Supernanny has shared one thing parents should not be doing in this technological area, issuing a warning about what's 'normal' and why you shouldn't 'undervalue' certain things15:55, 25 Jun 2026Jo Frost, better known as Supernanny, has always been a straight-talking, no-nonsense global parenting expert, and she's got a warning for parents who use one thing as an incentive for their kids, or a 'treat'. Jo explained that she shared a clip on her social media platform claiming that few children play outside nowadays, and received a response from a mum.‌The mum said that this statement wasn't true, because her toddlers play outside and get dirty, and "then they come inside really relaxed, and as a treat, I give them the iPads to watch".‌"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the biggest problems today," Jo fumed, highlighting that electronics should not be seen as treats. She continued: "Because when you see the iPad as a treat, the golden shrine, the one thing that seems like the best overall, your children will see it as that, too.‌"And what should be the best becomes the boring. You see, for children, being outside should be normal. Coming inside and playing Hungry Hippo [board game] should feel normal."Colouring and reading stories to the children should feel normal. And all of that is the treat. The specialness of childhood."Content cannot be displayed without consent‌She warned that if you "put tech on a pedestal" then you "undervalue" all the other things. Jo said that sometimes parents are at risk of "downplaying" the things that really "make a difference" in a child's life, like "learning new words, developing better motor skills, and widening creativity".She said the focus should be on "building and bonding and loving, dancing and nursery rhymes and more," and ensuring kids can socialise, rather than putting them behind an iPad and hoping for the best.Jo continued: "A toddler's day should be filled with curiosity and exploration, of everything around them, and the things they actively do."‌She said that they should be "less sedentary" and use "much more energy"."So remember, the next time you label tech as a treat, because it's not a tool for some and a time-waster for many and a digital dummy for your kids to keep them pacified instead of satisfied with the life they could be having as norm, remember this message," she concluded.In the comments, someone wrote: "That's how we grew up, you played outside and then came inside for dinner, bath and a show or two or a film.Article continues below"Screen time has been a standard part of childhood since the 50s the medium is what's changed. TV, computer, phone or tablet, whatever form your children have access to, as long as it's a balanced part of your child's life, I don't see an issue."This is exactly what Jo was saying - it can be built into a healthy lifestyle, but it should not be seen as a treat.A woman penned: "As a 90s kid, I never had an iPad during my childhood. It was technology-free. I was always outside with friends using imagination and creativity for our entertainment and physical activity. Best childhood ever."