Also posted in toddlers
Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but I have a sticky gift issue. My brother and sister-in-law live with us and they purchased my almost 3-yr old son a toddler computer for Christmas, then asked if it was ok to give.
Dh and I had decided about a year ago specifically not to buy him one because:
-We're concerned about creating relationships at an early age with a computer
-We worry about the effects of listening to an electronic voice
-The computers are marketed to teach reading and spelling to kids who are often too young, as if the age old method of reading to your child and letting them lead the way is broken
-We try to minimize noisy electronic toys
-I'd rather my son use acoustic instruments before electronic ones (this computer has a piano with 10 keys (yes it goes through 1 1/2 scales)
-We like to use open-ended toys and toys that allow kids to take the lead and be creative.
Normally, we would just disappear the toy, but since they live with us, that's not possible. After asking us how we felt (and stating that they bought it because it was recommended by parents in the store and they thought we'd like it because it's educational), and hearing that it's not the kind of toy we like ds to have, they said they don't know if they can return it. And they have NO money! Sis-in-law said she'd been making a cloth book with velcro animals and pockets but hadn't finished it - sounds like a great gift - so they decided to buy the computer on impulse.
Part of me wants to give in and just hope he loses interest. But I know he's fascinated by these electronic talking toys. Part of me wants to gently turn it down and suggest it be donated somewhere. I'm having a hard time not feeling guilty.
Does anyone know of an article or website that talks in detail about how these toys are really not educational? I think they might understand better if presented with an outside, research-based opinion. Do any of you think I'm making too much of this? I'm happy to hear your opinion too.
Thanks
Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but I have a sticky gift issue. My brother and sister-in-law live with us and they purchased my almost 3-yr old son a toddler computer for Christmas, then asked if it was ok to give.
Dh and I had decided about a year ago specifically not to buy him one because:
-We're concerned about creating relationships at an early age with a computer
-We worry about the effects of listening to an electronic voice
-The computers are marketed to teach reading and spelling to kids who are often too young, as if the age old method of reading to your child and letting them lead the way is broken
-We try to minimize noisy electronic toys
-I'd rather my son use acoustic instruments before electronic ones (this computer has a piano with 10 keys (yes it goes through 1 1/2 scales)
-We like to use open-ended toys and toys that allow kids to take the lead and be creative.
Normally, we would just disappear the toy, but since they live with us, that's not possible. After asking us how we felt (and stating that they bought it because it was recommended by parents in the store and they thought we'd like it because it's educational), and hearing that it's not the kind of toy we like ds to have, they said they don't know if they can return it. And they have NO money! Sis-in-law said she'd been making a cloth book with velcro animals and pockets but hadn't finished it - sounds like a great gift - so they decided to buy the computer on impulse.
Part of me wants to give in and just hope he loses interest. But I know he's fascinated by these electronic talking toys. Part of me wants to gently turn it down and suggest it be donated somewhere. I'm having a hard time not feeling guilty.
Does anyone know of an article or website that talks in detail about how these toys are really not educational? I think they might understand better if presented with an outside, research-based opinion. Do any of you think I'm making too much of this? I'm happy to hear your opinion too.
Thanks
