Buying a tablet to share between 2 children?

[farrowandballs]

We have 2 children - DS 6 & DD 3. Neither have asked for a tablet for Christmas. I am strict with DS's computer/phone/screen time (25 mins max a day, not every day) and DD has never played on a screen so far. My DN damaged his eye muscles and consequently his vision from too much gaming too young so I am a bit weird about screen playing. And yet...

I am thinking about getting the kids a tablet between them from FC (with strict limitations on access in a note from FC included).

We only have one laptop between the whole family, and I'm an academic so i worry about it getting damaged and losing (access to) my work. But it's a lot of money (the one I've found that seems most suitable is £65) and the thought of actively encouraging my 3yo DD to start playing on screens by buying her half a tablet seems bizarre and uncomfortable to me. But I don't want to buy DS one just for himself as I feel it is too much for one child for one present. Aghhh. I really don't know what to do.

Any experience or advice you have to share would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks.

I'm not keen on joint presents but neither do i think £65 is too much for a present that should last a few years. Lego sets can be more!

Bit like having a new handbag but being told its only yours for half the year

i dont think theres anything wrong with a joint present.. if its something they can both use.. you wouldnt buy two trampolines would you?

also what one person can spend is very different to anothers.

imo..it sounds like you dont want to buy one.. which you you shouldnt feel pushed into. theres plenty of time for them to want one when they are older.

or you could buy one for the family.. so its every ones. then there is no fighting between the two of them.

Nowt wrong with joint presents IME, my DCs usually get a few things to share (6yo girl and 4yo boy), even the main present - playmobil castle last year - has been shared with no problems.

I can see your dilemma re not wanting to encourage screen use but also wanting to protect your own gadget. I wouldn't buy children a tablet at this age but we have a hand me down iPad that we all use.

How about you buy a family tablet rather than just for them? Put a range of apps on there, and they still have limited time.

Thank you all for your replies. A family tablet is a great idea actually. Hmmm...

I think at the ages you have it is a recipe for disaster. Sorry bit I don't think the three year old will get it in particular n

I'm generally not very keen on joint presents, probably because I have 3 siblings! Last Christmas we brought an iPad for DS (then 8) and DD1 (then 5) to share. We are more liberal with their access than you are considering (I'm commenting, not criticising) and we do ensure that DD gets a turn when she wants a go as DS tends to hog it.

DD2 (then 2) was not meant to be involved in the gift, but probably plays with it more than DD1.

We chose to go iPad as my husband and I have them (I bought DH a mini for Christmas last year), but the children contributed towards the cost fom their birthday money.

This year DH is upgrading my iPad and my current one will go to DS and the girls will share the other.

If you aren't happy, don't feel pressured into it, but they will probably enjoy it.

In the 90's I shared a Gameboy with my brother and sister!

My parents didn't have much money, so we just shared it.

I got mine one each last year. DS1 (then 7) got a kindle fire for about £99
And DS2 (then 3) got an Innotab 2.
But DS2 nicks his Dad's kindle fire at any opportunity. So I'd make sure the one you get isn't too babyish.