“Tweens” and Technology

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This year, my 10-year-old step-daughter had six items on her Christmas wish list.  Of the six, five were technologically advanced items.

Earlier this year, she said she wanted a new phone because hers was not a “new” one.  First of all, I don’t agree that children should have cell phones, but I gave in to the idea because it makes it easier for her to communicate with my husband.  Anyhow, she ended up getting a new phone and later asked for the iPhone5.  What?  The iPhone5!?!  For those of you who know me, I am still stuck with the Samsung Galaxy 1 and you’re lucky if you can catch me on it because it’s always out of battery.  So, you can imagine my reaction when she asked for the iPhone and said all her friends have it.  What?  When did this happen?When I was 10, there were no cell phones.  We didn’t even have pagers then.  I understand the need to communicate with parents and it gives a sense of security these days but what’s wrong with a good old flip phone?

Alright, getting back to her list…she asked for the new IPAD MINI.  I bought my husband an iPad last Christmas and one for my mom last year for her birthday and I think they are great!  But, should 10-year-old kids have an IPAD MINI???  I’m all for advancement and learning but aren’t there other technologically advanced items other than the iPad that are good for teaching pre-teens?  My husband is okay with getting her one item from her list…an IPad Mini ($329), a mini laptop ($300), Beats headphones ($199), Xbox360 ($250) and I’m okay with splurging on one item, but how do you decide which item is best appropriate for a 10-year-old?

What happened to playing with good old TOYS?  or even board games?  Last year, she asked for a bicycle and we got it for her but I can count the number of times she’s ridden it on two hands.      Obviously, technology is what she wants, but how much is too much?  When do you say, “NO”?  If we buy her an iPad Mini this year, what will she ask for next year?

How many technologically advanced items should our children have and when is it too much?  What are other items your “tweens” are asking for this holiday season?

1 COMMENT

  1. I feel ya! We cover a similar subject over here on our site and we try to come up with educational ways that technology could be used. I know it’s quite a few days after Christmas, but goodluck with choosing the right one for your little one 🙂 and Happy New Year!

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