Does Your Child Own An iPad/iPod/Tablet?

[Evansmom]

It was a JOKE, relax.

I also don't think a 2yo needs unlimited access to ANY electronic device. I do have a 'screen time/views' question I go over with on interview, but parents DO NOT see ipad/ipod/tablet as a screen. They think screen=TV. Some think I want them to write down their childs favorite tv shows, and most lie about it.

Possibly I miscommunicated my tone in my comment. I'm not disparaging your suggestion to ask about iPad use. On the contrary I agree that it could be a legitimate question to ask at interviews. I realize it was a tongue in cheek joke, but all jokes have a seed of truth to them.

I've been in the biz for 20 years and I've seen a lot of changes. One being that the increase of screen time has coincided directly in my experience to the decline in children to imaginatively and independently play for any reasonable length of time.

[daycarediva]

Possibly I miscommunicated my tone in my comment. I'm not disparaging your suggestion to ask about iPad use. On the contrary I agree that it could be a legitimate question to ask at interviews. I realize it was a tongue in cheek joke, but all jokes have a seed of truth to them.

I've been in the biz for 20 years and I've seen a lot of changes. One being that the increase of screen time has coincided directly in my experience to the decline in children to imaginatively and independently play for any reasonable length of time.

Awesome! Did NOT want to offend anyone. I try not to step on toes.

I DO have a ? about screen time on my interview question sheet. I do want to ask about PERSONAL electronic devices though, as parents never say these things. I have had a SUPER challenging group lately, no impulse control (not even developmentally appropriate lack of impulse control)temper tantrums, whining, lack of social skills, NO imagination, no eye contact in a developmentally normal child, etc. I am terming more THIS year than in the last 7 combined. It makes me sad for this entire generation of children.

[Evansmom]

Awesome! Did NOT want to offend anyone. I try not to step on toes.

I DO have a ? about screen time on my interview question sheet. I do want to ask about PERSONAL electronic devices though, as parents never say these things. I have had a SUPER challenging group lately, no impulse control (not even developmentally appropriate lack of impulse control)temper tantrums, whining, lack of social skills, NO imagination, no eye contact in a developmentally normal child, etc. I am terming more THIS year than in the last 7 combined. It makes me sad for this entire generation of children.

I'm going to add a question about screen time to my interview question list now. It's a good way to get a feel for how parents handle media. Isn't it crazy that we should have to ask a parent how they handle a 1 or 2 year old's media consumption?!

Wow. I had no idea your experience with this was so extreme. I feel for you. I once had a DBC about 2 years ago who was really aggressive. His parents were going through a divorce and I chalked it up to that. But over time it came out that his dad let him watch way too mature programming. Like The Walking Dead and violent super hero movies. I ended up terming them. The child was 3 and was exposed to so much violence through media that I think it had warped him. They weren't a good fit for my program.

[daycarediva]

I'm going to add a question about screen time to my interview question list now. It's a good way to get a feel for how parents handle media. Isn't it crazy that we should have to ask a parent how they handle a 1 or 2 year old's media consumption?!

Wow. I had no idea your experience with this was so extreme. I feel for you. I once had a DBC about 2 years ago who was really aggressive. His parents were going through a divorce and I chalked it up to that. But over time it came out that his dad let him watch way too mature programming. Like The Walking Dead and violent super hero movies. I ended up terming them. The child was 3 and was exposed to so much violence through media that I think it had warped him. They weren't a good fit for my program.

*nodding in agreement* I have TWO 3 year olds who currently watch the walking dead. Not only are they watching it, but they are staying up that late on a Sunday evening. One is not at all aggressive, and the other is. One is allowed to play grand theft auto (the Dad justifies this with 'he likes the car chases.') He is 3. Get him a nascar game, or better yet, play matchbox cars together.

this thread was definitely my way of letting off steam after listening to dcg/just turned 2 cry for her ipad for 40ish minutes. I wanted to cry over the ipad, too! Just for different reasons!

[Evansmom]

*nodding in agreement* I have TWO 3 year olds who currently watch the walking dead. Not only are they watching it, but they are staying up that late on a Sunday evening. One is not at all aggressive, and the other is. One is allowed to play grand theft auto (the Dad justifies this with 'he likes the car chases.') He is 3. Get him a nascar game, or better yet, play matchbox cars together.

this thread was definitely my way of letting off steam after listening to dcg/just turned 2 cry for her ipad for 40ish minutes. I wanted to cry over the ipad, too! Just for different reasons!

I realize what I'm about to say is judgemental but what is wrong with some parents who actually believe letting their child watch adult programs/video games/unrestricted access to media is ok?!?! It blows my mind!

We were watching The Hobbit over Xmas break. We did not take our 6 year old to the movie on purpose. He loves The Hobbit book and has been hearing about hobbits for many years in little stories I've told him. But the movie has Orcs. And honestly they scare me and I'm almost 40. But of course there is a family at the theatre who brought a child who looked to be no older than 4.

Ok sorry. Rant over

[Cradle2crayons]

Wow, my kids are 10 and 12 which I thought was young. ::

I think the tech-toys are much easier on the parents to keep things quiet. It starts with iphones....ipods.....ipads....what will come next?????

I can see schools using ipads for school work before my kids graduate...no paper, less teachers?????? I don't agree, but I can see it coming!

Several FCC providers in my home state were awarded AWE Computer Learning stations last year. It is a computer/touchscreen, no internet, all learning games are installed already. I set time-limits for each individual use. Bottom line is, technology is here....

My daughters school has iPads. Each child is assigned one the beginning of the school year. They do activities on it that goes along with their power board learning.

[daycarediva]

I realize what I'm about to say is judgemental but what is wrong with some parents who actually believe letting their child watch adult programs/video games/unrestricted access to media is ok?!?! It blows my mind!

We were watching The Hobbit over Xmas break. We did not take our 6 year old to the movie on purpose. He loves The Hobbit book and has been hearing about hobbits for many years in little stories I've told him. But the movie has Orcs. And honestly they scare me and I'm almost 40. But of course there is a family at the theatre who brought a child who looked to be no older than 4.

Ok sorry. Rant over

It's hard for me to NOT get judgy when I see things like that. We saw We are the Millers in theater on date night (eh, I didn't find it all that great) BUT there was a couple there with a probably 2-3 year old. It was soooooo not appropriate for his age. He was on his parents phone though, so I don't think he saw too much.


For older kids ok, for LIMITED recreational use, for educational purposes, I am NOT anti technology. But when your child cannot be separated from it, there is a problem. (I use educational lightly with these 'apps for infants' marketing).

[Meyou]

It's hard for me to NOT get judgy when I see things like that. We saw We are the Millers in theater on date night (eh, I didn't find it all that great) BUT there was a couple there with a probably 2-3 year old. It was soooooo not appropriate for his age. He was on his parents phone though, so I don't think he saw too much.


For older kids ok, for LIMITED recreational use, for educational purposes, I am NOT anti technology. But when your child cannot be separated from it, there is a problem. (I use educational lightly with these 'apps for infants' marketing).

I freaked when I found out my 15 year old went to We Are The Millers. They movie they were suppose to see was sold out so they went to that one instead since it was PG-13 and they could get in. The humor is dirty and it's not the type of comedy I think kids should be watching. She didn't like it BTW. She thought it was gross in parts. Woo hoo! happyface

[countrymom]

we are a gadget family. My kids have tv's in their rooms, I have 3 computers, and Ipad, some Ipods and phones. Our phones dont have data, and they are pretty basic (I wish for an iphone) do my kids (who are 9 to 15) sit and play the gadgets all day, No way. they watch their tv's for a half hour at bed time, but are usually downstairs with us (we do watch alot of cooking shows)

my kids didn't start getting anything till they were about 5 yrs old. Then they got nintendo ds's. I just can't get over the fact that kids are getting younger and younger.

and I'm finding that kids are bringing their gadgets everywhere. Restaurants, church, stores, every where. What ever happened to sitting and listening and behaving.

figures some kids have behavioral issues, live in fantasy worlds and do poorly at school because all they do is sit and stare at the screen.

I will say that my ds (he's 11) is amazing at the computer. He constantly makes videos for me to watch, adds music, makes things appear on the screen and last week made a jeporady game for my 15 yr to present for her english class (it was a big assignment) no one could believe he's 11. Oh, rainbow loom has taken over my ipad and facetiming friends, I guess its better than tying up my phone line !!

[Annalee]

we are a gadget family. My kids have tv's in their rooms, I have 3 computers, and Ipad, some Ipods and phones. Our phones dont have data, and they are pretty basic (I wish for an iphone) do my kids (who are 9 to 15) sit and play the gadgets all day, No way. they watch their tv's for a half hour at bed time, but are usually downstairs with us (we do watch alot of cooking shows)

my kids didn't start getting anything till they were about 5 yrs old. Then they got nintendo ds's. I just can't get over the fact that kids are getting younger and younger.

and I'm finding that kids are bringing their gadgets everywhere. Restaurants, church, stores, every where. What ever happened to sitting and listening and behaving.

figures some kids have behavioral issues, live in fantasy worlds and do poorly at school because all they do is sit and stare at the screen.

I will say that my ds (he's 11) is amazing at the computer. He constantly makes videos for me to watch, adds music, makes things appear on the screen and last week made a jeporady game for my 15 yr to present for her english class (it was a big assignment) no one could believe he's 11. Oh, rainbow loom has taken over my ipad and facetiming friends, I guess its better than tying up my phone line !!

I don't feel tech-gadgets are all bad. My sons still love to fish, hunt, swim, play sports. As long the gadgets do not consume them, I feel they are OK. It is when they lock themselves in a room and don't come out that I would get worried. Let's face it, without computer knowledge, our kids probably won't find a job!

[mpb12]

Ipad?..Ican!

It's soooo going on my interview question sheet! I really think it's a reason to not want them in care. ::

2yo dcg cried for her ipad for 40 minutes before FINALLY going down for a nap today. I sent dcm a text.....they let her play with it until she falls asleep. She has a tablet in the car and an actual ipad all her own at home. She rips books for goodness sake, I wouldn't be giving her an expensive piece of electronic equipment even if it was good for her-----which it's NOT.

Dcb/3 lost his kindle and his mother had one overnighted from amazon because (her words) it's TORTURE at their house when he doesn't have it.

The only child in my care who doesn't own some sort of personal computer type device is the 4yo. I don't think it's coincidence that she is the best behaved and can wait a turn without crying.

I have one parent who`s stubborn and just don`t follow rules...It`s not children who`s at fault when it comes to unusual behavior, it`s the parents lack of considerations to others. I have rules and my number ONE rule is that TOYS are not allowed to be brought from home to my daycare, I take it very seriously after many lost toys, broken toys and then the parents asking for replacement. I take it and give it back to the parent and if the child cries I reassure the parent that he will be fine as soon as she`s out of site. Now this same parent hide toys inside her child`s backpack, I get fumed every time the child reach out for it. I now have a NO TOY ALLOWED box outside the door. So, here is my words stamped on my board...Iphone, Ipad, Ipod, or any of its kind are included on my rules of NO TOY ALLOWED...Ican and Ido revocate our contract without notice if you don`t follow my daycare rules. What`s going on with parents? I`m in the business for so many years and I can see how arrogant parents are turning to be lately, there is MEMEME and MYMYMY! If you want your students to succeed and have good grades after your stop having them at your care then just do your job as a good provider..And let the parents know what is your view about it. Most of my students skip grades, my old students are doctors, some are high profile business people, some own their own business, but all of them has gone through college education which makes me very proud of them and my work as childcare provider.. If you love your job...set your rules and explain to the parents what`s your goals while teaching the little angels.

[mpb12]

I'm curious as to how young the screens are actually keeping the kids happy and occupied without needing an adult to manage the electronic. (By manage I mean not having to set up anything other than to start something and not have a risk of the kid doing something to instantly break it.)

I've only seen an IPAD once in my life and didn't lay my hands on it. I've seen parents hand infants their phones a lot.

I just wonder how young is the youngest child who can manage it WITHOUT an adult involved.

Also... did the age of independently using it go down in the last year or two?

Anybody know?



If a new two year old is able to stay occupied for hours with it and flips out if she doesn't have it... I'm guessing she can operate it with little adult. I wonder how much is just tv watching on it or if a kid that young can do something other than just watch shows. Having the attention span to use it for hours means that it has to be very stimulating. I can't imagine it being like TV where the kid runs house while the TV is on. They would have to be ON it to be entertained for long periods of time.

I really wonder if it won't be long before screens are built into cribs. The bottom of cribs.

I start teaching them how to navigate, paste and copy, as early as 18 months . Nothing wrong about it as long as you set rules and time for it. I do own my own laptops and computer with large screens so it will not hurt their eyes, and no kids are not allowed to bring their electronic items to my daycare. Insurance purpose excuse work perfect too.

[nannyde]

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/toddlers-tablets-future/story?id=19332916

Nine month old on ipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ45r05mvSc

Another interesting one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhGDb_3r8WI

[daycarediva]

I start teaching them how to navigate, paste and copy, as early as 18 months . Nothing wrong about it as long as you set rules and time for it. I do own my own laptops and computer with large screens so it will not hurt their eyes, and no kids are not allowed to bring their electronic items to my daycare. Insurance purpose excuse work perfect too.

So you know better than the AAP who recommends NO screen time under 2 years of age? That it has ZERO benefit.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/tod...ry?id=19332916


Nine month old on ipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ45r05mvSc

[daycarediva]

The American Academy of Pediatrics is silent on the issue of tablets. But for children 2 and under, their official recommendation is no "passive screen time." Not even for Sesame Street. Instead, they encourage families to have unstructured play and talk time because they believe those approaches help children learn while supporting development.

"That's a time when these young kids need to be developing language skills and learning to recognize a facial expression, not scanning the Internet on an iPad," said Gary Small, author of iBrain and professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Which is why I have a child who CANNOT make eye contact. The minute his mother walks in, he grabs her iphone.

Which is why I have children who CANNOT sit still for a meal, they are used to having an ipad at the table.

Which is why I have children with ZERO social skills, since people are hard to push buttons on and make them do what they want.

Which is why these children are BEHIND peers (even the one who can count by 2's, 5's and 10's at 2.) and will REALLY struggle in early elementary school. This is lazy parenting and unacceptable.