By Cameron Eittreim

The pandemic has changed the way that we live and raise our children. Being on lockdown is part of preventing the spread, but this also constitutes more screen time than usual. Tablets and TV consumption can be a great tool for educating and entertaining children. But we also have to take time away from the screen to incorporate actual playtime and skill-building. 

Whether you have a toddler or an elementary schooler, making room for playtime at home can be difficult. Play carpets are a wonderful tool that encourages playtime and sharing, while at the same time differentiating itself from being in front of a screen. Let us take a look at how the play carpet is a great way to reduce screen time with your children.

A Play Carpet Is Entertaining:

Naturally, if you tell a child to go play they are going to see the same set of toys that they always do, nothing exciting here right? Well, a play carpet adds a new dynamic to the mix. Bringing a colorful world with roadways and greenery right to their playroom. Because of the vast array of colors and visuals, the play carpet encourages cognitive learning in a way that a tablet or video game never could. With the IVI 3D play carpet, the visuals are even more realistic and appealing, giving the child a designated boundary for their play area.

Upon seeing the play carpet your child is immediately going to be taken aback by all of the colors and the design. Play carpets also encourage tummy time, another part of development that is vastly important. Young children generally have the hardest time finding somewhere comfortable to use their imagination, from playing on the couch to the tables. A play carpet gives them their own little corner of life, where they can imagine all kinds of different things. Before you know it they will barely be thinking about their tablet time.

Entering Your Child's World:

In addition to the play carpet, there are ways that you can make the play experience a more interactive one. Because the play carpet already has a three-dimensional design there is a lot of potentials to create an in-depth world for your child to enjoy. This can be done by adding miniature roadway signs, buildings, homes, and even action figures. By doing this you are entering your child's imagination and giving them a vast world of exploration.

A lot of children also enjoy building on their play carpets, so choosing things like building blocks can be an excellent combination. Again, you don’t want to penalize your child for wanting to have more screen time but you can distract them with this new world that you have created. By examining what your child is attempting to imagine with their play carpet you can figure out how to further advance their world.

Create “Technology-Free Zones”:

Setting up your child's play carpet in a designated “Technology-Free Zone” can be a wonderful way to differentiate playtime from screen time. A lot of parents will set up a television in their child's bedroom or playroom, but this should be avoided if you want to limit screen time. You can set up a nice large play carpet in there instead of where the child knows that this is an area for playing and learning. Play carpets offer a clean and sanitary place for children to play with their toys, offering a unique difference from just playing on the ground.

Creating an area of your home where the child can just focus on wholesome playtime instead of screen time goes hand in hand. Getting down and spending the time to play with your kids on the play carpet also sets a good example. You are showing them that playing and using your imagination is a good thing. Sure, screen time can be beneficial from time to time as well, but there is nothing better for developing minds than actual playtime.

Differentiate The Play Carpets:

Sticking to one specific playroom setup will lead to children becoming weary and ornery. Because of the affordable pricing that comes with the play carpets from IVI 3D Play Carpets, you can afford to have a few different choices. Maybe one day can be farm fun and the next day can be city action, both of which are awesome teaching tools. Taking the time to add some fun and diversity to playtime will gradually shrink your child's interest in screen time.

If purchasing more than one play carpet is a difficult proposition you can also purchase different toys and figures. Maybe one day can be a “firetruck day” and the next day could be building blocks. Whichever type of play function you utilize your play carpet for the results will be a positive change in the life of your child. With winter approaching we are going to be spending more time indoors and a play carpet is a great way to improvise.

Don’t Obsess Over Screen time:

With all of the negative press that surrounds too much screen time, it can be easy for us as parents to fall into a state of panic. You don’t have to, just taking the time to create a different type of atmosphere in your home can make all the difference in the world. Play carpets are a wonderful way to get your child back into the wholesome goodness of playtime. You don’t have to fret the small things, instead focus on the benefits of having your children enhance their playtime.

Naturally, you are going to feel a little guilty, but that's ok because there is nothing wrong with reducing screen time for youngsters. You’ll notice that by utilizing a play rug to gradually reduce your children's screen time they will begin to learn at a much better pace, as well as reducing the strain on their vision and health. Play carpets are a wonderful tool to casually reduce the amount of time that your children are spending in front of the screen.