What do you think?

I saw another post and it got me thinking. What do you think about kids (even small children) getting ipads and stuff like that for birthdays/Christmas? I personally wouldn't for 2 reasons. For one, I can't afford it lol and for two I don't want my son to be so mesmerized in this thing and not want to do out door activities. I am very guilty of not taking my son outside enough this summer. A lot of was because of the fact of how humid it was and also because I just became really lazy   ...this year I will be getting my son a new bike for his birthday and want to try to be more active outside and all that. So, would/do you get something like that for your child/children? Why or why not? By the way I'm in no way saying it is wrong or bashing people who do..I just personally don't want to and am curious as to what others think. Also, does anyone have any ideas on how to encourage an almost 4 year old to want to play outside more? He gets bored and doesn't want to stay out there long  

I wouldn't do it. I think it sets up pretty big expectations for future christmases or birthdays. And I already don't like the amount of screen time LO gets so I don't want to encourage more.

Older children, yes. But they still need daily exercise and fresh air, so I would limit the use. DD plays with my old iPhone 3GS (it's her "phone" now) but she only gets it at certain times or she would be sitting on the couch all day playing on it. She's 3.

Quoting Δ ☮ ∂:" I wouldn't do it. I think it sets up pretty big expectations for future christmases or birthdays. And I already don't like the amount of screen time LO gets so I don't want to encourage more. "

Yeah that is a good point. My son watches too much tv and I am trying to get us out of that habit. Yesterday we put on some music and danced around and cleaned..I like that so much better than watching tv and doing nothing productive lol

i saw that post and was like....would i put apps on it? i wouldnt get one in the first place.

not for a four year old....

maybe a nine or ten year....someone i knew wouldnt loose or break it. i just dont see the use

Quoting Dawn&Leila +1!:" Older children, yes. But they still need daily exercise and fresh air, so I would limit the use. DD plays ... [snip!] ... her "phone" now) but she only gets it at certain times or she would be sitting on the couch all day playing on it. She's 3."

Yeah..like how much older are you talking? Just curious lol.

I would never buy a iPad for my kids. They can buy their own when they have a job and pay for it themselves

Quoting cunning cuniculi:" i saw that post and was like....would i put apps on it? i wouldnt get one in the first place. not for ... [snip!] ... not for a four year old.... maybe a nine or ten year....someone i knew wouldnt loose or break it. i just dont see the use"

Yeah that is what I was thinking lol..I just don't see the point I guess

Quoting Δ ☮ ∂:" I wouldn't do it. I think it sets up pretty big expectations for future christmases or birthdays. And I already don't like the amount of screen time LO gets so I don't want to encourage more. "

  

all of this!

ricks little brother is a bit older, like 16 or so, and demands things like this for every christmas. discards all other gifts. its like...the meaning of christmas to him.  

that's why kids these days are friggin' obese.

my son plays with my phone sometimes and with my mom's ipad. but he does not and will not have his own for a long time. especially because of SO - he hates technology lol

my 2 older kids 12 and 9 are getting cheap tablets, i paid about 150 for both and it will be their "BIG" present. i agree i dont think small kids need them and idk kinda sets them up for wanting more expensive things much sooner. my kids are only getting them because, well for one my 12 year old will be going into middle school soon, and they need some sort of pc for research and school stuff. my 9 year is getting one , well because shes a good girl, very responsible, even on student council and a honor student. but as for my 5 yearold and 14 month old i dont see a need for all that.

I wouldn't do it. Maybe when they're a teenager and can understand the responsibility of something that expensive.

I wouldn't buy one for my kids at any age. DD is 4 and already uses my cell phone better than I can  
As far as getting him outside during the summer months me and DD will make sidewalk paint or bubbles and the fact that she made it is all more interesting to her. I take her for bike rides and scooter rides. Now that shes in school I make Fridays her park day. After school we go to the park for an hour and will continue doing that until it gets too cold. Maybe you can set up play dates at the park or something?

Quoting JiLLiAN.:" that's why kids these days are friggin' obese. my son plays with my phone sometimes and with my mom's ... [snip!] ... my mom's ipad. but he does not and will not have his own for a long time. especially because of SO - he hates technology lol"

Yeah I honestly agree to a point..especially if they aren't getting outside and all of that. I remember I never had anything of the sort growing up..I was ALWAYS outside no matter what..hated being inside lol

I don't see how it is any different from a leap pad or other tablet geared toward children. There are tons of learning apps, children's books and games available for them. As far as cost, you can get used or refurbished ones for fairly cheap. Or if you go with an older model. I think it can also teach responsibility to take care of fragile things. As with anything, moderation is key. You can have a certain time every day that is "iPad time" or something, just like how some families have certain time of day for TV time. It's different if someone uses it as a babysitter but I can definitely see the benefits behind getting one. If I had the extra money, I would consider getting my 3-year-old one, not an iPad but maybe an Android tablet because I prefer Android over apple.