4.5 yo- "I want an iPad!"

tryinghard

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 12:23 pm

Dh and I feel very strongly that children (especially small children) should have minimal computer/screen usage. We don't have a TV, and while my kids watch videos at their grandparents' house, the only time they watch here is if they are sick and I need to keep them lying down or if I am sick and have no other way to manage. Both of these are extremely rare. DD is well aware of these parameters. Additionally, she knows when we go to the library we don't go play on the computer, because we have so many fun things to play with there and computers are not for playing in our family.
Through a long series of events, dh and I have recently each become the owner of an iPad. We never let the kids use them, and we try not to use them in front of the kids. This morning though, DD (4.5) started begging for her own iPad. We tried saying they are not for kids, but unfortunately she has seen the kids section of the Apple store so she shot that one down. We tried a few other arguments but I am really at a loss to explain other that I think it's detrimental to her as a developing human being on so many levels.
How would you explain this? Please note, there is absolutely no chance that I am caving on this, I don't need chizzuk to not give in Very Happy

I just prefer to have explanations that she can understand rather than heavy-handed "because I'm the mommy and I say so". Any ideas?

amother

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 12:35 pm

Yes DD some kids have an Ipad. In this family Ipads are for adults only!

my ds wants an ipod. He commutes about 45 minutes a day and would love to listen to music. I dont believe a child should own one so I told him no. His reason is valid. My reasoning is that kids should not have expensive toys especially when they havent proven responsibility. I have also explained to him that there is an attitude that comes along with owning one (I've seen it on kids) and I dont want him having that attitude.

amother

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 12:39 pm

A few years ago my kids wanted a DS. I said no because it doesnt promote friendship or exercise. Kids just sit like dummies and play by themselves.

I did get them a wii with wii fittness and sport. I eventually got them regular video games, but since its not portable its way easier to limit it. They love inviting kids over to play baseball and bowling.

They still ask for the DS, but they know its a lost cause. Just like the lizard they want. Very Happy

scrltfr

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 1:45 pm

amother wrote:

They do make really cheap mp3 players. Or the ipod shuffle. You can check ebay for a used one.

Chayalle

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 1:53 pm

Welcome to the world of parenting. May this be the most difficult "no" you ever tell your child.

My 6 year old is going on 13 and 16 (the ages of her big sisters). She wants a camera, an ipod, and a host of other things that they did not have when they were 6 but they do have now.

Forget all the reasons. Just say "not right now" and give your child some time to get over it.

bnm

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 6:58 pm

I also want an Ipad Smile

I'm 27. I might actually be getting someone's broken one which I have to pay for repairs but that's a separate story. We will allow the kids to use it but only for 10 minute increments and we will only put educational stuff on it and therapy apps. some of the speech therapy apps are ONLY available for the ipad and not the phones so I'm looking forward to that.

forever21

Mon, Sep 08 2014, 7:46 pm

I just dont see why you need to go into a whole explanation over this. To me, a 4 yr old asking for an ipad he might as well ask for a million dollars. If your kid asked for a million dollars would you need to have an explanation for that? bec to me buying a 4 yr old an ipad is just as ludicrous.