Wake Up and Play!

6 Screen-Free Ideas for Saner Mornings

You know that too much time on screens can slow language development, stifle creative thinking, interfere with social skills, and contribute to eye strain and headaches – not the best way to start your preschooler’s day! Luckily, the Play Experts at EI are here with six easy screen-free ideas for starting your kiddo’s day slowly, calmly, and sanely, from reading a story to playing a game and so much more!

Snuggle Up

Your little one may not be ready to spring right out of bed, so take a few minutes to cuddle with your cutie before you start your day. Snuggling is sweet – and physical touch also provides a sense of calm and relaxation, improves muscle tone and circulation, lowers stress, and provides pain relief – for you both!

Read a Story

Looking at words and pictures and listening to a parent’s voice creates a naturally calming atmosphere. Plus, reading to your sweetie is one of the best ways to build their language skills, including learning sounds, words, and early literacy skills. Many libraries are closed to in-person visits, but some are offering curbside pick-up. Snag a stack or check this map to see if there’s a Little Free Library offering books to borrow in your neighborhood.

Photo Credit: @littlefreelibrary

Sing a Song

Singing together is a great way to bond with your kiddo. Singing together also exposes them to the flow of language and communication and builds their vocabularies. If your family has a favorite song, make singing it together part of your morning routine. If you need a recommendation, the Play Experts at EI are partial to Will.i.Am’s “What I Am”. Find the words and tune here, then sing along, together!

Play a Game

Playing games develops key social skills, including sharing, waiting your turn, and winning and losing gracefully. Additionally, gameplay helps develop memory, logic, reasoning skills, critical thinking, communications skills, and vocabulary as well as building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Choose something simple, age-appropriate, and “quick play”, like EI’s Racoon Rumpus™ or The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!® and spend a few morning minutes getting your game on!

Take a Walk

Walking is relaxing. In addition to providing exercise, taking a walk also helps kids feel calmer and happier, improves their ability to concentrate and focus, and encourages a sense of independence and freedom. So, head out for a few minutes of fresh air – together! Even a 10-minute trip around the block will reap myriad benefits. Let your child choose the path and prove that you trust their ability to make decisions.

Tackle a Chore

Chores help kids – even preschoolers – learn responsibility, build a strong work ethic, and foster respect for the work you’re doing to keep your home running smoothly. Help your child build confidence – and get a little help around the house! – by trusting them with a morning chore. Preschoolers are perfectly capable of helping sort the laundry, getting the mail, gathering the library books for return, and more. Let your little one choose their chore, then congratulate them each time it’s complete!

Taking just a little time to start the day off right – without the help of the iPad or TV – sets your family up for a fantastic day. See you in the morning!