real toys vs electronic toys

dd's 3rd bday is coming up and we were thinking of getting the leap pad however sometimes i feel old fashioned and think that learning and playing maybe should not come in the form of electronic toys.

i am totally on the fence. i think these pads and hand held devices are great and children can learn from them but is it too much too soon for young kids and toddlers?
i do think there should be a time limit on playing with these devices.

what is your opinion?

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I don't mind them. My DS is OBSESSED with Thomas & Cars 2 cars...his imagination is SOARING when he is playing with them, so if he uses electronic toys here & there, I don't mind.

Personally, I want to get the Leappad for DS for his birthday but it will be used when we are outside the house (ie car, shopping, etc)

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I think both types of toys are extremely important. My kids received puzzles, books, legos, matchbox cars, geotrax, a big wheel, little people, dress up clothing, loving family doll house and electronic stuff.

I want them to have a healthy imagination but also be able to properly interact with electronic items at the same time. I think it is my job as a parent to monitor what they play with and how long they play with it. Yes, they watch tv, but it is age appropriate things. I think in moderation almost everything is good. Are there toys I don't want in my house, yes.

Message edited 12/28/2011 1:21:09 PM.

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I think a mix of everything is fine...........I don't think anything in moderation is a problem. My DD is 3 and she has the Leap Pad, Click Start, Wii games, and other electronic things but she doesn't play with them any more than she does an other toys. In fact, she generally gravitates to coloring, reading, blocks, and playing in her kitchen before anything else.

Electronic toys are just another means to entertain and teach. My DD has learned a lot using her electronic toys but I do also like that she is able to use her imagination as well and play in her kitchen, build towers, and play with her dolls.

I really have NO issues letting her play with a variety of toys and in this day and age where so much of our daily life revolves around electronic devices I actually see no harm in letting her learn how to use a laptop or play a game on my phone. Being tech savvy is a skill she will need for sure once she's in school so I think it's not a bad idea for her to get a head start.

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

my kids have their own iTouches and a shared iPad (2 & 4) they also have their own laptop, plus a variety of other kid friendly electronics.

they also have a basement full of pretend play toys that they love. its all in moderation and in my personal experience, it hasn't hindered or stopped them from playing with a simple toy car, barbie or wanting to go outside and play.

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I say let her play with non-electronic toys as long as she is happy with them. DS got bit by the computer bug around 3.5, and he prefers electronics to toys now, hands down and it's hard to get him to do anything else. We do set time limits, but they are definitely his toy of preference.

A few Moms on here said they were worried their children would fall behind their peers if they didn't introduce this stuff early, well, DS picked it up rapidly. So I wouldn't worry about that at all.

Basically, I wouldn't introduce them if she's pretty happy with what she has.

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I'm a fan of more imaginative play than electronic play, and our collection of toys reflect that.

Re: real toys vs electronic toys

I was really worried when DS was younger (~18m - 2years) because he loved tv and electronics so much.

Now that he is almost 3, I'm pleased that he is much more interested in books, blocks, cars, etc. His electronic toys just sit there.

I think a good mix is always positive. Moderation is everything.