AS A BUSY MUM, WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE PLAYKIDS APP? I like to know that when Hudson is playing on the app there are a variety of things for him to do on there and that he is learning things too. I would not want him to be playing with games and apps if it was purely for entertainment the whole time. It gives me peace of mind to know that when he is on there, he is stimulated enough to stay on there as I know it is a safe place for him to play. WITH THE RISING CONCERN OF THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON KIDS AND TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME, HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS APP IS DIFFERENT AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT YOUR CHILDREN? I think as a parent you have to decide boundaries and time limits on your kids being involved in technology. As I mentioned, I will always choose being out and about and outside over being indoors on the iPad, but for those moments when you need some quiet and still, apps are a great way to find it. I think it is important to know there is an educational element to the app and I always play on the app myself to see exactly what is on there and that it won’t lead them to something I don’t approve of. I have Hudson sitting next to me or close to me so I can monitor what he is playing. Just be aware and across whatever they are doing. Encourage playing with toys and reading books too – let them use their imaginations!
HOW DO YOU ADAPT THE USAGE OF THE PLAYKIDS APP INTO YOUR BUSY ROUTINE? Having two little boys is pretty crazy around our parts, so I do like to get them out of the house to burn their energy, but for those ‘life’ moments when I’m getting ready or making dinner, or need to send an email or two, it is a great way to get Hudson (Archie is only one so he hasn’t quite progressed into technology yet) to sit still and in one place where I can keep an eye on him. It is also so great for when we travel. Kids and planes are not a great combination, so it is great to know that he can be happily entertained for the extent of a flight. LASTLY, WHAT DO YOUR KIDS LOVE MOST ABOUT THE APP? Hudson loves the music element of the app. He bashes out some tunes on the piano and gets really into it. He really likes the matching game and the learn to draw section too. It is a really well rounded educational tool. There is also a stories section where it is narrated and turns the pages on some of the classics like Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Three Little Pigs – he really loves those too. Learn more about the app at http://try.playkidsapp.com iTunes for Apple devices – www.appstore.com/playkids Google Play for Android devices – https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.movile.playkids
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