Discuss- iPod Touch for a 5 year old

eclaires

esposa38:

My 5yo is getting a Touch and my 2 yo is getting a leap pad-- I'll never have to interact with them again. Wheeeee!

LOL, that sounds like bliss to me.

We're upgrading our iPhones in January.  Then, for no reason at all, the kids will be getting our old iPhones.  I assume we won't let Scarlett use it much yet b/c even though she knows how to unlock it, the extent of her playing with it is to put it in her mouth or pretend she is on the phone.  However, Jackson will have it with apps and whatever else we can put on it for him.  I'm guessing it will be something he has to ask to use, though, but we'll see.

I think I might win MOTY though b/c I'm not even giving them something like this as a present!  I'm just giving it to them, lol.  It's not even for Christmas and at an appropriate time to spoil the sh*t out of them...

And I'm old school about church.  My kids only go and sit there and maybe get a soft toy/snack until 12m.   They will sit there, be brainwashed and enjoy it!  Just like I did, ha!

AggieCouple

I was thinking about making an app with the Gospel readings in picture book format.  There is nothing like that, not even actual books, that follows the Catholic liturgy for little kids.  I figure an app would make it more easily distributable.

eclaires

AggieCouple:

I was thinking about making an app with the Gospel readings in picture book format.  There is nothing like that, not even actual books, that follows the Catholic liturgy for little kids.  I figure an app would make it more easily distributable.

That would actually be awesome and something I would relax my church rules for. 

I'd actually like an app that follows the new mass format for me, haha!  30 years of ingrained behavior is hard to change.

shopgirl78

I'd buy one for a 5 year old. 

jlw2505

My kids got them last year from my ILs.  We debated getting one of the kids game systems but once we looked at the options, went with the touches and honestly, we have had no issues.  I hold onto them at all times and we have very strict limits on when and where they can use them.  We have some movies on them plus some game, some education and some just fun.  It has worked out great.  The kids were always asking to play games on DH and my phone and now, they can use their touches.  We very rarely use them - never at home.  We use them in the car on long trips, at restaurants when I know the wait is going to be long - they don't come out right away but I have them as back up when everything else has been used type of things.  I bring them to doctors appointments, etc.  My girls have been very careful with them.  The way I look at it - kids use technology now all the time.  My almost 4 year old is great the computer and she uses it every so often in preschool.  Starting in kindergarten, the kids at the elementary do things on ipads in class.  It is just a part of life now.  And with the touch, I can get a ton of things free so I'm not having to buy a trillion and one new games and such.  Plus - since I don't have an iphone, I can still do facetime on their touches so we can see and talk to out of town family.  I was very nervous and unsure when we got them last year as gifts but thing when used correctly, they are great.

jlw2505

cjcouple:

Brewster:

 

Wow.  I'll never understand someone who gets their panties in such a bunch about what other people choose for thier kids.  Failure as a parent?  Really? 

eh, It truly saddens me to see what this world is making every day practice for many families. I used the car just as an example of this. There are multiple kids in church with their DSi's/tablets/etc. They sit in the pews and don't say hello to anyone, they don't offer peace, they don't go up and get blessed by the priest during communion. Of course my kids get antsy y the end byt there is NO WAY I will allow them to bring an electronic device into church. Ever!

Same thing with the cars and even other people homes, my friend's kids are so anti social and glued into their devices that when we go for a ride to the mall (about 40 min) away, or even if they come to a birthday party, they completely ignore everyone else around them. I used the car as an example of how it is a part of everyday life for some people. They go to school 10 min away and they HAVE to have their DS's. And they are not the only ones! So yes, this is what I feel is a failure as a parent. 

ETA: For the record, I actually don't think my friend or the other parents are even failures. I do think their priorities are skewed. But if my kids acted this way, I would be heartbroken and would completely blame myself because it goes against MY standards 

Sounds to me like you are making big judgements based on a few people.  Yes, some people use technology or TV to baby sit their kids but I also think that many, many do not.  I know for parents of kids with things like Aspergers, ipads and other electronics are an amazing tool.  Just like TV or anything else - when used with guidelines and limitations and rules, they are great.  My kdis can make it through a meal, a waiting room and a very loong 12 hour drive without their ipods and other things but honestly, why not let them play for a little while?  It is not hurting them and it is by far not the only toy my kids use.  I don't know many people that just hand over any electronic toy to their kid with no time frame guideline.