Why Can Screen Time Actually Be Beneficial for Kids

Holidays are coming, and with the vacation times for kindergartens and schools. At this time of the year, when the weather might not be that good, parents are wondering how to entertain their kids at home. And the thought of leaving your child in front of the TV is still making most parents feel chills in their bones. But what if we tell you that screen time can benefit kids, especially when shared with you? It is true, and there are 6 reasons why.

1. TV can help kids learn about various topics

It can start from the simplest things like the sounds each animal makes, colors, and numbers, or at a later age, it can be a topic your kid is interested in. There are so many shows, movies, and clips that can help your child explore a topic in detail. Watching such content can actually be, at the same time, entertaining or educational for your little ones. Depending on where you live, your kid might have never seen snow or the rain forests — show them what it is with the help of some Youtube video. 

2. Watching TV together can help you bond with your kid

It is hard for some parents to share enough time with their children and enhance their bond in our busy lives. But sitting down for 2 hours on the weekend or now over the holidays and watching a nice Christmas movie with your little one might be just the way to do it. This time will help you understand what your kid will be most impressed by in the movie, and you can start discussions around it. Or you can just dive into the magical experience together. 

Free movie streaming sites are the best way to find your old favorite Christmas movies or find a new one to share with your kid. Yes, we know that as a parent, you need to be cautious about what sites you are showing your kids, and especially some streaming sites are full of inappropriate pop-out ads. And you have a point. In this list, you can find many options of excellent free movie streaming sites that you can watch with your kid. Cuddle into bed with a cup of hot choco and enjoy. 

3. Screen time can motivate children to read books

Many of the movies and shows that you can play for your little one are based on books. The curiosity to know what will happen next before the next episode could be the perfect motivation to read more books. Or you can make it the other way around — make a deal that you will play them the movie based on it if they read the book. After that, just find similar books that can get your child excited and keep them interested in reading.

4. Children can see good role models on TV

Kids are highly influenced by adults they see on the TV, but even more by other kids. You can find a show with a fascinating character that will lead by a good example, your little one. Many characters are solving issues using their knowledge or showing how they should treat others. Pointing out positive or bad traits will be a perfect character display and help your kid understand the world better and want to be better as their heroes. 

5. You can introduce different activities to your kid

With different videos, you can show your child different sports, instruments, painting, and any other activity you can think of. Find recordings of kids performing that activity and watch it together. By doing this, you can also start a discussion about what your child might be interested in and maybe find them a new hobby. Taking a kid to dance practice or signing them to piano lessons without preparing them before might have the opposite effect. So, try to find what they might like and try it out together. 

6. TV can inspire and help with the imagination

Watching the right content can inspire your kid to try new things, be curious about different cultures and places, and more. It can help exceptionally with growing their imagination and in this way even when they are away from the screen they will never be bored. Every stick in the park can become a sword, the blanket can be a cape, and the pillows can build a real fortress. Show your kid the world on TV, and make sure you are there to support them in their adventures inspired by it afterward. 

Wrapping Up

There is an enormous choice of movies, shows, and videos you can play with your kid or watch together. Maybe watching your favorite animations again from when you were little will help you feel younger and engage in fun games with your little one. When appropriately done, watching TV can be beneficial for both kids and parents.