Sunday, October 17, 2010

The ultimate toy - the iPhone


New York Times

THE bedroom door opened and a light went on, signaling an end to nap time. The toddler, tousle-haired and sleepy-eyed, clambered to a wobbly stand in his crib. He smiled, reached out to his father, and uttered what is fast becoming the cry of his generation: “iPhone!”THE bedroom door opened and a light went on, signaling an end to nap time. The toddler, tousle-haired and sleepy-eyed, clambered to a wobbly stand in his crib. He smiled, reached out to his father, and uttered what is fast becoming the cry of his generation: “iPhone!”

The iPhone has revolutionized telecommunications. It has also become the most effective tool in human history to mollify a fussy toddler, much to the delight of parents reveling in their newfound freedom to have a conversation in a restaurant or roam the supermarket aisles in peace. But just as adults have a hard time putting down their iPhones, so the device is now the Toy of Choice — akin to a treasured stuffed animal — for many 1-, 2- and 3-year-olds. It’s a phenomenon that is attracting the attention and concern of some childhood development specialists.[...]


3 comments:

  1. When my kids clamor for my phone in line at the grocery store or at the doctor's office, I'm happy to hand it over. I just make sure it's loaded up with educational apps - including apps that help them learn the Hebrew alphabet.

    When used in moderation and not as a babysitter iPhones/iPads can be another educational tool. If you're ever looking for apps specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, make sure to visit LunchboxReviews.Com.

    ReplyDelete
  2. it leads to loneliness if you use it around your family too much

    ReplyDelete
  3. I could not disagree more with the previous poster. I find it has an immediate negative effect on my childrens' behavior.

    ReplyDelete

ANONYMOUS COMMENTS WILL NOT BE POSTED!
please use either your real name or a pseudonym.