Toddlers love iPhones
Do you have a child that you can't pull away from your iPhone?
It appears that the iPhone has become a favorite toy for toddlers, according to The New York Times.
Apple, the iPhone’s designer and manufacturer, has built its success on machines so simple and intuitive that even technologically befuddled adults can figure out how to work them, so it makes sense that sophisticated children would follow. The most recent model is 4.5 inches tall, 2.31 inches wide and weighs 4.8 ounces: sleek, but not too small for those with developing motor skills. Tap a picture on the screen and something happens. What could be more fun?
Still, the trend is drawing concern about "screen time" from some childhood development specialists. The author notes that the American Academy of Pediatrics advices parents not to let their children watch TV until they are older than two.
But I understand the temptation of parents to keep their children entertained as well as free up some time for them to have an uninterrupted conversation or some time for themselves. At the same time, kids love these devices, too. My almost 3-year-old nephew plays games on my sister's iPhone.
Is the iPhone an educational tool or more like TV? Does your child take ownership of your iPhone? What limits you have set for iPhone time?
Categories: Screen Time, Toddler Thursday
Comments
Like all other technology, it seems to be about how you as a parent choose to use it. We use my iPhone as a treat when out to dinner and my 2.5 yr old finishes before we do or while we are waiting for food. There is a Monkey PreSchool game that she is particularly enamored with - have to put together puzzles (motor skills), play matching games, find fruit that is different than the other fruit. Much more interactive than TV, I think.
But in the grand scheme of things, she gets to use it 15-30 minutes a week, tops. At least right now, I suppose I can see her wanting to use it more as she gets older. Will cross that bridge when we come to it.
Posted by: Michelle | October 19, 2010 8:09 AM
Why wouldn't they be enamoured with iPhones and Blackberries when we, as parents, have all become so connected to the devices? I'm just as bad...but maybe we need to try harder to put the phones away around our children. That way they (and we) can focus more on each other.
Posted by: Emily B. | October 20, 2010 2:35 PM