Even from an early age, screens are entrancing. The different lights, storylines, colors, and sounds are all captivating—and easily accessible from a big screen tv to a tiny handheld device that can go anywhere with you. With screens now literally at our fingertips at most points of the day, it is important to take a look at how this can affect the younger generations growing up with this reality.
So, what is the right ‘screen time’ balance within early childhood? Let’s explore research-backed truths and some helpful and attainable balancing tips for setting up your child for success in this digital world.
Are you looking for a place for your child to learn and thrive? We would love for your family to come by and see us here at Clover Hill Children’s Center. We have a beautiful facility and amazing early childhood education teachers who would love to have your little one in their class!
What’s the big deal?
Many parents and caregivers might wonder about the emphasis placed on monitoring screen time for children. Why does it matter? For one, research shows that screens can distract toddlers from crucial developmental interactions.
- Language & cognitive delays – One JAMA Pediatrics study found that 1‑year‑olds with more screen time had worse communication and problem-solving skills at ages 2 and 4.
- Displacement of play – A systematic review from BMJ Open reveals that excessive screen time replaces vital caregiver interaction–which is crucial within early childhood education and development.
Here at Clover Hill Children’s Center we like for focus on hands-on play, social engagement and development and guided learning—not swiping! Schedule a tour today to see our various play area both inside and out!
Quality Over Quantity
Screens aren’t evil, they just need to be viewed as a tool rather than a cornerstone. Be intentional with the screens and content that your child is exposed to. In making choices about duration and viewing choices, experts emphasize:
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Choose slow-paced, educational shows
Slow paced shows that offer quality stories, strong morals and quality family relationships can support your child in their growth and fill their head with quality content. The Mayo Clinic supports that small amounts of quality screentime can actually be beneficial for preschool-aged children.
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Watch together
Watching something together gives you as the parent, caregiver, or early childhood educator the opportunity to explain, question, and expand learning based on what you are viewing, together.
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Enforce screen‑free zones
Bedrooms, mealtimes, and an hour leading up to bed should be maintained as screen-free times/places. Doing so will help encourage and protect healthy eating and sleep habits and can set you up for continuing to make those both a success. (source)
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Keep a healthy balance
Incorporate imaginative play, books, puzzles, outside time and face-to-face interactions as pillars of your day, allowing screentime within them, but not as a pillar itself.
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Quiet Time
If your child is no longer napping, incorporate quiet time devices such as quiet boxes (full of toys that are only for quiet time), low-key sensory activities, or even listening to music or an audiobook. Instituting a consistent daily quiet time can help keep stress down (for everyone!) and reduces the need to reach for a device or remote in an exasperated attempt at peace. (source)
Wondering how we conduct our days here at Clover Hill Children’s Center? We are happy to share and show you around—you don’t need screens to learn and have fun! Schedule a tour today to check us out!
Toddler Screen Time Recommendations
| Age Group | Recommended Daily Limit | Content Quality | Guidance Style |
| <18–24 months | 0 minutes (except video) | Co-view video-chat only | Narrate, explain, ask questions |
| 2–5 years | ≤ 1 hour adult-led video | Slow, educational shows | Watch together actively |
Helpful Takeaways
- Curate quality content through review tools like Common Sense Media.
- Engage together—make screen time a shared educational moment.
- Protect other needs: play, meals, sleep, and family time
- Quiet Time: keeping a quiet time to encourage rest or special activities on reserve for the hard moments of the day can help decrease desires to use screentime as a means to “make it through” the day
Screens can be thoughtfully woven into early childhood education to give toddlers the best of both worlds: real-world growth as well as occasional, yet, meaningful digital connection. Screentime that will support—and never replace—the important and busy work of playing, talking, exploring, and interacting with others.
We would love to add more meaningful content into the life of your preschooler here at Clover Hill Children’s Center. Call today to schedule a tour!