Screens are everywhere. Phones, tablets, TVs — even the gas station pump wants your attention now. For parents of preschoolers, technology can feel like both a lifesaving treat (“Thank you, iPad, for keeping my toddler preoccupied on this long car drive”) and a scary nightmare (“Why are you crying like I canceled Christmas? I only paused Bluey!”). When my son was little, we didn’t have as much of a problem because smart phones and tablet tech didn’t exist yet, but of course we had TV, X Box and a computer at home. It was always a battle.
There are totally appropriate times and ways to allow your child to watch technology, but here at Jarrell Montessori, we don’t allow technology (you aren’t paying us so they can watch a Disney show after all). But at home? It’s trickier. Here are things to consider to ensure your child not only doesn’t get too much but also is getting the right kind of stimulus.
Why Does Limiting Tech Matter? And How Much Time is Recommended?
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under 2 years old have no screen time at all and less than 1 hour a day for 2 – 5 year olds.
- A study of ~7,000 children found that more screen time at age 1 was scarily associated with developmental delays (communication and problem-solving) at ages 2 and 4 years old.
- Excessive screen exposure in children under 5 results in with slower language development, shorter attention spans, and weaker executive function (the brain’s ability to plan, focus, resist distractions).
Why Monitoring Screen Time Matters
- Their Brains Are Under Construction
From birth to age 6, children’s brains develop at lightning speed. Screens can’t replace sensory experiences like stacking blocks, pouring sand, or cooperating on the playground. Having free time at home that doesn’t involve technology offers things a tablet simply can’t provide. - Attention Spans Are Fragile
Fast-paced shows overstimulate young minds. Too much screen time can make focusing in preschool harder and disrupt sleep routines. (And when bedtime goes sideways, we all suffer.) - Fewer Meltdowns, More Peace
Turn off a show mid-episode and prepare for volcanic emotions. Predictable limits reduce those “end-of-screen” battles and teach emotional regulation. - Content Isn’t Always Parent-Approved
Even “child-friendly” platforms serve ads, autoplay questionable videos, or promote loud, aggressive behavior. Monitoring protects emotional safety—especially important in early childhood education.
Healthy Ways to Use Technology With Preschoolers
- Make It Interactive
Choose educational apps or shows that encourage problem-solving, language, and creativity. Co-watch (or listen as you cook dinner) and ask questions to support learning. - Use Tech for Connection
Video calls with grandparents build relationships and strengthen language development. That’s quality tech use! - Stick to Routines
Set parameters during the school week and different ones on weekends. Some parents don’t allow tech use at all during the school week. Others only allow two things, like one show and one gaming session. Try using timers to create predictable boundaries (and take the blame off you). - Make Tech Time a PRIVILEGE (and can be taken away)
If your child hasn’t done their chores or is making poor choices, use technology as a tool to incentivize them. Of ALL the things I have utilized in my Parenting Tool Arsenal, tech is the most powerful. - Use Parental Controls
Time limits, ad blockers, and approved apps keep preschool technology safer and calmer.
The Bottom Line
Technology isn’t a scary troll, it just shouldn’t be the main course for kids under 6. Think of technology as a ghoulish dessert: delightful in moderation. By choosing more educational content and setting time limits, parents support strong attention spans, emotional regulation, independence, and creativity.
Life should encourage real-world connections, like sweaty outdoor play and problem-solving with friends. Screens can wait. Childhood (and their brain) can’t.
~ Shannon Black, Founder/Co-Owner of Jarrell Montessori
