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.
Dieander Voordat says
I don’t know why but I want this 😀
Cathy Jarolin says
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
Richard Hicks says
Love the teletubbies. The kids do too.
Lisa Brown says
All the bright colors are stimulating for the little ones. Cute program.
Jessica W says
Anyone else hate the trashy kid videos that are pushed out on YouTube? I wish there were more easy streaming options.
Armando Rincon says
love this
Laurie Damrose says
My son loves Spider-Man.
Armando Rincon says
I remember watching this as a kid, it was so good and addictive for some reason,
Jessica W says
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.
Laurie Nykaza says
My nephew loves the Teletubbies they are so cute great tv show for the kids too.
Sarah L says
I’m glad I don’t have kids to worry about this.
Anita Jude says
The grandkids love Sesame Street
elicia p says
Really anything on PBS is my favorite. WHY.. because they are educational!
Jackie Mercer says
I love your suggestion of a timer. It’s easy to get busy and forget that the children are zoned into a screen!
Karen DRakez says
My grandson loves the Minions right now, next week it will be something else.
Dana Matthews says
Sponge Bob here!
Kathy Pease says
My son loved the teletubbies when he was young and now my granddaughter will too 🙂
Cindy S. says
My kids grew up watching Teletubbies! Such a strange yet mesmerizing, fun show for kids. Glad to see that it is still around.
Shane A says
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.
Terri S. says
My 3 year old niece loves to watch the Teletubbies. She would love the Bubbles DVD and the cute plush toys.
Daniel Scott says
We use technology to teach and help our kids learn. Technology keeps them interested and engaged.
April Monty says
My grands are so into teletubbies, we have the toys and dvds they’re great for their imagination
James Robert says
My kids did love watching this, colorful and they loved the way they talked
Richard Hicks says
Our kids love watching Teletubbies
Julie Wood says
Watching shows together with the kids is so much fun and getting them involved with learning by watching educational shows is great for them!
Lisa says
I remember the Teletubbies years ago. For the shows on this to go back to 1997 is wow just wow.
Julie Wood says
We try and watch educational shows every day, especially in the Summer months when we have more time!
Ray Koo says
we love Wall-E !
Rosie says
These are good to know about, as I would give them as gifts, I don’t know what to get, so it is helpful!
Judy Cox says
These little guys have been around for a long time!!! My great grandchildren have many of their DVDS.
Cynthia R says
I find teletubbies to be a little creepy but the kids seem to really like them soo they are good with me.
Lisa Brown says
Fun DVDs for the kids.
Julie Wood says
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!
Donna L says
This looks like a fun show.
Letessha says
My kids just love Teletubbies!
Julie Wood says
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!
Marti Tabora says
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.
Dana Matthews says
Bubble fun! You can’t beat it. I like the experiments that the Teletubbies share.
Daniel Scott says
We have never watched the Teletubbies, so we will have to check them out.
Julie Wood says
Getting my kids involved in educational shows and getting them learning is so important for preparing for school!
Marti Tabora says
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.
paige chandler says
My kids are mesmerized by Telletubies!!
Julie Wood says
We love the Teletubbies shows. They are so much fun to watch!
Marti Tabora says
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.
April Monty says
Omg teletubbies, loved them years ago and watched with my kids .
Julie Wood says
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!
Marti Tabora says
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.
Lisa Brown says
it was a colorful show
Edye says
This is so cute!
Sandy Klocinski says
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
Jessica W says
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.
Julie Wood says
I love to have my kids watch educational shows all the time.
April Monty says
My daughter watched this when she was little now my grandkids love it as much as she did.
LILLIAN BROWN says
Used to watch Teletubbies when my girls
Dana Rodriguez says
We love Trolls! It is one of our favorites.
David Hollingsworth says
I have to go with The Wizard of Oz.
Bryan Vice says
I haven’t heard about teletubbies for a long long time kinda cool like to see what my kids think of it
Cynthia C says
Bubbles are a favorite activity for my nieces.
Julie Wood says
Teletubbies is so cute and a fun show for my kids to watch.
Lisa Brown says
the kids loved teletubbies
Chrissy says
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!
Marti Tabora says
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.
paige chandler says
My kids cant get enough of Telletubbies. Now I am hooked as well.
Julie Wood says
I like to get the kids involved in fun shows where they can participate!
Marti Tabora says
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.
Jessica W says
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.
Julie Wood says
I watch a lot of shows together with my kids!
Lisa Brown says
Used to watch Teletubbies when my niece and nephew were little.
hannah says
it’s funny to see the teletubbies making a comeback. I remember them from years ago!
Mya Murphy says
Frozen is the absolute best!!
Renea says
Personally, I love the despicable me movies and minions.
Julie Wood says
I watch a lot of fun shows with my kids and we really like the Teletubbies!
Michelle L says
🙂
Barrie says
We loved Kim Possible and Power Puff Girls!
Julie Wood says
We love the Teletubbies shows and I like my kids to watch educational shows to because they help them learn!
Natalie says
I really like Shrek because it is funny for kids and adults!
Dan Dykstra says
We love the Cars movies.
Janet W. says
My grandsons love playing bubbles outside! It’s such a fun summer activity!
elicia p says
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.
Julie Wood says
We love the ET movie! It is a classic.
shelly peterson says
We like the Lion King movie.
shelly peterson says
Finding Dory is a favorite movie.
Julie Wood says
My daughter loves the Little Mermaid!
shelly peterson says
We like the movie Moana.
Julie Wood says
We loved the Lego Batman Movie!
Keri justice says
My son who is 8 is super excited for the new Despicable Me movie coming out.
shelly peterson says
The movie Secret Life of Pets is a favorite movie.
Julie Wood says
My kids love the Wizard of Oz movies!
shelly peterson says
Trolls is a favorite movie.
Gina M says
My son also loves Yo-Gabba-Gabba!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Julie Wood says
We love the Movie Finding Nemo!
shelly peterson says
I like to watch Dinosaur Train with the grandkids.
Julie Wood says
We loved the Boss Baby!
Keri justice says
All of my kids love the new movie Trolls! It’s super cute too I actually enjoy watching it also.
shelly peterson says
The movie Frozen is a favorite.
Julie Wood says
We like Doc McStuffins.
Keri justice says
My 3 year old son loves the show Paw Patrol and also Team UmiZoomi.
shelly peterson says
We like the movie Zootopia.
Julie Wood says
We love Bob the Builder show!
Nancy Johnson Horn says
I love how the kids worked together to make bubbles. Adorable!!
Edye says
We like Sesame Street!
shelly peterson says
I like the show Arthur for the kids to watch.
Julie Wood says
We love the Moana movie!
Susan Smith says
My kids favorite movie is Frozen!
shelly peterson says
I like the show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Julie Wood says
We love the Cars movies!
shelly peterson says
I like Sesame Street for my grandsons.
heather says
I love Sesame Street for the kids because it is educational.
Julie Wood says
We love the Lion King Movie!
Rachel says
My favorite children’s television show is Sesame Street.
shelly peterson says
Curious George is favorite show.
Julie Wood says
We love the Trolls movie!
Natalie says
I love the show The Magic School Bus on PBS because it is educational for kids.
shelly peterson says
My grandson loves watching PBS his favorite to watch is Wild Kratts.
Janet W. says
My favorite movie for my grandsons is Sandlot.
mami2jcn says
My favorite kids’ movie is Wall-E.
Julie Wood says
Our favorite movie is Frozen! My kids love this movie.
Lisa Brown says
I would say, Scooby-Doo