Real Play Beats Screentime

Preschoolers learn best through active, hands-on experiences. Young children make sense of their world when they can touch, move, explore, talk, and connect with the people around them. While screens can provide educational moments, too much screen time can crowd out the rich, real-world learning experiences children need to grow and thrive. 

During the early years, children’s brains develop at an incredible pace. They build new neural connections through play, problem-solving, creativity, and interaction with caring adults. Simple routines, like reading together, sharing conversations, and engaging in pretend play, nurture social-emotional skills and help children feel safe, connected, and understood. 

Excessive screen use can also affect behavior and emotional regulation. Fast-paced content and frequent app switching make it harder for children to practice patience, manage frustration, and settle down for sleep.

If you’d like guidance on reducing screen time in your child care program, or in helping families do the same at home, Go NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self Assessment for Child Care) offers practical resources and strategies to help. Registration for the April 2026 Go NAPSACC project is now open. Click here to learn more about the project.

If you have questions, please contact Lauri Choate, Director of Training, at lauri@mochildcareaware.org or 314-754-1603. 

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