When I had my first baby years ago, I heard over and over again to hold off on any kind of screen time for as long as possible. I believe the recommendation was no screen time till age 2. This sounds great in theory, and I tried really hard, but I am pretty sure I failed at that one. Once I had a second child and then a third this went out the window since the babies would see would what the older child/children are watching. Yes, my children have tablets. Even the two year old has a hand me down one.
So instead of completely banning screen time, which is a bit unrealistic, I monitor my children’s usage, I lock their tablets down with parental controls, and I set limits. I also try to choose apps that are educational and safe. Unsafe apps are one of my biggest fears as a parent.
I have discovered a new recently released app which is safe, fun, artistic, and educational.
I have no concerns letting my toddler play with the Crayola Create and Play app.
I am pretty sure everyone reading this has heard of Crayola, and probably has great memories of using their products during their own childhood. And, I am sure your children have some non digital Crayola products as well.
Well, did you know they also make digital products too? They have recently released their new app: Crayola Create and Play.
This app is designed for kids ages three to five but I am pretty sure my six year old will enjoy it too.
From Crayola:
Crayola Create and Play features exciting STEAM-inspired content and interactive activities that are thoughtfully designed to spark kids’ imaginations and help them develop beneficial skills such as learning logic, coding, dexterity, cause and effect, caring for pets, color theory and more. With creativity at its core, the app features five immersive areas of play, with relevant games and engaging activities for every type of kid.
I love this app. As the description says, there are five different areas of play. For the kids this means lot of choices and never getting bored.
There is an Art Station with coloring and creating art pieces.
There is a Pet Park where children can create and take care of their pets.
A Color Lab where kids can play with color.
A Colorful Classroom with educational tools including letters and shapes.
And an Arcade with four different games.
The app will have new content, activities and games added monthly to keep the content engaging. The app is completely safe and worry free, there are no ads or hidden costs. There is a monthly subscription cost and that is it. The app is offline so there is no risk of any unwanted interaction of any kind.
Crayola Create and Play is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The app includes a free trial and for a limited time, a special introductory price of $3.99 per month. Starting on December 15, Crayola Create and Play will be available for $5.99 per month or for an annual price of $39.99 (equating to $3.33 per month).
I have tested this app and do recommend it!
Please do let me know if you have any questions about this app at all.