Simple ways to raise happy, confident, and smart kids
Parenting goes beyond meeting a child’s basic needs; it’s about actively participating in your child’s growth and development. Raising toddlers and preschoolers often feels like walking a tightrope, leaving many parents questioning whether they’re doing enough to nurture their little one’s growth.
As a parent, you might also find yourself grappling with screen time challenges and the pressures of a busy schedule. Fortunately, supporting your child’s development doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming.
Why parent involvement matters more than ever
Studies show that children with engaged parents are more likely to excel academically, develop social skills, and build self-worth. According to the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE), active parental participation enhances self-esteem, builds trust, and fosters higher achievement.
When parents engage in play and learning with their children, they’re not just filling time—they’re building a foundation for lifelong well-being. Parent involvement can create a ripple effect that lasts well beyond the early years to strengthen a child’s emotional resilience, problem-solving abilities, and academic performance.
The screen time dilemma
In today’s digital world, children as young as infancy are spending time on screens, raising concerns about the developmental impact of excessive screen use. The Canadian Paediatric Society advises against screens for children under two and suggests limited screen time for preschool-aged kids. Yet, screens often become a quick solution for busy parents.
It’s understandable phones, ipads and computers can keep children occupied, but too much time watching or playing may hinder their development, especially during these formative years. Infact:
• Research by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) indicates that excessive screen use in young children is associated with lower physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour, which can impact health.
• A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that children who spend more than two hours daily on screens tend to score lower on language and cognitive tests compared to peers who engage in hands-on activities.
No extra time needed
Impactful parenting can happen in small amounts of time. Studies show that even brief, consistent interactions can significantly benefit a young child’s cognitive and emotional development. Studies indicate that toddlers and preschoolers who engage in daily hands-on play with parents tend to excel emotionally and socially compared to those who rely on screen-based activities.
A 2023 University of Toronto study found that toddlers who engage in daily conversations with their parents see a 20% boost in cognitive development over screen-dependent peers.
Parents often think they need to dedicate extra hours or rely on structured learning, but that’s simply not true. Everyday moments, like helping to prepare dinner or running errands, can be powerful opportunities for young children to learn and connect.
Everyday ways to integrate learning
Here’s how to maximize the time and energy you have to seamlessly integrate learning into busy routines:
• Involve children in cooking: Invite your child to help measure, mix and pour ingredients, which promotes math, fine motor skills and problem-solving.
• Turn errands into games: Turn your grocery store trip into an educational adventure by making it a scavenger hunt for food items.
• Sing: Sing songs during bath time or in the car. This simple activity supports language development and memory.
• Engage in conversation in the car: Instead of relying on screens during car rides, engage your child in conversation to build communication and social-emotional skills.
• Scheduled play sessions: Setting aside just 20 minutes a day for focused play, whether building with blocks or cooking with pretend food, encourages creativity and critical thinking.
• Incorporate learning into tasks: Everyday tasks, like doing laundry, can become a math learning opportunity by sorting clothes by colour.
• Active listening during play: Focusing your undivided attention on your child strengthens their sense of importance, fosters emotional connection, and enhances their self-confidence.
Small changes, big impact
If this feels overwhelming, consider starting with small, manageable steps, such as setting aside 20 minutes of screen-free, hands-on playtime after meals. It’s not about going all-in at once—small changes can significantly enrich your child’s development, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. Even a few minutes of focused attention can profoundly impact your child’s sense of security and growth.
By incorporating simple, practical strategies, you can transform everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities, nurturing happiness, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Susie Beghin is a Canadian Early Childhood Educator, the founder of Alpha’s Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare and the author of Parents Learn to Play Too: A Parents Guide To The Early Years.
Image: CanStock
7 Hands-on Activities
Here are my favourite screen-free hands-on activities for toddlers and preschoolers that support learning and growth based on my Four Pillars of Learning approach found in my book Parents Learn To Play Too.
1. Storytime: Reading books together supports language and literacy skills. Even the short moments spent reading can foster a lifelong love for learning.
2. Sensory play: Activities like sand/water play, finger painting or manipulating play dough engage children’s senses, enhancing science exploration and fine motor skills.
3. Outdoor exploration: Spending time outdoors, like going on a nature walk, encourages physical activity and sparks children’s natural curiosity about their world.
4. Building projects: Building with blocks or everyday household items nurtures creativity and critical thinking and supports the development of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) skills.
5. Art exploration: Offer your child art materials and join them in the creative process, encouraging exploration and connection.
6. Pretend play: Games like playing “house” or “doctor” foster social skill development and emotional expression.
7. Calm down: Cuddle up together under a blanket and enjoy listening to music or an audiobook story.
