Hi,
Ds is 19mo and I'm wondering how to 'police' his use of the ipod. We made a conscious decision to buy him an ipod because we do a lot of air travel and some of it long haul. We're not really into that kind of thing for kids (he rarely watches dvds or cartoons and we don't even have a tv in the house) but thought it would be useful to allow us a bit of rest on long journeys as he's an active boy who rarely sits still.
We've had it a few months, but now he's really starting to learn how to use it properly and he's realised how much interesting stuff there is on it and he throws a MAJOR tantrum if we take it away before he's ready. So far he's only had it for about 10mins a day roughly 3 days a week but this last week he had a couple of longer sessions because I was tired and had no childcare. Left to his own devices he would easily play with it for 30-45 mins. That's too much in my opinion and I'd prefer if it was less than 15 mins roughly 3 days a week.
He throws mini tantrums regularly every day (I guess he's getting closer to the terrible twos!) but they're usually so minor in comparison, just a matter of seconds or a couple of minutes before he calms down. But the ipod tantrums are crazy, he works himself up into a frenzy and then he just can't seem to calm down because he's way too emotional.
Our plan was just to stick to the 10min rule, but now I'm wondering if it's just unrealistic to expect him to handle it, perhaps the ipod is just way too stimulating and enticing for a child so young. We have discussed various options: putting it away until he's older (until he has shown self control in other areas and has a little more experience with limits and boundaries) and only bringing it out for travel as was the intention; only letting him have it one day a week for as long as he likes and also for travel (we think this is probably the worst option!); or sticking to the 10min 3x a week and go through the tantrums. But we just can't decide what the best course of action is. We are first time parents so we've no experience to draw on!
Has anyone else had experience of policing use of technology with toddlers? Any advice?
Do you think he could learn the 10min thing at 19mo? Or would it be better to put it away until he's older and has more self control - if so, roughly what age would this be?
Thanks! Lia
