Abstract

The widespread use and accessibility of smartphones and tablets has led to exciting new ways to support parents in their role as ‘first educators’ of their children at home. This chapter describes two different apps designed for parents of 3- to 8-year-olds to provide guidance in supporting their children’s development, especially their learning. Parents’ experiences of using the apps provide a valuable insight into their views about the use of technology at home, and what they thought their children gained from the parents’ use of the apps. Findings from two randomised controlled trials showed positive effects of parental support using one of the apps on children’s development and parenting skills. The chapter concludes with reflection on the ways that technological resources can serve educational purposes and enhance children’s learning through enjoyable experiences with parents at home.