The easy way to keep children entertained after school without another screen
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Once the new term gets underway, the after-school screen-time battle doesn’t have to start too, because the Yoto player will keep children of all ages entertained.
Summer is drawing to a close, which can only mean one thing for families: the return to school is just around the corner.
With the new term comes a return to routine, and for many parents and carers, the school run can signal the beginning of the busiest part of the day. Once children are through the door, there are snacks to prepare, homework to get through, dinner to think about and, for some, work still waiting to be finished.
Trying to juggle all of that while keeping children away from the TV can make those after-school hours even more challenging. For families looking to keep screen time in check, finding an easy way to keep children entertained while they get on with everything else isn't always straightforward.
That's where the Yoto player comes in. Yoto is a screen-free audio player designed for children of all ages, younger and older. Rather than scrolling through apps or choosing another programme, children simply pop an audio card into the player and can listen to stories, music and educational content.
What I particularly like is how little effort is involved. Once children have chosen a card, they simply put it in the machine and then can settle down and listen. No adult help is required, or very little if children are very young.
That's particularly useful during those awkward hours between getting home and dinner, when everyone is tired but bedtime is still some way off and parents still have lots to do.
And there's plenty of choice of what to listen to. Yoto's ever-growing library contains more than 1,000 audio titles, covering stories, music and educational content. Younger children can listen to familiar favourites such as The Gruffalo and Paddington, while there are longer and more sophisticated stories waiting for them as they grow.
It's not limited to children's stories either. The library includes music from artists including The Beatles and the Spice Girls, which makes it something parents can enjoy with their children too.
That versatility is perhaps one of Yoto’s biggest strengths. It's an after-school activity now, but it can become a bedtime companion, a travel essential, a rainy-day distraction or simply something to reach for when children want a story.
And as autumn approaches, with darker evenings and more time spent indoors, having something that can fill those after-school hours without adding another screen could be particularly welcome.
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