps them interested and engaged.
My grands are so into teletubbies, we have the toys and dvds they’re great for their imagination
My kids did love watching this, colorful and they loved the way they talked
Our kids love watching Teletubbies
Watching shows together with the kids is so much fun and getting them involved with learning by watching educational shows is great for them!
I remember the Teletubbies years ago. For the shows on this to go back to 1997 is wow just wow.
We try and watch educational shows every day, especially in the Summer months when we have more time!
we love Wall-E !
These are good to know about, as I would give them as gifts, I don’t know what to get, so it is helpful!
These little guys have been around for a long time!!! My great grandchildren have many of their DVDS.
I find teletubbies to be a little creepy but the kids seem to really like them soo they are good with me.
Fun DVDs for the kids.
I make sure that my kids watch shows that teach good lessons and help them learn how to behave and get along with others. Also fun educational games are good to watch!
This looks like a fun show.
My kids just love Teletubbies!
Also, trying a variety of shows really does help in keeping my kids entertained. That way they do not get bored if the watch the same show over and over!
I certainly never imagined I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch them with him. I really do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
Bubble fun! You can’t beat it. I like the experiments that the Teletubbies share.
We have never watched the Teletubbies, so we will have to check them out.
Getting my kids involved in educational shows and getting them learning is so important for preparing for school!
I never imagined I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch them with him. I really do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
My kids are mesmerized by Telletubies!!
We love the Teletubbies shows. They are so much fun to watch!
I never really thought I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch them with him. I really do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
Omg teletubbies, loved them years ago and watched with my kids .
I like to watch shows with the kids that they can become involved with. Clapping their hands. learning new words and participating helps them learn!
I never thought I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch them with him. I really do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
it was a colorful show
This is so cute!
My daughter watched this when she was small. It was one of her favorites. It’s nearly impossible to avoid them watching TV so this is a good option
I love all the great recommendations for kids shows in the comments. Scooby Doo is great. They do a lot of problem solving and deductive reasoning.
I love to have my kids watch educational shows all the time.
My daughter watched this when she was little now my grandkids love it as much as she did.
Used to watch Teletubbies when my girls
We love Trolls! It is one of our favorites.
I have to go with The Wizard of Oz.
I haven’t heard about teletubbies for a long long time kinda cool like to see what my kids think of it
Bubbles are a favorite activity for my nieces.
Teletubbies is so cute and a fun show for my kids to watch.
the kids loved teletubbies
I really think the idea of having smart options for screen time is good. It is nearly impossible to completely avoid it before 2 (they even have a tv at our pediatrician!) so I really think this is a much more thoughtful route to take! Thanks for the insights!
I never thought I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch it with him. I really do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
My kids cant get enough of Telletubbies. Now I am hooked as well.
I like to get the kids involved in fun shows where they can participate!
I never thought I would ever watch Teletubbies, but now that I have a grandson I can’t wait to watch it with him. I do like that it can be beneficial to a child’s development.
I’m glad that you mentioned that you should look for shows that get kids involved. It’s sad watching a kid zoned out in front of a tv.
I watch a lot of shows together with my kids!
Used to watch Teletubbies when my niece and nephew were little.
it’s funny to see the teletubbies making a comeback. I remember them from years ago!
Frozen is the absolute best!!
Personally, I love the despicable me movies and minions.
I watch a lot of fun shows with my kids and we really like the Teletubbies!
🙂
We loved Kim Possible and Power Puff Girls!
We love the Teletubbies shows and I like my kids to watch educational shows to because they help them learn!
I really like Shrek because it is funny for kids and adults!
We love the Cars movies.
My grandsons love playing bubbles outside! It’s such a fun summer activity!
Fondest memory was Romp A Room. I always wanted her to say my name. So I think that would be my favorite next to She-Ra.
We love the ET movie! It is a classic.
We like the Lion King movie.
Finding Dory is a favorite movie.
My daughter loves the Little Mermaid!
We like the movie Moana.
We loved the Lego Batman Movie!
My son who is 8 is super excited for the new Despicable Me movie coming out.
The movie Secret Life of Pets is a favorite movie.
My kids love the Wizard of Oz movies!
Trolls is a favorite movie.
My son also loves Yo-Gabba-Gabba!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
We love the Movie Finding Nemo!
I like to watch Dinosaur Train with the grandkids.
We loved the Boss Baby!
All of my kids love the new movie Trolls! It’s super cute too I actually enjoy watching it also.
The movie Frozen is a favorite.
We like Doc McStuffins.
My 3 year old son loves the show Paw Patrol and also Team UmiZoomi.
We like the movie Zootopia.
We love Bob the Builder show!
I love how the kids worked together to make bubbles. Adorable!!
We like Sesame Street!
I like the show Arthur for the kids to watch.
We love the Moana movie!
My kids favorite movie is Frozen!
I like the show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
We love the Cars movies!
I like Sesame Street for my grandsons.
I love Sesame Street for the kids because it is educational.
We love the Lion King Movie!
My favorite children’s television show is Sesame Street.
Curious George is favorite show.
We love the Trolls movie!
I love the show The Magic School Bus on PBS because it is educational for kids.
My grandson loves watching PBS his favorite to watch is Wild Kratts.
My favorite movie for my grandsons is Sandlot.
My favorite kids’ movie is Wall-E.
Our favorite movie is Frozen! My kids love this movie.
I would say, Scooby-Doo