The Secret Weapon That’s Turning Kids Away from Screens – And Parents Are Loving It!

A potential solution to your child’s screen addiction may be more straightforward than you imagine.

With screen time on the rise, it’s common to see children glued to iPads in various public settings. However, a simple audiobook could be the answer to this growing concern.

Enter the Toniebox, a device that made its way from Germany to the United States in 2020. This innovative gadget promises to keep children engaged without the need for a screen.

As described by Glamour, “The Toniebox is a compact, cube-shaped media player, about the size of a tissue box. It has a soft, tactile exterior and two distinctive ‘ears’. The device serves as a platform for ‘Tonies’ – small figurines that attach to the top and play music, narrate stories, or both.”

“The Toniebox harnesses the power of audio storytelling to introduce young children to the magic of narrative, even before they can read,” states the Tonie website. “When children interact with Tonies during playtime, they unlock the true wonder of storytelling – a blend of fascination, surprise, curiosity, and a desire for exploration. This experience helps them discover their inner creativity and ability to transport themselves to imaginary worlds.”

The Toniebox aims to replace visual screens with audio stories or songs, stimulating children’s imaginations. Much of the content is derived from popular children’s entertainment franchises like FROZEN, THE LION KING, PEPPA PIG, and CARS, as well as classic characters such as Peter Rabbit and Pippi Longstocking – all without the potential negative effects associated with screen time.

Christoph Frehsee, president of Tonies North America, shared his enthusiasm for the product in a Glamour interview: “I joined the company because I truly believe it’s an exceptional product that nurtures imagination and accelerates development in ways that screens simply cannot. While I was always optimistic about its potential, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly it caught on organically.”

Frehsee noted that many Tonie employees share a common childhood memory: “listening to their favorite children’s books and characters on cassette recorders.”

Similar devices exist, such as the Yoto, another kids’ audio speaker. “Yoto empowers children to control their listening, learning, and play safely. No microphones. No cameras. No advertisements,” the product promises.

For those seeking a more traditional approach, a classic CD player with a collection of CDs could also keep your child entertained and away from screens for hours.

Familyguide previously reported on additional tips for managing children’s screen time:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently unveiled new guidelines to assist parents in managing their children’s screen time.

“They propose five essential questions, referred to as the five C’s,” as reported by the TODAY show.

The five C’s include:

• Child: Understanding your child’s unique characteristics
• Content: Determining what content is valuable for your child
• Calm: Helping children manage their emotions, particularly around bedtime
• Crowding Out: Identifying what activities social media might be displacing
• Communication: Fostering dialogue with your children to build healthier relationships with their devices

“The 5 C’s guidance for each age group begins with information about children’s developmental stages and how these influence media use,” according to Healthy Children. “It also outlines healthy media habits to strive for at home. You can use these guidelines to enhance your existing ways of connecting with your children.”

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