media for older kids « Back to Group Discussions

[mamabelle]

So... my dad sent the kids christmas presents and they are always the worst (HUGE, noisy, light-up toys for our tiny house). I've always donated them, usually before the kids see them (they get a ton of toys, we have a close extended family so this isn't as mean as it sounds!). This year they sent a box of wrapped presents so I couldn't weed them out first. They sent my son a disney "me reader" that I am going to sell or trade (basically reads books to your kid so you don't have to? Is my understanding). My son glanced at the box and tossed it aside, he really doesn't care. He's into trains, books, the log cabin kit he got, etc. Anyway, my sister received a leap pad explorer that her kid already has so she wants to give it to my son and is saying how great they are for traveling, restaurants, etc.

We are not totally media-free, but do our best to avoid it (especially if it seems excessive). Our 3-year-old watches some Dora or Diego, Busytown, or Thomas the train (not daily) and has never seen a movie. He's not attached to any disney characters and we do not buy him copyrighted character clothes or toys.

I don't plan on keeping him isolated from pop-culture or commercial media, or electronics, forever... but I guess I haven't decided when would be a good time to introduce electronic toys. I'm not sure that the Leap Pad is in line with my parenting style right now... but I wonder if I am wrong to turn down a free one without really investigating. Do any of you have any familiarity with this electronic toy? What do you think about it for a 3.5-year-old?

Thanks for any help! I know I could post this on the toddler forum but feel like I trust this group of moms more. I am working full-time and with the two little kids I just never have time to post and check in but come back to this site to read and check in when I can... and pose these kinds of questions! I hope everyone had warm family holidays!

[Autumnshades]

I am not sure about the leapfrog. Haven't researched it enough... I totally get what you mean about toys. We have the same issue with my I laws. We live in a 1 bedroom apartment - and they don't get why we don't want huge loud toys. We are also not into 'licensed' toys. Right now we have a lot of wooden toys which Eli loves. Trains, blocks and wooden animals

[seraf]

My kids have had a leap pad for years. They enjoy it and it isn't really bad in my opinion. They like the few books we have. They never played it enough to bother me (some electronic toys are rather repetitive).

My older kids were each given a kindle fire this year. They are smitten and we need to work out limits soon.

[Jaimee]

I actually haven't ever used a LeapFrog, but I know plenty of parents that have one and their kids love them and do learn from them.  I think I would accept the toy and play around with it myself before deciding when to give it to my kids.  It was around 3 years old that Avalon slowly started to do things in her room by herself... looking through books, drawing, crafting, etc.  Sometimes, though, she would need more guidance with her activities just when I was needing to tend to Austin or cook dinner and this would be an ideal time to allow a toy like LeapFrog.  I started to allow her to use the computer to play StarFall and essentially she taught herself how to read using that program.  I've heard LeapFrog is similar.   I think as long as screen time is limited, kids still develop the skill of entertaining themselves with books and crafts and learning toys can really have their place in our modern homes.

[Autumnshades]

Sounds like a good suggestion Jaimee. Limiting screen time is important. We are interested in getting a leap pad eventually, my mother in law keeps wanting to buy one.

[mamabelle]

Thanks so much, mamas! I am encouraged by your responses & how much I see my 3-year-old really wanting to work my phone (not even a smart phone) and our camera. I will check it out and let you know how it goes!

Happy New Year :)

[Abraisme]

I tend to agree with Jaimee.  We have had an Ipad for years and I allow my kids to play educational games.  They've learned a lot from it overall.  All things in moderation.

[mamabelle]

Ok, so the leapPad came today and I'm trying to check it out... kind of freaking out about copyrighted characters and how to fit this gizmo into our lives, but I know my just about 3.5yo is right on the cusp of being ready for this. Anyway, just thought I'd share that the instructions are irritating in that they apparently feel the need to tell me not to incinerate batteries!?!?!! Just tell me how to work the thing!

Anyone have any recommended apps or games? 

[Autumnshades]

That is a great question regarding games/apps. I would love to know if anyone has recommendations! I just got an iPad mini for Christmas and have a few kid books on there and Eli totally figured out how to drag his finger on the screen, I flip the pages for him though. It's great, I love it. I would love to find good games/apps eventually for when he is bigger.

[seraf]

The leap pad does aps? I was thinking of a different leap product.

iPad aps, My kids are way older but there are many great lists easily googled. Shay's favorite ap on my phone is jango. He holds my phone toward me while dancing to ask me to turn on the music ap. Then I darken the screen and and hit the button. He rarely unlocks it but he loves seeing the album covers. I'm sure the regular music part of your phone would do it, but I have none on my phone.

[Jaimee]

The "I See Ewe" and "I Hear Ewe" aps are pretty cute for learning animals sounds, different animals, even some vehicles, etc.