Every so often you may spy my little one perched quietly behind the counter. Believe it or not most of the time she has begged to come and help out for a few hours. She loves being in-store and bagging your purchases or preparing orders for delivery.
As well as a few toys and snacks to keep her entertained she is allowed to bring her iPad. Gosh there are some amazing games and even educational apps available these days. I'll admit I enjoy a little play from time to time too!
Increasingly though I have noticed apps riddled with hidden in-app purchase options. Most are protected and require adult intervention before a purchase is made, but not all. Plus the sneaky pop-ups advertising upgrades often trigger the dreaded "can I have just this one?" negotiations. Eeeek!
Here are 5 apps we currently use (or have used in the past) that are totally free, age appropriate and fun:
Help teach skills such as problem solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence. Laugh and learn as you help a Sesame Street monster friend calm down and solve everyday challenges. Your child will enjoy silly animations and playful interactions as they are exposed to important emotional vocabulary, a calm breathing technique and personalised encouragements.
Age: 2+
2. Night Zookeeper Drawing Torch
Night Zookeeper, the award winning creative project, presents Drawing Torch. Drawing Torch is a magical, drawing and story experience. You become a Night Zookeeper and take on creative drawing missions to look after thousands of magical animals and defeat the monsters that attack the zoo.
Age: 4+
3. Moose Math
Moose Math engages kids in a mathematical adventure and teaches counting, addition, subtraction, sorting, geometry and more. While playing 5 multi-level activities in the Moose Juice Store, Puck’s Pet Shop and Lost & Found, kids can earn rewards to help build their own city and decorate buildings.
Age: 4+
Kids can create their own comic strips using 55 unique scenes and 170 fun superhero and monster stickers. Kids can also draw within the app and record their own narration for their stories. A similar Princess Fairy Tale Maker can be found HERE.
Age: 4+
This award-winning app offers thousands of free books, games and lessons to develop early childhood skills. There’s even music, dancing and yoga videos to help kids burn some energy.
Age: 3+
Please note most of these apps are only supported by Apple products. Do you have any recommendations? Would love to know.
Tania of LMB.x