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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel sad ds isn’t into big present

53 replies

Areaofout · 27/12/2023 07:22

I know - my issue and all but thought they’d enjoy it. He is enjoying presents though so that’s the main thing. But we’re still - over £100 😂😂

OP posts:
romdowa · 27/12/2023 08:28

I considered getting my ds who is 2 a yoto player but went with the cheaper leapfrog version which has preloaded music and songs on it and he's not too sure of it either but I think it will get him used to the idea of it so I can get him the yoto maybe next year. I reckon given your dc a bit more time to get used to the idea of it. Another few months and he could be into it

ImCamembertTheBigCheese · 27/12/2023 08:29

I suspect he'll like it more as he grows older.

curlymam · 27/12/2023 08:37

Areaofout · 27/12/2023 08:05

@CornishGem1975 that has crossed my mind as well.

It is also very quiet so hard to have on in the background.

How do you record yourself reading a story? I haven’t been massively impressed by the audio book readings.

Yes as PP have said check your settings. My 3 year old absolutely loves his and it can get very loud, I'm constantly having to turn it back down!

JustOneMoreBaileys · 27/12/2023 08:37

I see a few of these posts about parents disappinted their child isn't excited by their gift. I underdtand why you might feel that way, but really it is only 2 days post the big day during a time of year when there is so much else happening and children may be a bit tired by now etc.

I think it far too early to judge the success (or not) of any gifts. Especially something that is meant to be used on a long term, ongoing basis.

Give it time, OP Xmas Smile

Original poster
Areaofout · 27/12/2023 08:48

Thanks SO much for the sound tip. I think in a way it is almost too simple, I kept hitting it (😂) to try to get a story back to the start yesterday but no go. He’s actually had it for a few weeks (birthday) but seeing posts from friends children loving theirs made me a bit Sad

OP posts:
Luckyduc · 27/12/2023 08:56

Think the only thing 2 year old boys want at that age are train sets and cars.

3Tunes · 27/12/2023 09:03

Setting aside the unhelpful gender stereotyping from Lucky, my experience was that DC need to be a bit bored to get into listening to stories at that age.

Does he still nap or have quiet time in his room? That’s when mine got really in to their story CDs (this was years before the tonie box was invented). I’d give it some time and a chance for him to be a bit bored. It might also be worth you modelling listening to podcasts or audiobooks a bit (maybe in the car, you can say it’s tonie for adults)so he sees you doing it, as at that age they do like to copy.

Dishwashersaurous · 27/12/2023 09:03

Also, being all profound actually for future years perhaps this could be a reminder that just because something is popular and everyone else loves it, doesn't mean that your child will.

Learning that early is a very good, and financially sensible lesson.

Next year get him something which clearly aligns with what he does all day..eg duplo ,cars, dolls etc, whatever he actually likes

Original poster
Areaofout · 27/12/2023 09:04

He doesn’t nap or have quiet time (ha.) I probably need to take it in the car, just worried about him dropping / throwing the Tonies on the floor then having a tantrum.

OP posts:
JustWhatWeDontNeed · 27/12/2023 09:04

I don't think you can particularly expect a 3 year old to get over enthusiastic about an audio book tbh. Sure they'll probably use it, but I don't think it was ever going to be a huge source of excitement.

Original poster
Areaofout · 27/12/2023 09:08

No but it hasn’t really been used or shown any interest or enthusiasm. He isn’t massively into books though.

OP posts:
CornishGem1975 · 27/12/2023 09:09

My DS loves a story by the way but doesn't want to listen to a story he wants to be read a story which is another reason this is not something for him.

ReindeerShelter · 27/12/2023 09:09

DD1 is 3; she’s actively loved her toniebox since she was 2 (we got it for her 1st birthday).

She takes it from room to room with her listening to stories as she plays, and she loves to choose one to listen to at bedtime and throughout the night if she wakes up.

Original poster
Areaofout · 27/12/2023 09:10

This was what I envisioned @ReindeerShelter

As with so many things, the reality doesn’t match the expectations!

OP posts:
daffodilandtulip · 27/12/2023 09:13

I bet your bedtimes and routines (and excitement levels!) are out of the window this week. Once you're back to dinner, bath, bed type days, I bet he'll like popping it on to chill out.

Goldbar · 27/12/2023 09:14

My 6yo had a much-loved toniebox. Mostly grown out of it, but it still gets used now and then. We used it at bedtime for them to fall asleep to for about 2 years - it was great. Also for long car journeys. We're going to bring it out soon for younger DC (1yo).

In the kindest possible way though, it's not an exciting gift. You're not going to get them jumping up and down in excitement over it. Ours came into its own but warming to it was a slow-burn process.

Gymmum82 · 27/12/2023 09:19

I think they only really work for kids who don’t have access to ipads/tablets/tv. Mine have never been interested as they have a tablet so would always rather use that.
Family members children love theirs though but then said family member allows absolutely no screen time ever.

Tryingtokeepcalmandcarryon · 27/12/2023 09:21

I find it can take the children a while to use some of their new toys. Some are instant, obvious hits, marble runs, fairy catcher, squishimallow etc but some just take time to learn how to use, capture their attention for a bit and are often used at quieter times when they are pottering about. Definitely give it some time. We had a similar experience with a couple of expensive Lego sets and they sat half done abandoned in the corner for a while. The Toniebox will prob be invaluable too on car journeys. I’d definitely explore some music options on it (we got mine Yoto mini’s as eldest is a bit older and she can listen to the daily podcast and radio)
(and as per previous poster mentioned we don’t have any tablets, if we did this probably wouldn’t get used as much!)

Fridaysgirl17 · 27/12/2023 09:23

CornishGem1975 · 27/12/2023 08:01

I considered one of those as seen so many people say how great they are but I knew deep down it would be a waste as it didn't have wheels and he couldn't whizz it across the floor so I didn't bother. I think people must have very different children to mine!

Mine are the same, I looked into it as I thought maybe my 6 year old would like it but my 3 year old,no way,he'd never leave it alone especially if he hears it talking he'd have to investigate 🤣

Winniespooh · 27/12/2023 09:23

My 3yo's favourite toy this year is a £3 torch I picked up in Tesco as a stocking filler. He's completely ignored all the other things.

He'll play with it all eventually. Hopefully.

mrsnjw · 27/12/2023 09:25

To be able to follow a story without picture cues is an end of reception year goal. I wouldn't expect a two year old to be able to use one of these yet. I've just watched the advert (mum of teens) and it's much older children that are using them. Play music with it? Read real books at bedtime at that age and spend lots of time looking at and talking about the pictures. I'm sure they will use it more when they are older.

mrsnjw · 27/12/2023 09:26

Sorry three year old.

Original poster
Areaofout · 27/12/2023 09:28

Lots of people say their three year old loves it!

He doesn’t ordinarily have access to a tablet, although sometimes if he wakes early and I can’t face getting out of bed I might let him watch some on my iPad. He does watch TV though.

OP posts:
Redcar78 · 27/12/2023 09:28

He'll grow into it, by this time next year it'll probably be a favourite, mine always do this 💐

MorningSunshineSparkles · 27/12/2023 09:40

Good lesson in why it’s better to pick expensive things for young children up second hand tbh.

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