Best Practices for Using a Tablet with Young Children Starting at Age 3
Finding balance in the digital world—starting early
You're not alone if you're unsure whether a tablet belongs in the hands of your three-year-old. The tech world moved faster than most parenting guides could keep up, and now screens are a part of daily life. The question isn't so much, "Should my child use a tablet?" but rather, "How do I help them use it well?"
Tablets can unlock joyful, playful, and even educational moments for young children—but only when used mindfully and in bite-sized doses. Starting good habits early is one of the greatest gifts you can offer your child as they begin exploring technology at age three and beyond.
Start with purpose, not panic
The first step is redefining what a tablet is for. It’s easy to reach for it when you need a moment to finish that grocery list (no shame there—we’ve all done it), but we want to avoid it becoming a default distraction. Instead, think of the tablet as a digital tool you manage, not a babysitter you rely on. Set an intention each time your child engages with it: Are they listening to a story? Drawing? Exploring animals? Being thoughtful about how you introduce digital technology at an early age can help set healthy expectations and boundaries.
Keep content clear, calm, and age-appropriate
Imagine you walked into a room with every possible book, TV show, video game, and toy—some fun, some scary, some completely absurd. That’s what it’s like for kids navigating apps and videos without guidance. Curating what your child sees is one of the most impactful roles you can play. Choose apps, games, and shows with age-appropriate content and a slow, thoughtful pace. Avoid overstimulating animations or loud, fast action that can create agitation after screen time.
Even at a young age, children can stumble onto upsetting or confusing content. That’s why it’s essential to understand what to do if your child encounters shocking content online and to stay engaged with what they're exploring.
Create calm moments, not screen dependency
One common concern with screen time is the meltdown that can follow. The fix isn't just limiting screen time; it's about supporting your child to transition more gently. Choose experiences that are calming and conducive to winding down rather than hyping up. Audiobooks, for example, provide a soothing alternative that nourishes attention spans and imagination while avoiding screen fatigue.
A practical, parent-tested solution is the LISN Kids App, which offers original audiobooks and audio series for ages 3 to 12. Whether your little one is discovering stories for the first time or your older child needs a screen-free way to unwind before bed, the app offers peace of mind with curated, quality content. You can find it on iOS and Android.
Set routines and rituals early
The earlier you introduce structure, the easier it becomes to maintain. That means setting screen schedules that are predictable and manageable. For preschoolers, short sessions—usually 15 to 20 minutes—are often just right. Choose consistent times of day, like after lunch or before dinner, rather than letting screens pop up randomly.
Some families create "screen-free zones" (like the dinner table or bedroom) and use a visual timer to help children see how long they have left. This builds autonomy and reduces battles when it’s time to turn off the tablet. Over time, structure creates healthy habits that last.
Model the behavior you want them to learn
Your child is always watching, even when it doesn't seem like it. If they see you glued to your own phone or tablet during meals or downtime, it sends a louder message than any rules you set for them. Try to be intentional about your own screen use around them. Use tablets together sometimes—co-viewing and co-playing can be a great way to connect while helping your child interpret the content correctly.
And when you need a break (which is often, especially with a toddler), that’s okay too. Just aim for consistency: show them what healthy tech habits look like, so they don’t feel blindsided when you set boundaries.
Safety is not a one-time setup
Even with parental controls, no app or tablet is 100% childproof. Keep software updated, use kid-safe browsers, and review app permissions. More importantly, talk regularly with your child about what they’re seeing and how it makes them feel. Helping them build digital resilience begins early. Ask open-ended questions like “What did you like about that game?” or “Did anything surprise you in that story?”
Want to go deeper on this? Our article on how trustworthy kid apps really are breaks down what certifications, content reviews, and parental settings really offer—and what they miss.
Replacing screen time with sensory calm
If you sense your child becoming cranky or hyper after tablet time, you’re not imagining it. Screens can overstimulate the nervous system, especially before bedtime. So consider replacing evening screen time with soothing sounds or quiet play.
This guide to soothing evening alternatives offers ideas that promote relaxation through audio stories, soft music, or simple rituals like foot baths or cuddling up with a picture book. Audiobooks from trusted platforms like LISN Kids can become part of a calming nightly routine that both signals “wind down” and feeds your child’s growing imagination.
It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence
As with most things in parenting, the goal isn’t to get everything right—it’s to keep coming back, with love and presence, even when you’re tired or overwhelmed. The way you approach technology now will lay the foundation for how your child relates to it for years to come. Be thoughtful, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to adjust the plan as your child grows. You’re doing more than enough just by being intentional.
And on days when it all goes out the window? That’s okay too. Parenting is not a test—we’re all learning as we go.