If ten year old is given a table, what do we give their sibling?

[Humblechicken]

Ten yr old DD could do with her own tablet or laptop now, she's using tech almost daily for homework and I'd prefer to put some child friendly controls on as she is getting to the age where she might start to hide what she is looking at. We currently have a shared tablet and a family computer- the shared tablet is fine for her five year old sibling as he is likely only using it when no one else needs to (except the 10 year old). The family computer can only be accessed after DP is done working for the day so not really an option for homework.

My dilemma is that DS who is five will want his own tablet if DD has one and so I need to find a gift or two that matches or comes close to the wow factor of a tablet. I'm not getting DS his own, we struggle to manage his tech time and I'm not adding more in the mix with him as it will cause drama. Any ideas please (except bike/scooter as he already has those)?

I agree with this.

I think giving DD her own tablet/laptop sends the wrong message about how much control she's going to have. It's not really hers is you're going to keep control of what she looks at and how often she uses it etc.

Get a second family laptop/tablet for homework and get them both a Christmas present that's for them and fun.

My youngest was five when my twins ten and they got laptops for school. He didn't bat an eyelid.

Thank you for all your help. I think pp are right and we need a family laptop as the family computer is out of bounds at prime homework time. So now I need two main presents for a ten year old and a five year old... Might start another thread on that

Unfortunately big things like chair or trampoline are impossible with our current living arrangements.

I'm sorry but I'm laughing that you took the chair suggestion seriously 😅

DD gets a new tablet which lets him have more time on the old one.

Do not start thinking they need the same thing, DD had to wait until she was 10.

That happens when she goes to high school? Wants driving lessons? Wants to go on a sleep over?

Gah I thought chair was odd but tbh they'd probably both love gaming chairs or bean bag chairs.

I absolutely do not want to give them the same present but I wanted to get the five year something he would be equally excited for so as not to feel too disappointed on Christmas day.

Living arrangements as in space, not budget.

What about kne them tonie things that reads Audio books?

I would have thought, with a 5 yeae age gap he's going to have to get used to his older sister reaching growing up milestones 5 years ahead of him. I get where you're coming from but I think this approach will get complicated as they grow up.

Age appropriate toys

a 5 year old doesn’t need ANY form of technology

Definitely

Oh op you sweetheart ... the chair is the response to your title ....

I was going to suggest a tablecloth

I even noticed I'd written table after posting and still didn't make the connection. Makes sense now thank you.

It's strange to notice how the opinion varies on tech- some are saying get a tablet for the five year old too and others are saying don't even get a personal tablet for the ten year old. I'm sure she'll be able to pick up what she needs using a phone at secondary and more computers at school and at home for school work. I don't see the need to increase that prematurely.

If he always wants the same as his sister I think you should set the precedent that he will get these "big" things when he's the age she was when she got them. There's still an emphasis on fairness, it's reasonable and gives him something to look forward to.

And then just get him whatever toys he would like.

Just to add - I think it's good to teach kids that there are perks that come with getting older, because without that they often default to just resenting that getting older comes with extra responsibilities.