[allenall]

I am considering getting my DD an iPod touch for her 8th birthday, mainly because she loves playing games on iPhone occasionally and also loves listening to music - but I am wondering if I should hold off until she desparately wants one (I don't even know if she knows they exist). I think she would really enjoy it and we would definitely put time limits on it, but am I pushing her into that electronic zombie phase and will I always regret not waiting?

[fairyflossfart]

DD has an Ipad, so an Itouch isn't that different. Just smaller.
At that age, you can limit their use of it. DD can only use hers after her homework is done and her uniforms are in the wash. She is also not allowed to use it before school or between certain hours on a weekend.

[babytiger]

I think 8 is fine to have one my Dd plays with mine all the time.

[Becs]

We started with ipod nano's with the touch screen at age 7 . They have done well with those as they have with their DS's and laptop(8th bday gift). We limit time when needed but honestly both girls don't spend too much time on any of that sort of stuff except maybe for over holidays etc...

We've only had one minor breakage(dropped on tiles) but compared to DH putting his ipod through the washing machine the kids have looked after their items!

One daughter I do occasionaly confiscate items as she mucks around with them at bedtime.

[SlinkyMalinki]

I got one for my 3 year old, so I think that should answer your question.

[Chocolate Addict]

My son will be getting one for Christmas, he will be 7 1/2yo. I did think of getting one for his birthday but I already had too many things! lol

In some ways 8yo is quite old to be getting their first gadget, going by what I read on here and what my sons friends have.

We only got our first games console last Christmas! lol

[*lightning]

I think 8 is fine. My DD and DS1 have iPads and my DD has an iPhone, they have a good balance of playing and using their iPads. We don't have time limits because they aren't couch potatoes but if they did start using them to much, we would put limits on them.

DD loves her iPhone (it was my old phone) and she enjoys listening to music. We are getting her and pretty pink docking station for christmas. Our kids aren't allowed to keep their iPad in their bedroom, iPads live with the computer.

[spersephone]

My 3 and 4 year old have access to one each, but I limit how often they can have it as they get very obsessive.

It's because one of them was mine and they kept wanting to play on it, so when I upgraded to an iPhone, there was one spare. Then there were fights, so I got another one and now they can play separately.

But I know it's very naughty, so I do try to stop them playing it too often. Sometimes they can go two weeks without having them.

[Princess.cranky....]

We gave DD1 one for her 7th birthday last week. DD loves it! She loves listing to music and I have put a lot of our CDs on it for her. And found lots of fun free apps too.

DD is a little obsessed with it right now but it's new and we have nothing like it in our house. I just limit her time on it. We also have strict rules on how to look after it. We got a case for it that has a flip cover so it's completely covered and protected.

[ubermum]

My 4 and 5yo got them for Christmas. They normally play with them about once or twice per week because we are a family busy with other committments (sport, dance and community involvement). I think they are great, and the kids do learn things from them and have used them on long car rides.