I've absolutely no shame in admitting that I've given my kids a tablet or even my phone to allow me to have a cuppa in peace or to finish dinner. After all, technology is the modern parent's go-to survival gadget and well, it works. But here's the thing, we don't do YouTube.
I minimise my guilt as a busy mum of five trying to keep her head above water in a busy house with educational apps that will encourage, inspire and educate my kids.
If you let your littles play on technology, check out these fun and engaging learning resources for children available for both Android and iOS.
Reading Eggs
Used by more than 12,000 schools and 10 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is a trusted learning website designed by experts and based on solid scientific research. Suitable for toddlers right up to tweens, it makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun with interactive games, entertaining characters and motivating rewards. Complete with 672 reading lessons, 2000 e-books with quizzes, songs, activities and games it really is one of the most comprehensive learn-to-read apps available on the market.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free digital-based language learning resource with over 30 languages allowing people of all ages to learn anywhere, anytime. Known as the world's most popular language-learning platform, it offers bite-size lessons that have been proven to be effective, fun and most of all addictive. Languages include Irish, English, French, Spanish, German and Italian just to name a few.
Science 360
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Science 360 is an educational app which provides high quality and authentic nature content, advanced science and tech news all ideal for children. Updated on a weekly basis by universities and scientists from across the world, the app is filled with hundreds of fascinating images with small blurbs of facts perfect for sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds.
Mathletics
Launched in 2005, Mathletics is an award-winning captivating web-based math learning platform which provides students of all ages with the tools they need to become successful learners both in the classroom and at home. Packed full of content and used by over 3 million students around the globe, Mathletics allows children to put their math skills to use through various challenges, games and activities that are relevant and attention-grabbing.
Kidloland
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, Kidloland is an educational and multi award-winning learning program for kids. Alongside their parents, children as young as one can discover 3000+ songs, games, stories and nursery rhymes along with activities such as writing, reading, coding, math and more for little ones up to the age of eight.
What are your favourite educational apps?
