In today’s tech-filled world, screens are everywhere. From smartphones and tablets to TVs and laptops, digital media is a regular part of daily life—and that includes the lives of our youngest children. But as parents and caregivers, many of us wonder: How much screen time is too much? And how can we make sure screen time supports—not hinders—healthy development?
In this post, we’ll share expert recommendations, explain the risks of too much screen time, and offer practical tips and tools to help families make screen time healthy, meaningful, and manageable.
 
What Do the Experts Say?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), these are the current screen time guidelines for young children:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with loved ones.
• 18–24 months: Introduce high-quality content, and always co-view with your child to help them understand what they’re seeing.
• Ages 2–5: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality, educational content. Always engage with your child during screen time.

 
These guidelines are based on research showing that excessive screen use in early childhood can impact a child’s sleep, language development, attention span, and physical activity.
 
The Risks of Too Much Screen Time
While technology can be a powerful tool, it’s important to know the potential downsides of overuse:

• Delayed Language Development: Children need conversation to build language. Passive screen time can replace important back-and-forth communication.
• Shortened Attention Span: Fast-paced, overstimulating shows make it harder for young children to focus on real-world activities.
• Poor Sleep: Blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, especially when used close to bedtime.
• Reduced Physical Movement: Time on screens often means less time for climbing, running, dancing, and gross motor development.

 
The Benefits of Screen Time—When Used Wisely
Not all screen time is created equal. When carefully chosen and used in moderation, digital media can support learning and connection. Healthy screen time can:

• Reinforce early academic concepts like letters, numbers, and problem-solving
• Support dual-language learners through visual and verbal pairing
• Celebrate diversity and provide positive representation
• Encourage co-viewing and bonding between children and caregivers

 
What Makes a Program “High Quality”?
When choosing content, look for shows, videos, and apps that are:

• Slow-paced and simple: Avoid chaotic or fast-cut scenes
• Interactive: Encourages singing, repeating, guessing, or thinking
• Developmentally appropriate: Matches your child’s age and interests
• Ad-free: Avoids commercial content that can confuse young viewers

 
Screen Time Tips for Families
Here are five simple ways to make screen time healthier and more purposeful:
1. Co-View and Talk About It
Watch together. Ask questions like, “Why do you think she felt sad?” or “What would you do if that happened to you?”
2. Set Clear Limits
Use a timer or visual schedule. Create screen-free zones, such as the dinner table, car rides, and bedrooms.
3. Follow Screen Time With Real Play
Have your child act out a scene, draw their favorite character, or retell the story using toys.
4. Avoid Passive Binge-Watching
Favor interactive apps or shows that encourage movement, singing, or problem-solving over back-to-back episodes.
5. Model Healthy Habits
Put your own devices away during family time. Your child learns from what you do.
 
LCCA’s Favorite Educational Shows & Apps
We’ve put together a list of teacher- and parent-approved digital content that’s fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for children ages 0–5:
Shows:

• Sesame Street – Teaches empathy, letters, and social skills
• Bluey – Highlights imagination, sibling relationships, and play
• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Supports emotional regulation and routines
• Super Why! – Builds phonemic awareness and early literacy
• Mrs. Rachel (Songs for Littles) – Exceptional for speech, language, and early milestones
• Forky Asks a Question – Simple, short lessons on big questions for curious kids

Apps:

• Khan Academy Kids – Interactive stories, math, and literacy
• PBS Kids Games App – Educational and ad-free
• StoryBots – Songs and videos packed with facts, humor, and engagement
• Lego Duplo World App – Open-ended, hands-on play with problem-solving
• Elmo Loves 123’s – A playful way to learn counting and number recognition

 
 What We Do at LCCA
At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, active learning always comes first. Children learn best when they explore with their senses, move their bodies, and build relationships.
We use screen time intentionally and sparingly in our classrooms, including:

• Short educational videos to enhance a group lesson
• Music and movement songs during circle time
• Video chatting with pen pals or virtual tours that spark curiosity

Screens are never used to replace play or supervision. Instead, they are tools we use with intention and purpose.
 
New Printable Resource: Screen-Free Time Tracker
We’re excited to share our LCCA Screen-Free Time Tracker—a simple and helpful way to build healthy media habits at home!
The tracker includes:

• Daily space to log screen time
• A spot to record your family’s screen-free goals
• Yes/No checkboxes to track screen-free activities
• A total screen time summary at the end of the week

 
Final Thoughts
Technology is a part of our lives—and when used wisely, it can support learning and connection. But nothing can replace the value of real play, real conversation, and real relationships.
At LCCA, we’re here to partner with you as you navigate screen time and early childhood. Together, we can raise children who are curious, creative, and connected—not just to screens, but to the world and people around them.
Let’s build a healthy digital foundation, one thoughtful choice at a time.

Language development is one of the most powerful predictors of a child’s future academic and social success. But did you know that building strong language skills doesn’t require flashcards or formal lessons? The best language learning happens naturally—through play, everyday conversations, and shared experiences.
At Las Colinas Children’s Academy (LCCA), we embed language learning into every moment of the day. Whether it’s during circle time, snack time, or dramatic play, our teachers know how to turn play into powerful language opportunities. In this post, we’ll show you how to do the same at home.

Why Language Development Matters
Language isn’t just about speaking—it’s about understanding, expressing, connecting, and learning. Children who develop strong language skills early on are better able to:

• Build friendships and resolve conflicts
• Express needs and emotions
• Learn to read and write more easily
• Succeed academically in later years

Research shows that the number of words a child hears and uses in their early years directly impacts brain development. But quality is just as important as quantity!

Milestones to Watch For (0–5 years)
Infants (0–12 months):

• Respond to sounds and voices
• Coo and babble
• Turn toward their name
• Say first words near 12 months

Toddlers (1–2 years):

• Use 50+ words
• Combine two-word phrases (“more juice”)
• Point to objects when named

Preschoolers (3–5 years):

• Use complete sentences
• Ask and answer questions
• Tell simple stories
• Understand concepts like “under,” “behind,” “before”

Every child develops at their own pace, but it’s always the right time to nurture language.

How Play Builds Language
Play creates the perfect environment for language-rich interactions. Here’s how:
1. Pretend Play
Children take on roles and act out scenarios—like grocery shopping, doctor visits, or caring for a baby. These games build vocabulary and storytelling skills.
Try this: Set up a pretend bakery with play dough and rolling pins. Ask, “What kind of cookies are you making today?”
2. Storytelling Through Toys
Dolls, action figures, and animals become characters in your child’s stories. Use open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.
Try this: “What’s the dog’s name? Where is he going?”
3. Block Play
Describe shapes, sizes, and actions while your child builds. Introduce spatial and descriptive language.
Try this: “You stacked the red block on top of the tall blue one. What happens if we add another?”
4. Music & Movement
Singing songs and dancing to rhymes like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” introduces vocabulary and sequencing.
Try this: Make up your own silly verses or let your child create new lyrics!

​Language Tips for Parents
1. Narrate Your Day
Describe what you’re doing: “I’m cutting your banana into little pieces. Now I’m putting them in your bowl.”
2. Expand On What They Say
If your child says “truck,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big red dump truck driving on the road!”
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Skip yes/no questions. Try “What do you think will happen next?” or “How did you feel when we went to the park?”
4. Read Every Day
Books build vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Read favorite stories again and again—it helps children predict and participate.

LCCA’s Favorite Read-Aloud Books
Infants:

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Toddlers:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Preschoolers:

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

What We Do at LCCA
Our teachers are trained to:

• Encourage turn-taking in conversations
• Model rich, expressive language
• Use children’s interests to introduce new words
• Sing, rhyme, and play with sounds all day long

We also observe and track children’s language development to support them at each stage. If concerns arise, we work with families and specialists for additional support.

When to Seek Support
If your child:

• Isn’t babbling by 12 months
• Has fewer than 50 words by 2 years
• Doesn’t respond to their name
• Shows frustration when trying to communicate

Talk to your pediatrician or reach out to early intervention services. Early help makes a big difference.

​Final Thoughts
Language grows in loving, playful environments. By talking, singing, reading, and playing with your child every day, you’re building the foundation for communication, confidence, and connection.
At LCCA, we celebrate the power of words and support every child’s voice—starting from their very first coos.