Mandy Moore, renowned singer and actress, has recently shared insights about her family’s educational journey as the new school year begins. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Moore revealed the excitement and challenges of sending her sons, August “Gus” Harrison, aged five, and Oscar “Ozzie” Bennett, aged three, to kindergarten and preschool, respectively. The star, who is also a mother to 23-month-old daughter Louise “Lou,” explained how crucial it has been for her to find quality educational resources for her children.
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To help streamline her children’s learning, Moore has partnered with the educational app ABCmouse, a platform she praises for its engaging and kid-friendly approach. As they enter a new academic year, she expressed her commitment to ensuring that screen time is not only monitored but also purposeful. “We are obviously very intentional about screen time in our house. It’s something we think a lot about,” says Moore. The app’s educational focus provides peace of mind, allowing her children to engage in learning without the concerns tied to commercial distractions.
The actress explained that ABCmouse is both “teacher approved” and “parent approved,” highlighting the safety of the platform. “It’s not something that I have to hover and monitor. I know that they’re safe doing it,” she stated. This assurance comes as a relief to parents navigating the complexities of digital learning in a tech-savvy age.
Though Lou is still too young to use a tablet, Moore indicated that her older two children are enthusiastic about the app. During a recent family trip, she and her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith, found that Gus and Ozzie’s engagement with ABCmouse kept them occupied throughout the flight. “They played ABCmouse pretty much the entire way home, which is great,” she remarked, illustrating the app’s effectiveness in keeping children engaged while also learning.
As Gus prepares to enter kindergarten, Moore noted that the platform has been significant in building his confidence ahead of this new chapter. The positive reinforcement he receives through the app allows him to express his pride in his learning journey. “He’s able to say, ‘I love this. I’m smart. I’m learning something,’ and that kind of translates into the real world as well,” she explained, underscoring the importance of fostering a positive learning environment.
As her boys embark on their educational journeys, Moore is thankful for the time she still has with Lou at home. “Because once you relinquish them to the school, that’s it. School has them until they’re in high school, and I’m like, ‘I’m not ready for that yet,’” she reflected. Her sentiment captures the bittersweet nature of parenthood, as she cherishes these formative years while bracing herself for the changes ahead.
The star, who rose to fame in the hit series This Is Us, shared her feelings regarding this transitional phase. She described her emotions as she processes the reality of Gus starting school, remarking, “Time is a thief. It’s crazy.” Her candid thoughts resonate with many parents who may feel the same way as they watch their children grow and take on new responsibilities.
In conjunction with her partnership with ABCmouse, Mandy Moore is further solidifying her role as an advocate for children’s education. By actively promoting a platform designed for learning in an enjoyable manner, she encourages other parents to consider the tools available to support their children’s development. As she navigates her own parenting journey, Moore remains a relatable figure, reminding others that they are not alone in their concerns about balancing screen time with valuable learning experiences.
In summary, as the back-to-school season unfolds, Mandy Moore embraces the changes in her family while supporting her children’s educational pursuits through the innovative app ABCmouse. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of intentional parenting and the value of reliable resources in fostering a love for learning.