Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I don't know if I want my almost 3 year old to have it yet, and was wondering if anyone else was thinking the same way. Not because he wouldn't enjoy it, but for other reasons.

I had posted a while back regarding maybe getting it, and if it came with games and stuff, etc...he loves to play on my iphone, but I keep that to a minimum, maybe once a week, or even less.

I just don't know if I want him playing on something like this as part of a routine.

How do you feel about it?

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I won't.

I try to keep TV and electronic entertainment at a minimum.

Same reasons as you quote.

He'll be getting a train set.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

My girls are 4 1/2 & 2 & I still keep a lot of electronics to a minimum. We have an iPad & sometimes they can play some games, but not too often. I'm still pushing all pretend/imaginative play, for as long as I can. (train, dress up, vanity, kitchen, light bright, indoor hopscotch, etc)

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

DS just turned 2 on 11/9 and I'm not getting him one- basically for the same reasons you said.
We kept my old iPhone for him and he has a couple games on there. But we use it only in "emergencies" like long car trip or when we're out to eat and the food is taking forever and even then I play with him, talking to him, telling him what he's pushing or moving or whatever. I try not to just hand it to him and let him zone out with it.
For Xmas I got him a lot of Melissa and Doug stuff, some "crafty" stuff, etc.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

nope, not for my 2.5 year old. maybe for his birthday but likely not.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

My DS is 2.5 and we aren't getting one. Plenty of time for electronics in the future IMO. Doesn't use our phones or anything either.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I wont be she plays with my ipad just fine

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

Not I. Both of my boys have their own iPads.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

DS turned 3 in October. I am absolutely not getting him a LeapPad. I prefer that he not play with electronic/iPad/Nintendo DS type things yet. I'd rather hold off for as long as possible. Same way that I prefer to buy toys that don't use batteries and make noises/flashing lights. I'd just rather that he use his imagination for his play. I limit TV too although that's getting harder.

DH has a few apps on his iPhone for DS and when DS has the phone he's just completely glued to it and ignores everything else going on around him. I don't like it and am really limiting his iPhone time. This is probably the biggest reason why I have not even considered a LeapPad.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I did get one for DD who will be 3 at the end of the month, and regret it.

Its a PIA.

The apps are expensive, and not great.

The apps that come with it are all for 4-7 year olds, and there is really only 1 game that she can play.

She has fun with the art studio, but its kind of ridiculous to spend so much $ for her to color, she could have an etch a sketch.

She likes using the camera and video camera, which is cool, but I overall do not think its the best thing out there.

I also don't like her hooked up to electronics all the time, and am glad she likes using the camera...but I didn't want her to play with my phone. Now I only give it to her occasionally.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

We got my 2 year old a leap pad last year & then git his brother one for his 2nd birthday. Honestly, it was the best decision. My oldest had a speech delay & a lot of the apps truly helped him along & he was just discharged from speech after 1 year.

With that said, I can understand parents not wanting to expose their DC to electronics at an early age. We were never strict with it but do limit it. I think there are tons of learning apps on both leap pad & iPad which can teach your child so much. My oldest has been doing matching games & sequencing at 2.5. He is in school & they use the computer in their classroom for the same purpose we use it at home with them.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

Me. I dont like too many electronic toys, plus we have an IPad which she can use. I can think of a million other toys/books that I'd rather her have at 2 1/2 years old.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I am not getting it but only because DD got it for her 3rd birthday. I do not have a smart phone but I do not let DD play games on my nook. I have about 2 educational apps on my nook for doctor appts waiting only.

I don't mind the leappad bc we only have educational items on it. DD spends time writing her letters on it. She is even reading a few easy words with it. I don't have any of the games or shows we have mostly the books etc. She likes the spelling and word match stuff. She just turned 3.5.

She does not play it all the time. Maybe 20 mins 3-4 times a week at most. But it has been a fun way to learn to write letters, letter sounds and some reading. She does a lot of the 5+ stuff (her sisters).

I can definitely see why someone would not want games etc. So if you don't want it then I would hold off. I think it depends on your child. I know some kids have a hard time putting these things down. My DD loves to cut, make books, build blocks, dress up, building cities or castles with blocks for her dolls etc. So she uses hers in moderation. You need to do what you feel comfortable with. I like the leapad bc it is more educational. I wouldn't get something like an ipad or similar though. Don't let others push you into feeling you need something you don't want to get. A lot depends on the child. I would not have gotten my now 5.5 yr old a leappad at 3 bc it wouldn't have been as good for her then as it is for my 3.5 yr old.

Message edited 12/2/2012 8:34:25 AM.

Re: Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

No, not interested in giving him his own tablet at this age. He is getting a few trains and tracks this year.

He uses our IPad once in awhile, that is more then enough 'tablet time' IMO.

Anyone NOT getting their 2-3 year old a Leap Pad this year?

I am not getting my 2 year old one
My son will be 6 in 3 weeks...he doesn't have any hand held device yet.
I try and limit their screen time. At 5, he loves to write and illiustrate these wonderful "books" for us. I know if I handed him an electronic device this would stop...as well as biking, building, and reading.
I read an article...TV time has not gone down on average...even with the added electronic devices. They are just spending more time in front of screens then ever.