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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Am I or is dh, re kids presents

161 replies

rogersmellyonthetelly · 05/12/2011 17:45

I have 2 kids 5 and 7. I am constantly pestered to allow them to play on my iPhone. Understandably I'm getting a bit pissed off with this as I have to fight to get my phone, and should they break it its not only bloody expensive to fix but also I'm without a phone.
I'm strongly considering buying them an IPod touch each for Christmas, as they do the same job in terms of games but don't cost the earth. Dh says they are too young and it's tough shit. Thing is he isn't the one who is wittered at constantly for the phone and has to listen to arguments about whose bloody turn it is. AIBU to be considering buying them one each from me as their present and leaving dh out of it?

OP posts:

themightyfandango · 06/12/2011 11:49

I have a ten, seven and four year old. The ten yr old had an ipod touch last xmas and he loves it. I have bought the seven (almost eight) yr old one this year as he is forever pestering his brother for a go. I wouldn't buy my youngest one as they do need a fair bit of policing to ensure they are not lost, damaged or misused.

They are fairly expensive if you buy the 32g versions. I never bothered with the 8g ones as I think they fill up too fast once you have a few games and albums on them.

daveywarbeck · 06/12/2011 12:40

A decent bike is also expensive, so I don't see expense as the main objection. If you are in the ballpark to spend £150 on a child's present, that's what you are going to spend, even if it is on a mountain of lego and playmobil.

I just find the idea of little kids tap tapping on technology a bit, sad really.

4madboys · 06/12/2011 12:51

a decent bike doesnt have to be expensive we got ds1 a second hand one for £60, its a really good bike, that we woulndt be able to afford new, which he knows and understands, we will prob put a new seat on it and touch up the paintwork maybe, but you dont have to spend loads to get a good bike.

i wouldnt spend £150 on each child at xmas, there is simply no need.

but yes it is more about the fact that children that age dont need an ipadtouch and would be perfectly happy playing with lego etc.

BarmyBiscuit · 06/12/2011 12:56

There are loads of educational games. It makes learning fun. It's not just mind numbing games. Also, you can hide the Internet, YouTube etc. They wouldn't even know it was there in the first place.
If you don't like the idea of it fine, just don't look down your nose at those who do.

crunchbag · 06/12/2011 13:12

You do realise that even when you buy them an ipod touch each, they will still pester you to let them use your phone. Practise saying NO

valiumredhead · 06/12/2011 13:16

I agree with oldmerry on the first page, and crunchbag

altinkum · 06/12/2011 13:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pandemoniaa · 06/12/2011 13:18

If the only reason that you plan to get these presents is to stop your children playing with your iPhone then YABU. I'm inclined to think that they are rather young for iPods but if you have the money, are comfortable with spending that much on presents for children of this age and are prepared to cope with the potential breakage then go ahead.

Ultimately, it is your money being spent on your children although I think your DH has as much right to oppose your plan as you have to insist upon it and this conflict doesn't sound like the makings of a particularly merry family Christmas.

But buy them because you think they are ready for an iPod. Not because you won't put your iPhone off limits to them.

Hulababy · 06/12/2011 13:24

These threads always surprise me at how clumsy or destructive some children are, and how some children easily lose and damage things.

FWIW DD is 9y but has had a whole range of potentially fragile items for many years, from 4y at least. e has never broken anything deliberately, and tbh nor accidently. She understands that things need to be looked after and kept safe, be it a camera, a DS or iTouch or even if children's toys such as Playmobil or whatever.

It does make me wonder why so many children appear to be able to damage or lose things so easily.

4madboys · 06/12/2011 13:25

we dont have to repaint it or buy a seat, we just thought he might to 'customise' it for ds1. its in perfectly good condition, bought of a friend and recently serviced and had new brakes etc. we bought ds2 a second hand bike in the summer, looked brand new, outgrown by the previous child, we paid £40 for a bike that was £300 new, you would be mad to spend that amount of money on a kids bike, unless perhaps you are going to hand it down to other siblings or then sell it on. kids grow out of bikes and i wouldnt buy any shite bike from halfords or the like, you need a decent one, they are pricey but can be bought easily second hand.

Hulababy · 06/12/2011 13:26

Eric - you can very very easily make it so that the internet is not accessible. Simply don't type in the password for the wifi. One of the most easiest things to restrict if you so wish.

crashdoll · 06/12/2011 13:30

Are you thinking of getting them ipods purely because they bother you so much with your phone or because you genuinely believe this is what they want? If it's the latter, personally I think they're a bit young and ipod touches are quite delicate. To me, it sounds like you're only planning on getting them both ipods because they drive you nuts about your phone but I'm prepared to be corrected.

Harecare · 06/12/2011 13:34

YABU.

Alligatorpie · 06/12/2011 13:37

I think it is a great idea, my dh wanted to get our almost six year old an iPad as she is always playing with mine, but I said no as they are too expensive and I don't mind sharing mine. Maybe an iPod touch is a good compromise.

altinkum · 06/12/2011 13:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sirzy · 06/12/2011 14:01

I think the Lego is used as an example of a "proper" toy in the same way board games would be not as a "all children must play with"

For me I do find it sad how some parents use the electronic devices to replace the traditional toys from such a young age. I am all for the odd bit but really why would any 5 year old want their own iPod? Playing with mummies for ten minutes is one thing but beyond that surely most would rather have a toy?

hiccymapops · 06/12/2011 14:03

We've bought one for my ds who's 5. Out of me and dh, it was me that was dubious about it because of his age. He loves playing on my iPhone and iPad, (but I don't have to fight him for them back) I've loaded some games and fun phonics stuff on my iPad for him, and he loves them.
That's what decided it for us, just how much he'll love it.
The main thing I've struggled with is toning down the rest of the presents, as I still want him to have proper children games to open.
Its up to you what you buy your children, but I think you and your dh have to come to an agreement, and get them for the right reasons, not just because you can't get your phone off them

altinkum · 06/12/2011 14:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsjay · 06/12/2011 14:28

confused as to why little children need an I anything ? op dont let them play on your phone and maybe get them a console to play with

fairimum · 06/12/2011 14:35

my Oh was offered a 2nd hand ipod touch for £40 by a friend at work - was a bargin and we will be giving it to my 4 year old for christmas fot he exact reason you say - although it will live in the car as we do lots of long car trips and also a good way to occupy her in caravan when raining - we camp most weekends from easter - our dogs compete at flyball - so will not be an all the time thing - do what works for you - we have put some films (ripped from dvd), music she likes as well as the games we already have in itunes on it and she will be thrilled (also got headphones!) - BUT we also ahve one of these on it - www.amazon.co.uk/OtterBox-Defender-Case-iPod-Touch/dp/B001P695P4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top - makes it pretty indestructable - DH has one on his phone and it can be dropped etc without hurting it as is one of the toughest cases!

do what you think is right and don't worry about other people - would 2nd hand ones be an option?

thrifty · 06/12/2011 16:27

I can see where the op is coming from. I got a shiny new smartphone a couple of months ago. Within 20 mins of having it ds and dp were squabbling over angry birds. The first thing either of them do when they get in is play on my phone. I don't really mind. We have bought ds an archos70 tablet for Christmas, bigger than an i touch, Android instead of apple and only 99 quid. Bargain. He wants a 3ds, I said no. Games are free or cheap on android, I have loaded some dvds onto the memory card, some games, and some music. It does so much more than the 3ds, and he's gonna love it. Will prob get one for dp too, then I can use my phone in peace :)

ahhyesiseeyouvepooedonyourfoot · 06/12/2011 16:31

How about one of these

Hulababy · 06/12/2011 16:59

Why do some people feel that games consoles are better than an iTouch?

Costs are pretty similar for the actual device.
Games console can only be used for games.
Games for consoles cnan be pretty dear.
Apps for an iTouch are often free or very cheap.
iTouch has other uses - such as a music player.

Hulababy · 06/12/2011 17:00

Sirzy - ime children who have access to electronic devices do also have access to more traditional toys also. The two are not exclusive of one another in any way.

Moominsarescary · 06/12/2011 17:02

If you think they will look after them I don't see a problem but only if dh will agree

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