Looking for the Perfect App for Your Kids? A Guide to Keep You From Getting Lost
Navigating the app store searching for something for the little ones feels like walking into an infinite and chaotic bazaar, right? It's a real junk drawer.
We can let ourselves be swayed by the algorithm’s latest recommendations or dedicate a good chunk of time to research and trial until we find one that we all like: them and us.
What is clear is that, given the choice, we prefer screen time to be as productive as possible. We look for apps with an educational twist, ones that offer something more than simple entertainment. Because, let’s be honest, popping balloons with your finger can be very exciting for the first five minutes, but after a while, your head feels like one of those balloons about to burst.
Two Perspectives, One Same Game
It is essential to pause and think about what we look for in an app and what they look for.
For our children, it is a way to explore new digital experiences, a playground where they can try, touch, and make mistakes. Ultimately, they learn. For us, as parents, apps are a fantastic opportunity to interact with them from a more level playing field. In the digital world, physical abilities are equalized, and they regain some control over the game.
Our role changes: we go from being game directors to being mentors and observers, accompanying them in their digital discovery.
The Definitive Checklist for Choosing Wisely
Choosing an app shouldn’t be random. You need to assess everything from their developmental level to their psychomotor skills. There is no point in offering them a game with complex creative dynamics if they still struggle to drag and drop elements on the screen.
To help you with this mission, I have created a list of 12 key criteria for evaluating any children’s app:
Connects with their passions: Children learn naturally when something interests them. If the app is about dinosaurs, space, or animals, and that’s what fascinates them, half the battle is won.
Is age-appropriate: The app must align with their abilities. It is crucial not to cross the fine line that separates a motivating challenge from a source of frustration.
Zero ads and distractions: Pop-ups, advertising, or a screen overloaded with stimuli break concentration and cause them to lose interest. Less is more!
Encourages real interaction: The child must be an active participant, not a mere spectator. The app should invite them to make decisions and interact with what is happening on the screen.
Has simple and intuitive controls: It must be easy to use so they can quickly learn to navigate it and focus on what’s important: the content and the game.
Has a learning focus: Look for apps that use didactic approaches or handle theoretical concepts (numbers, letters, logic, creativity) playfully.
Allows for co-creation: The best experiences are shared ones. If the app allows parents and children to participate together in the process, engagement and fun multiply.
Promotes “give and take”: It’s great when parents and children can alternate control. Sometimes, you learn as much by observing as by doing.
Builds bridges with the real world: An app that connects the digital with day-to-day experiences creates much deeper and more meaningful learning. For example, an app about plants that encourages them to look for leaves in the park.
Drives dialogue and collaboration: Apps that propose challenges to be solved as a team are fantastic for developing social and communication skills.
Contributes to their development: The app must provide value. It doesn’t always have to be academic content; it can also be an improvement in fine motor skills, problem-solving, or creativity.
Fits with your family culture: The application must adapt to your routines and values. Its rules and message must be in tune with those you promote at home.
Some Recommendations
If your son/daughter is between 4 and 6 years old and you are beginning to experiment with using apps to have a good time together, here are some examples of apps that meet many of the characteristics described above. Install them, try them out with the little ones, and find the one they like best.
You Set the Rules
Evidently, not all apps will perfectly fulfill all 12 points. This list is a guide. Sometimes we will only be looking for something simple to introduce them to using a tablet, and other times we will need more structured support for learning numbers or the alphabet.
In the end, it is you, the parents, who decide what to ask of an app at any given time.
I hope this guide is very helpful in your next search!