We all know how important it is to invest in a child’s education and development — and the earlier parents start doing so, the better. Fortunately for today’s parents, the kids are all technology-native now, so some of this massive effort can be left to educational apps.

It’s true, of course, that apps have limitations — they cannot teach social skills, and often, they shorten the child’s attention span.

Still, educational apps for kids can be very beneficial with a carefully balanced combination of online and offline time. Here are the top examples of educational apps for different age groups that can boost your child’s cognitive skills and, often, allow you that few spare minutes for yourself.

Top apps for toddlers

When is the right time to give your kid an app? Well, most top choices start with the age of one or two!

#1 ABCMouse

Age: 2-8 years

ABCMouse is one of the top educational apps for children, starting with toddlers and ending with a 2nd-grade elementary school. Designed by the Age of Learning company, the app has already won multiple awards, including Teachers’ Choice. It has over ten thousand progressive activities, spanning 850+ lessons and ten complexity levels.

The reading curriculum alone includes over 450 books for the elementary level. The Math section has all the basics, including addition and subtraction, along with basic geometry and time measurement. But perhaps the most exciting part is The World Around Us, which can teach a kid the basics about plants and animals, maps, and even the solar system — all in a colorful, comprehensive, game-like manner.

#2 Kiddopia

Age: 2-7 years

Kiddopia is another award-winning app with plenty of positive user reviews. It is not as advanced as ABCMouse, but it is an excellent start for the youngest learners. Its fun puzzles and memory games make learning the basics of ABC, spelling, and Math easy. The app also has an introductory science section and plenty of printable materials. Plus, the developers regularly add new content — for example, a few years back, the top age Kiddopia could accommodate was five. Now, it seems that the lesson plans are growing up along with the app’s students.

#3 Peekaboo Barn

Age: 1-3 years

If you have never used any educational apps and want to start with something really simple but useful for toddlers, Peekaboo Barn is a good choice. The app does not have any spelling or Math lessons, but it lists a pretty good selection of animal pictures (with sounds). It’s also available in several languages, which could be a great perk for bilingual families. Plus, unlike more advanced educational apps that usually run on a subscription basis, Peekaboo Barn is available at a single payment of just $1.99.

Preschool level apps

Most preschool apps are similar to those for toddlers, but they usually start at three or four and focus on preparation for the elementary school curriculum.

#1 Montessori Preschool

Age: 3-7 years

Today, the Montessori method of education is considered one of the best ways to develop a child’s natural abilities and inspire interest in further learning. And Montessori Preschool follows this principle perfectly! Besides plenty of valuable reading, writing, and counting exercises, this app also emphasizes autonomy and self-correction.

At the same time, Montessori Preschool does this in a game-like manner to make sure preschoolers do not lose interest, and it has a point-based reward system to keep encouraging them. It has a great feedback system and a parental dashboard for tracking your child’s progress without interfering with the learning process.

#2 World of Peppa Pig

Age: 3-5 years

Does your kid love Peppa Pig? Then, the app is a perfect choice for you. Besides engaging with the favorite character, the kid will have access to plenty of colorful matching and puzzle games that stimulate learning in a fun, game-like manner. Still, the main focus is not on gamification but on preparing kids for elementary school, especially when it comes to reading and counting. As a bonus, young learners can dress up Peppa (with her entire family) and watch videos.

#3 Teach Your Monster…

Age: 3-6 years

If Peppa is not your case, then your kid will undoubtedly appreciate a chance to create his own character while teaching the custom-made monster to read, count, and eat healthy! Teach Your Monster is a whole series of fun and colorful apps that include Teach Your Monster to Read, Teach Your Monster to Read for Fun, Teach Your Monster Numbers, and Teach Your Monster Adventurous Eating. All apps are available for a fixed price of under $5 and can help prepare young students for their first days in school.

School curriculum & beyond

Unlike preschool educational apps that cover a broad range of subjects and focus on developing kids’ overall learning abilities, apps for elementary and middle school levels often narrow down the list of covered subjects and activities. But not all of them, of course!

#1 Adventure Academy

Age: 8-13 years

Adventure Academy is another app from the Age of Learning with plenty of colorful games, challenges, and materials that encourage learning through a fun reward system. Besides reading, math, and science sections for elementary and middle school levels, the app also features social studies with the basics of history and geography. The app has over 4,000 gaming activities perfectly tailored for their age and grade levels.

#2 Kahoot!

Age: 6-18 years

This is the most advanced app on this list, and not just because of the significant age span. As an educational developer, Kahoot! does an excellent job of tailoring its platform not only for students but also for teachers. Tons of fun challenges and printable materials can be very useful in the classroom. But this app is an independent product that students can use from first to twelfth grade, too.

Kahoot! has practically limitless subjects and quizzes that accommodate a vast range of interests. Besides collections of materials in science and banking, Kahoot! has Disney and Marvel-inspired games, along with quizzes about NASA and Henry Ford. Some of the content is free, while some collections are reserved for premium users (that is, paid subscriptions). But if your kid develops an interest in Kahoot!, its reasonably-priced subscription is totally worth it!

#3 Seek by iNaturalist

Age: 4-10 years

The best thing about this app is that it encourages kids to spend time offline. The game-like element of Seek by iNaturalist is to go outside and point a smartphone camera at living things. Seek can recognize plants, animals, birds, and even fungi. It also features game-like challenges to encourage young naturalists to submit their observations and learn more about their local flora and fauna. Plus, Seek is 100% to use and, to be completely honest, can entertain people older than ten, too!

Any of these apps or their combination can be helpful to your child’s educational journey. The final word of advice, of course, is not to rely on apps alone. They are incredibly useful additions, but still nothing more than additions. Schedule off-screen time, too — with parental controls if necessary and don’t ignore socializing!

In an era where kids have grown up amidst the rise of digital platforms, understanding the nuances of online safety is imperative. Melaleuca recognized this need and aimed to equip high school students with not just computer skills but also an understanding of how to navigate the online world safely.

This was the overarching theme of the recent computer science boot camp held at Melaleuca Global Headquarters.

Adrianna, an aspiring author, went into the boot camp with a modest understanding of computer science. She emerged with a newfound skill in website building, but more importantly, an appreciation for the layers of safety that need to be in place when working online.

“Before this camp, I knew nothing about coding. Now, I not only understand it but recognize the importance of securing what I create,” she reflected.

From July 24 to 28, over two dozen students delved deep into HTML and CSS coding under the expert guidance of Nathan Birch, an IT professor from BYU-Idaho. But intertwined with lessons on https://www.safesearchkids.com/melaleucas-tech-boot-camp/code were sessions on cybersecurity, privacy settings, and the ethics of digital behavior.

Beyond this, IT experts from Melaleuca introduced students to real-world scenarios of how IT innovation can be both a tool for progress and, if not safely managed, a potential risk. These discussions broadened their perspectives, making them consider the wider implications of their online actions.

Cole Clinger, Melaleuca’s President, emphasized the boot camp’s dual focus.

“While we aim to give students technical skills, we equally prioritize ensuring they are equipped to use these skills responsibly in a digital age where safety is paramount,” he remarked.

Students like Seth walked away with more than just coding skills. They also learned the importance of secure platforms, the role of parental controls, and tools that can help safeguard their creations and communications online.

The tech boot camp is a part of Melaleuca’s broader vision to nurture well-rounded digital citizens who are both tech-savvy and internet smart. Todd Sorenson, Melaleuca’s Chief Information Officer, shared this sentiment:

“We are not just creating future IT professionals; we are shaping responsible digital users. Our kids should be ready and safe as they embark on their online journeys.”

After a week of intensive learning, students were awarded certificates, a testament to their newfound skills in coding and online safety. Melaleuca’s initiative is an encouraging reminder that companies can play a pivotal role in ensuring the internet becomes a more secure environment for our children.

Parents and students keen to know more about how they can participate in next year’s transformative boot camp are encouraged to contact Melaleuca at 208-522-0700.

Play has always been vital for a child’s development. Playing helps make kids healthy and fit. Such activities outside also enhance mental health. Because playgrounds mainly contain various types of equipment, they offer kids variety to keep them engaged day after day. Properly designed playsets improve physical fitness and cognitive development.

The importance of this cannot be ignored. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of playground equipment for kids, explore its benefits and types of equipment that are dependable and durable. We’ll also recommend a playset manufacturer that provides reliability and durability.

Benefits for Kids

Let’s start by exploring each of the benefits of playground equipment for kids.

Physical Health Benefits

A good playground set is equipped with numerous types of equipment that improves a child’s physical fitness. Swings, slides, climbing structures, and monkey bars require various bodily movements. Kids love to run, jump, and climb on equipment, giving them a thrilling experience. These types of playsets engage children in productive activities and promote their muscular strength, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular capabilities.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Children like to play with each other on the playground. It’s a fun place to interact and make new friends, as well as strengthen existing relationships. Engaging in such a place where kids meet with other peers promotes positive social skills. They learn how to get along and teaches communication, cooperation, and coordination skills.

Playground equipment is also beneficial for the kids’ emotional well-being. These experiences boost their self-confidence, encourage problem-solving, and develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Playsets are also equipped with additional elements that improve inclusivity. Such that children with disabilities can also play and have fun. This develops empathy in children who learn how to care for each other. 

Cognitive Benefits

Playgrounds not only promote physical and social well-being but also improve cognitive abilities. Incorporating playsets into the life of kids enhances their imaginative and creative skills. Playsets contain playhouses, role-play areas, and interactive elements that stimulate a child’s imagination. These innovative ways to play offer children the opportunity to think out of the box and, as said earlier, improve their problem-solving skills.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Playground Equipment

Are you looking to purchase kids’ playground equipment? Read the points below before choosing the playset for your specific needs:

Safety Measures

First, you should check to ensure that your desired playground equipment meets the standards within your country. Some playground sets do not meet safety standards and can pose dangers for kids. Explore national programs for playground safety to ensure playsets are safe to use. Select the equipment that these organizations have been verified. Playgrounds should have safety surfacing and free from sharp edges. There should be proper rubberized surfaces that reduce the impact and risk of injuries.

Age-Appropriateness

Before deciding upon playground equipment to purchase, consider the ages of the children that will be using it. All playground equipment is designed and manufactured with a specific age group in mind.  By doing your due diligence and conducting proper research, you can ensure a safe and engaging experience for every child.

Space and Location

The available space and location are crucial factors in determining the types of equipment that can be installed within your setting. Consider your setting. Do you require a single playset in a backyard, or multiple playsets with a school or community playground? Proper spacing between fences or other playsets is necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure kids can move around safely.

Durability and Maintenance

Since it is a considerable investment, choose only high-quality, reliable, and durable kids’ playground equipment. You get what you pay for. Make sure that the equipment is manufactured from premium quality materials that ensure its longevity to withstand heavy usage. It is also essential to consider the maintenance requirements to keep equipment in good condition. Consider how much work will be involved to maintain equipment. This can vary depending on the playset you purchase.

Types of Playground Equipment

Looking for kid’s playgrounds? Here are some of the kid’s favorite options:

Swings

The top kid’s playground feature is the swings. Children love to move back and forth on these swings, giving them a thrilling experience. It develops balance and coordination in the kids as well. Swings come in assorted designs and shapes that provide an enjoyable experience. For a safe and reliable way to set up your swing, consider using high-quality tree swing straps. They provide stability and peace of mind during playtime.

Slides

Slides are also the top-selling Kids’ playground equipment. Climbing up and moving down gives children a sense of excitement and freedom. They came in many sizes, catering to children in different age ranges.

Climbing Structures

These structures are primarily designed to promote a child’s physical health and muscle growth. Climbing walls and rope nets make the kids healthy and fit, providing opportunities for practical critical thinking skills.

Playhouses and Role-Play Areas

Kids love to create imaginative scenarios, assign each other characters, and play in playhouses. These role-play areas are very trendy nowadays. Presenting kids with this type of playground equipment improves their creativity, imagination, and storytelling abilities.

Sports and Fitness Equipment

Incorporating sports and fitness equipment, such as basketball hoops and mini-fitness stations, promotes physical fitness and healthy competition among children.

Inclusive and Accessible Equipment

Kids with disabilities should be given every opportunity to play. Guidelines set by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improve inclusivity and ensure equal participation. Playground equipment that meets these standards requires additional elements that enable accessibility. Such equipment fosters empathy in kids while making sure that all kids can participate in playtime activities together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kids’ playground equipment has always been very beneficial, from improving physical fitness to promoting cognitive development. Well-designed and fully maintained kids’ playgrounds contribute to the overall growth and well-being of young minds. Safety and inclusion should be the top priorities when choosing playground equipment, followed by considerations of age-appropriateness and space availability. The goal is to create an engaging playground for everyone to allow children to learn, play, grow, and create lasting memories.

The growing online sports betting industry is making gambling more and more accessible to adults and children alike. While it might be legal for adults, access to sports gambling poses many potential risks for kids. Despite an individual’s age, it’s a risky activity for anyone who even simply dabbles in it. Even more so for young minds not fully developed.

If you’re a parent, here are a few things you need to know about the risks of online sports betting.

The Rise of Online Betting: A Snapshot

The online gambling market is expected to reach over $25 billion in 2023, with most of the revenue generated in the United States. Over the past few years, many states have legalized sports betting, allowing for a boom in new online betting platforms. These platforms make gambling easily accessible to anyone with Internet access. Online sports betting sites have advertisements on social media, websites, and television, which contribute to their growing popularity.

Children and Teenagers Can Bypass Age Restrictions

Online betting platforms typically have age restrictions, with most requiring users to be at least 18 years old. However, since these platforms are online, age verification is often based on self-reporting or easily forged documents. This makes it very simple for tech-savvy teens to bypass these restrictions and gain access to online gambling sites.

The Attraction of Online Betting

Betting platforms often employ tactics to attract and retain players. These can include welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards. Combined with the thrill of winning, these promotions can be particularly enticing to younger individuals who may need more maturity and experience to understand the risks involved.

Moreover, the illusion of easy money can be a potent lure, leading some to chase losses or develop unhealthy gambling habits.

The Risk of Addiction

The youth are particularly vulnerable to impulsive behavior that to making risky decisions.  It can ultimately lead to addiction. The ease of access and immersive experience offered by online betting can increase the risk of problematic gambling among young people.

The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that over 60% high school students gambled in the past year.  Furthermore, the rates of problem gambling are reported to be between 10%-14% — an alarming trend that needs to be addressed before it becomes a full-blown crisis.

Financial Implications: Personal and Social Perspectives

While the risk of addiction is concerning, there are also tangible financial consequences. The anonymity and convenience of online transactions can make it easy for teens to spend large amounts without fully grasping the implications. This could lead to significant financial strain or debts, which can impact their financial health and stability in the long term.

Problem gambling can increase dependence on social welfare benefits and higher health care costs. The annual social cost of gambling in the U.S. is about $7 billion, including gambling-related crimes, loss of business, unemployment, and bankruptcy.

Tips for Parents

Parents must be proactive, informed, and vigilant to ensure their children’s safety and well-being. Here are some tips that can help you connect and influence your child’s habits:

• Know what’s available: Over 34 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized some form of sports betting. Research laws in your state so you can talk to your kids about them.

• Educate: Familiarize yourself with popular betting sites and the signs of problematic gambling to better guide and monitor your children.

• Tech solutions: Employ parental controls and monitoring software to restrict access to gambling sites.

• Lead by example: Set a responsible example by showcasing healthy attitudes towards gambling and money. Offer them an allowance, help them save some of it by opening a bank account and reward your children when they reach certain milestones.

Helping the Youth Overcome Gambling or Betting Problems

A multifaceted approach to address this issue is essential, starting with professional support and counseling. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers specialized helplines and resources catering to the younger demographic. Moreover, the National Center for Responsible Gaming, another U.S.-based organization, has endorsed cognitive behavioral therapy as a promising treatment for youth gambling and addiction issues.

Schools equipped with structured programs that highlight the risks of gambling and demystify the notions of “easy wins” play an instrumental role. The U.S. National Library of Medicine has cited the tangible impact of youth-targeted prevention programs in curbing gambling tendencies.

With the expanding legalization of sports betting in many U.S. states, there’s a demand for stricter regulations to prevent underage participation. For instance, New Jersey has stringent age verification mechanisms on online betting platforms, setting a precedent for other states.

A Team Effort

Tackling youth gambling addiction in the U.S. is a complex challenge requiring a concerted effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and communities. While statistics show the pressing nature of the problem, they also highlight the potential for strategic interventions to create a positive change. A proactive and informed approach can help guide American youths toward safer and healthier choices in the digital age.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.