There seems to be no end to the constant challenge of parenting in the modern world, trying to figure out everything from child-friendly shampoos and toiletries, to healthy food and drinks, what kind of toys are safe to play with and how much sun should be allowed on their precious skin every day. But rest assured, even royalty isn’t immune to such problems, as Prince William and wife Kate have recently discovered. What toy are they not allowing their children to play with? I mean, I am sure all toys have to go through a strict process of testing and scrutiny, right?
Although Prince George and sister Princess Charlotte’s lives are undoubtedly going to be vastly different from other children their age, their parents are trying to keep their upbringing as healthy as possible, while still preparing them for a life in the public eye as members of the British royal family. Playtime is as regular as it can be, with time spent outdoors, interacting with friends and access to regular toys part and parcel of their daily lives. However, iPads haven’t made the cut, and have been banned inside Kensington Palace!
According to sources close to the Windsor’s, it is electronic devices that the Royals have put a limit on, instead choosing to encourage their children to get outside and explore the world around them. There’s also an emphasis on family relationships rather than a contact with a tablet screen, and the young royals are thriving in a non-electronic environment.
And it isn’t just the Royals who are reading the riot act when it comes to their children’s access to technology. Jennifer Lopez is believed to only allow iPad use on a Sunday, while Kourtney Kardashian has spoken about only allowing her children 30 minutes of video game time during the week, with an hour in the games room at weekends. This includes a limit to how much television her children are allowed to watch too!
When it comes to the professionals though, this kind of parenting comes highly recommended. The American Academy of Paediatrics champions this level of electronic device use by children, and ages two to five should only be allowed 1 hour of screen time per day. Parents should also be enforcing a “no electronics” zone in the household, with healthy sleep patterns and exercise actively encouraged instead. It looks like William and Kate are on the right track.
