December holidays often leave parents facing the ultimate balancing act: wrapping up year-end work commitments while keeping children entertained and out of mischief. It’s no surprise that for many families, screen time becomes a necessary evil during this period.
But according to Arno Jansen van Vuuren, managing director at Futurewise, not all screen-time needs to feel like a compromise. “By choosing wisely, parents can turn screen-time into an opportunity for kids to learn and grow,” he explains.
“There are incredible tools and platforms out there that offer engaging, educational content that can actually benefit children while keeping them busy.”
Here are three activities to keep your children entertained, happy, and smarter this holiday season:
Learn to code with CodeSpark (via Futurewise’s Learning Hub)
“Coding is one of the most valuable skills a child can learn in today’s world,” says Jansen van Vuuren. “And with CodeSpark, it feels like play rather than homework.”
Designed for kids aged five to 10, CodeSpark teaches the basics of coding through fun games and puzzles, building critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way. Access to CodeSpark is part of Futurewise’s Learning Hub, which is included with their education insurance policies.
The hub offers a range of tools and resources like Goodie Tutors and Advantage Learn, making it a one-stop shop for educational enrichment.
Create magic with virtual art classes
Unleash their inner artist with online art platforms that bring creativity to life. Websites like YouTube Kids or resources such as Creative Bug (available through Futurewise’s Learning Hub) offer step-by-step tutorials on everything from painting to crafting with everyday items.
Artistic projects don’t just keep children occupied, they build fine motor skills, improve focus, and nurture creativity.
Explore the world with virtual tours
Turn your home into a gateway to the world with virtual museum tours or zoo livestreams. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture or live feeds from zoos such as the San Diego Zoo offer an engaging way for children to learn about art, history, and wildlife – all without leaving the couch. It’s a perfect mix of education and exploration that sparks curiosity while keeping children engaged.
Making screen-time count
While managing work deadlines and keeping the young ones entertained is no easy feat, the right activities can make all the difference. “The key is to turn down-time into opportunities for growth and discovery,” says Jansen van Vuuren.
“With a little planning and access to the right tools, parents can ensure their children are engaged and inspired this holiday season – no TV marathons required.”
