I don't understand this mindset (mommy wars LOL)

[So_Fetch]

Jun 6, 2013 9:26:01 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

i think i would only side eye this if a parent was using the device (regardless of brand, lol) to replace actual parenting.

but it still wouldn't really be my business.

This. I'm not sure I understand why kids need tablets at all.  Especially younger kids.

[snickers]

I don't see the big deal, as long as you limit the amount of time they can spend on these things. I think it's most often a waste of money to buy the cheap knock offs because they suck and don't do much.

[pantsparty]

Jun 6, 2013 9:34:59 GMT -5 bab said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:29:21 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

I don't have any Apple products! HA!

No really, there are a lot cheaper tablets out there that do the same thing. MM!

Is it really MM though if you have a Nintendo DS that cost $150 and numerous game cartridges at $30+ a pop? 

MM?

An iPod touch is $200.  Apps are free or $.99

Who says they have both of these things? In every case? I don't think so.

[chickadee77]

Jun 6, 2013 9:26:01 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

i think i would only side eye this if a parent was using the device (regardless of brand, lol) to replace actual parenting.

but it still wouldn't really be my business.

This is kind of where I am. I don't have kids, yet, so I don't judge. But I kind of side-eye my SIL whose 2yo couldn't even go for a five minute drive without an ipad, iphone, or DVD playing, and if his kids' TV channel got switched, muted, or turned off at any point between when he woke up in the morning and went to bed at night, he'd pitch a fit. 

Now he's four, and can't focus on anything for longer than about a minute and a half, unless it's an ipad or iphone. I mean, part of that is being 4yo, I get it, but he won't do stuff like color or play outside at all. It makes me kind of sad, because I remember being that age, and the fun I had. His memories will be of playing the number game on his ipad. By himself. For hours.

[Jillaroo]

Jun 6, 2013 10:02:35 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:50:45 GMT -5 Jillaroo said:

I actually thought about buying an iPad mini for my DD. but then my DH reminded me that she is 6 months old and he doesn't even have one. So I think that when she is older I will just giver her mine and get myself a new one.

She really enjoys this fisher price game where you touch the screen and a giggling shape appears and laughs. Or the paint sparkle app. Those will keep her amused for a long time.

I'm just going to say it. THAT'S CRAZY!
A 6 month old (etc) would have just as much fun, or more, with a cardboard box or a spoon.

I totally agree. I just get excited and want to buy her everything.

[luckyval]

I, too, figure there are other things to judge besides this.

I'll be honest, H and I are the ones getting new electronics first. That's how we roll.
And the fact that Hart spilled milk on his hand me down iPod touch yesterday justifies that for me.

[bab]

Jun 6, 2013 10:06:48 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:34:59 GMT -5 bab said:

Is it really MM though if you have a Nintendo DS that cost $150 and numerous game cartridges at $30+ a pop? 

MM?

An iPod touch is $200.  Apps are free or $.99

Who says they have both of these things? In every case? I don't think so.

But my post is specifically about those who do

[CurlyQ284]

Jun 6, 2013 10:02:35 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:50:45 GMT -5 Jillaroo said:

I actually thought about buying an iPad mini for my DD. but then my DH reminded me that she is 6 months old and he doesn't even have one. So I think that when she is older I will just giver her mine and get myself a new one.

She really enjoys this fisher price game where you touch the screen and a giggling shape appears and laughs. Or the paint sparkle app. Those will keep her amused for a long time.

I'm just going to say it. THAT'S CRAZY!
A 6 month old (etc) would have just as much fun, or more, with a cardboard box or a spoon.

My 6 month old likes looking out the window. Or tree leaves. Or my terriers beard. Dog beards are fascinating.

I don't know that he would know what to do with a tablet. He reaches for my phone but then he just tries to nom on it.

[nahoku]

Jun 6, 2013 10:11:52 GMT -5 bab said:

Jun 6, 2013 10:06:48 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Who says they have both of these things? In every case? I don't think so.

But my post is specifically about those who do

Yeah, I don't think a Nintendo DS is any cheaper in the long run.  I looked at those and couldn't imagine spending another $15-30 every time he wanted a new game.  He can play Angry Birds and watch netflix on nook and he's happy enough with that.

[spitforspat]

Jun 6, 2013 10:13:42 GMT -5 Que? said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:42:36 GMT -5 spitforspat said:

I just don't caaaaare.

Dude I've totally been face timing your dogs. You might want to get your electronics situation under control. You can't just let them have EVERYTHING.

I'm with eddy. (As usual). We have a computer and an iPad and that's good enough. I'm not sure what age is appropriate to appreciate a belonging that expensive, but it's not anytime soon for us. (Says the chick with the cracked iPad screen).

Hm, maybe I should be monitoring their screen time more closely.

H said dogs have the potential to learn 250 words/commands and count to 5. These fuckers only know like 10 words and can't EVEN count. Mom fail.

[vampsterdam]

Jun 6, 2013 9:31:41 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

I think people judge because it's so expensive. KHC has his own iPad, but it was a hand-me-down from BIL, who upgraded his. Those things are insanely expensive; and kids get all Daisy Buchanan about just about everything, so people get pearl-clutchy about spending money for something that has a high probability of getting smashed.

Yeah, I JUST got a smart phone in December. My friends hardcore judged me for not having one before. Like, "What if someone at a job sees your dinosaur phone? You know, that could hurt you in an interview, right?!" Uh, why would my phone be out for an interview? I guess in general, I'm "meh" about having the latest gadgets so if I had a kid, it wouldn't be top priority for having them get one.

Like someone else mentioned, the judging I see is more of if your kid doesn't have one. "Every kid in school has one and they will be left behind without it!!!" is what my 6 year-old niece's other aunt (no relation) said when she bought it.

One facebook friend bought one for her 4 year old (yes, it was brand new) and a month later, the girl destroyed it. Not going to lie, I would maybe cry if I just spent hundreds of dollars on a product and my kid destroyed it. (And yes, I know not all kids are like this).

[spitforspat]

@quesera

This is blatant ass-kissing. But, I love you and I hope if I have a kid I can be a mom just like you.

/end cheese

[pantsparty]

Jun 6, 2013 10:11:52 GMT -5 bab said:

Jun 6, 2013 10:06:48 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

Who says they have both of these things? In every case? I don't think so.

But my post is specifically about those who do

Well, carry on then. LOL.

[Deleted]

I'm very old fashioned about the electronics stuff. Ds has no "screen" type toys, and he doesn't play games on our phones or iPads or computers.

I'm not opposed to that stuff necessarily, I just know that it's inevitable, and when it does come up there will be zero learning curve for him. Kids just "get" computers. I'd prefer he be physically active for fun as often as possible as much as possible for as long as possible. Lol.

Also, I think it's dumb to say "never" or "at this age" when we live in an age where no one knows what technology will be like in 10 years, or what will be necessary to function in society by then.

[sonrisa]

Jun 6, 2013 9:48:32 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:44:12 GMT -5 eddy said:

LOl this is where I am at. But I don't have a kid in school yet. I acknowledge that I error on the side of old fashion when it comes to this stuff. Plus you know I am poor so I have that going for me as well.

Is this a requirement for school? Or just something nice people like to buy their kids?

 Please tell me it isn't a requirement for school. I am already stressed today about why we thought we could afford these two children lol.

Its not a requirement but "EVERYONE has a phone in 3rd grade and I'm a FOURTH grader. its EMBARRASSING!". Then Christmas comes, what do we get SD? Womp wommmmp and then we are suckers. That's how it happened in our house.

Yeah, that is why I stuck with "I'm hoping to avoid" and "I don't anticipate." Parenting is full of things I hoped to avoid and didn't anticipate ;-) We may cave. Who knows. But we won't be leading the charge and I'm not buying her any leap pads (since that is a toddler toy and I get to control her world right now).

[Gato]

My kids have no electronic devices, and won't for a while. We live in the land of wooden toys.

My H does somewhat side eye his friend whose kids are constantly on their iPads. They're pretty fun, well-behaved kids, though, so I don't really care.

[mrlittlejeans]

This reminded me of something funny my 6 year old said. My BIL showed him his Nook and my DS said, I've been working on getting an iPad. WTH? lol

[hopecounts]

Jun 6, 2013 10:03:34 GMT -5 So_Fetch said:

Jun 6, 2013 9:26:01 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

i think i would only side eye this if a parent was using the device (regardless of brand, lol) to replace actual parenting.

but it still wouldn't really be my business.

This. I'm not sure I understand why kids need tablets at all.  Especially younger kids.

DD is 2.5 my iPad is a life saver when waiting at the Pediatrician, store, keeping her up when we're racing home from a play date for nap and I don't want her falling asleep on the drive, the 5 hr drive to my parents house/the beach etc. 
now it's my iPad and she has limited access to it but when we do need it it's totally worth it.

[nomad100]

As a non-parent, I judge the parents who seem to give their kid every single electronic device. My cousin's kids (both under 10) have more electronics than we do (iPads, smart phones, flat screens and multiple video game platforms in their rooms, laptops, etc.) It is total overload. Unless it involves electronics they have almost no ability to communicate or interact. At family stuff, you can maybe get them to say hello and then it is back to whatever video game they are playing. It is sad and crazy all at the same time.

My stepkids have lots of electronic devices and we have definitely had to designate "no phone/game" time. DH and I don't want to have to only try to talk to the top of their heads.

[Deleted]

The boys are 14m and still just like HOLDING the phone. That's why I put it on the camera forward facing way,so they can see themselves. They get a kick out of it.

But like, DOING anything with it, no. They're just sort of kind of grasping the concept of scrolling but still hold with two hands. So it ends up to be a lot of zooming.

I'm completely fucking spoiled because so far when bored, just walking around will help or they play with each other. No tablets needed as of yet but I agree tablets make MUCH more sense than the DS nowadays. I'd like to wait until maybe 4 before thinking about buying anything like that (real or Leappad or otherwise).

[Redpoppy]

We went on vacation and were staying with friends and I left our apple cords at home figuring they had some.

Apparently they are an Non-Apple household. They won't buy Apple products but couldn't give a good reason. DH and I were both side-eyeing it. It wasn't a money thing, just Apple hate.

[CurlyQ284]

Jun 6, 2013 12:21:22 GMT -5 Redpoppy said:

We went on vacation and were staying with friends and I left our apple cords at home figuring they had some.

Apparently they are an Non-Apple household. They won't buy Apple products but couldn't give a good reason. DH and I were both side-eyeing it. It wasn't a money thing, just Apple hate.

I can explain. We are a droid household. That's all there is to it!

[Jalapeñomel]

Well, I will tell you this, I am super jealous of your children (and you people) who have IPads. I WANT AN IPAD.

[thatgirl2478]

Jun 6, 2013 9:08:12 GMT -5 @lcap said:

I've seen a lot of people side eyeing on these boards because I think they're assuming that if the kid has his own ipad, he or she's getting tons of screen time.

I could see this.  I try to limit DD's screen time, so she won't be getting her own ipad any time soon.

[CurlyQ284]

Jun 6, 2013 12:07:21 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

As a non-parent, I judge the parents who seem to give their kid every single electronic device. My cousin's kids (both under 10) have more electronics than we do (iPads, smart phones, flat screens and multiple video game platforms in their rooms, laptops, etc.) It is total overload. Unless it involves electronics they have almost no ability to communicate or interact. At family stuff, you can maybe get them to say hello and then it is back to whatever video game they are playing. It is sad and crazy all at the same time.

My stepkids have lots of electronic devices and we have definitely had to designate "no phone/game" time. DH and I don't want to have to only try to talk to the top of their heads.

I will admit that we are this way. I feel like kids grow up so much faster. They put down the Barbies when they were about 5. My american girl dolls were played with until they were about 7 then they were disinterested. I didn't even get my first doll until I was 9. My SDs are 10 and 11 and their Christmas and birthday lists look similar to mine at 15 and 16. I don't know if other people have experienced this, but its tough for birthdays when they want an MP3 player and you're like "but look at this neat stuffed animal I bought you!" It also doesn't help that DH is an IT guy and can't fathom any non-gadget gifts. Hey judge away, I only have maybe 15% of the responsibility in SDs upbringing lol.

[nomad100]

Jun 6, 2013 12:31:23 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

Jun 6, 2013 12:07:21 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

As a non-parent, I judge the parents who seem to give their kid every single electronic device. My cousin's kids (both under 10) have more electronics than we do (iPads, smart phones, flat screens and multiple video game platforms in their rooms, laptops, etc.) It is total overload. Unless it involves electronics they have almost no ability to communicate or interact. At family stuff, you can maybe get them to say hello and then it is back to whatever video game they are playing. It is sad and crazy all at the same time.

My stepkids have lots of electronic devices and we have definitely had to designate "no phone/game" time. DH and I don't want to have to only try to talk to the top of their heads.

I will admit that we are this way. I feel like kids grow up so much faster. They put down the Barbies when they were about 5. My american girl dolls were played with until they were about 7 then they were disinterested. I didn't even get my first doll until I was 9. My SDs are 10 and 11 and their Christmas and birthday lists look similar to mine at 15 and 16. I don't know if other people have experienced this, but its tough for birthdays when they want an MP3 player and you're like "but look at this neat stuffed animal I bought you!" It also doesn't help that DH is an IT guy and can't fathom any non-gadget gifts. Hey judge away, I only have maybe 15% of the responsibility in SDs upbringing lol.

We don't have any influence on what BM gets the kids and she is the one that gets them most of their electronics/video games/etc.  But we do limit when and how much they use them in our house.  You would have thought the world was going to end when we told them no phones at the dinner table and that we would be having electronic free family time.  Oh, the dramatics/theatrics that ensued.  Now, they just throw their phones/iPods/games in the device basket we have on the counter and sit down. 

I just find it sad when a younger person can't seem to carry on a simple conversation because they always have the electronics with them more than if they have the electronics to begin with.

[Deleted]

Jun 6, 2013 9:28:54 GMT -5 @stellasmom said:

Parenting is hard. It's takes A LOT for me to judge anymore. People need to expend that energy elsewhere.

Yup.