In the digital age, there are more gadgets and apps available for children than ever before. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming for parents to know where to start. For an overview of some of the top gadgets and apps that can support children’s development, education, and mental health, keep reading below.
Mental Health Apps
Mental health apps can be useful for all children at times, but especially for those in the foster care system with agencies like Foster Care Associates. These apps aim to build resilience, coping strategies, and a sense of emotional well-being in children who may be experiencing adjustment challenges or difficult emotions.
One highly recommended app is Smiling Mind. This app provides guided meditations and mindfulness exercises designed for different age groups. Mindfulness practices have been shown to help both children and adults manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and process difficult feelings. The app has specific programs that may aid foster children working through grief, anger issues, and dealing with change and transition.
Another top-rated app is ThinkNinja. This app uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help teens and young people cope with anxiety, low mood, and stress. The app teaches skills like recognising unhelpful thoughts, overcoming avoidance, and facing fears. For children undergoing transition, building these psychological skills can be very beneficial.
Educational Apps and Games
Educational apps and games can make learning fun while also developing children’s academic skills. For preschoolers, some top picks include Oddizzi, which takes children on virtual field trips using interactive maps, and Teach Your Monster to Read, a phonics game that aligns with UK school curriculums.
For primary schoolers, apps like Times Tables Rock Stars, starting at just £2.99 per year, make practising maths engaging through timed multiplication challenges. Another fantastic app is Duolingo, which offers free language lessons in Spanish, French, German, and more.
There are also many apps focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) skills, like Lightbot for learning coding basics or Rocket Math for reinforcing addition, subtraction, and more through games. Apps that spark curiosity about STEM at a young age can nurture important critical thinking abilities.
Fun Gadget Gifts
While apps provide digital entertainment and education, gadgets can also make great tangible gifts. Top gadget picks include:
- Kano Computer Kit – Let children build a real computer themselves and learn to code in the process. £229.99.
- Sphero Mini App-Enabled Droid – This programmable robot ball is a blast to control via smartphone apps. £44.98.
- Uberstax Starter Set – Magnetic, stackable building tiles spark open-ended creativity. £19.99.
- Microscope Set – Encourage their science curiosity with an adjustable children’s microscope. Around £30-50.
- Nintendo Switch – This popular console has both multiplayer games and titles building reading, logic, and problem-solving skills. From £199.99.
Technology can be an excellent tool for enriching children’s development, education, and mental health. But with so many options on the market, it’s key for parents to do their research before purchasing. Seek out options built on evidence-based practices, like promoting mindfulness or building phonics awareness. Additionally, balance screen time with outdoor play, reading, and social interaction. Used thoughtfully, gadgets and apps can support both fun and growth for children.
