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.

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

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

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