So what should I get: Ipod, tablet or DSI for my 10 year old?

[moopdog]

I feel like I keep ask different variations of same question. But I really am torn. I want to spend as little as possible (duh), but this isn't 100% about price. My son has Tourettes and we have to really moniter how much he plays of video games or computer (makes him kind of antsy and makes his tics/mood worse at times). Right now he is allowed to play his wii one hour each on Fri, Sat & Sunday. He doesn't bug for more, and it does him just fine.

That being said, he constantly complains that all the kids he knows have handheld games, etc. "It isn't fair", etc etc. And I kind of agree with him. Also it would be really convenient to have on trips. He is a mature 10 year old and computers/laptops appeal to him as much as a DSI might.

Also, there are times when he has these "episodes" and the only thing that does calm him down is to sit with him and just watch funny animal videos on youtube for 15 or 20 minutes (weird, I know). So we do see that there may be a benefit at times.

In the end - long, long, long story short. What is the right system for him/us? A touch tablet would be right up his alley and make him feel like a more responsible kid. Also they're bigger and good deals on Black Fri, right? But I have heard nothing bad about the dsi at all so maybe that's the way to go???

I am thinking the Ipod may have to wait a couple more years as they're not as durable (right?!).

AHHHH I'm so stuck on this. Someone slap me!

 

[bridget]

Does he have an ipod touch? It plays music, videos, plus has tons of apps.

 

[KKB]

DSI is the most developentally appropriate..
the problem with a touch or a tablet--where do you go from there in a year or 2?
DS15 had a touch; DS12 had DS15's old touch that she bought from him; DS10 has DS12's iPod that he bought from her. (original one was Xmas gift)
They all got DS's 3 years ago. DS10 has "inherited" DS15s...
None of my childern have their own laptops or tablets. Allows me to still monitor their web action closely (they cannot access wifi at home on their Touch as they don't have the wifi password)
Of course we only have 2 TVs on our home....none in bedrooms...so clearly we are in the minority...

 

[DisneyScraps]

as long as "it isn't fair" then get him what he wants.

lol in my house that saying isn't allowed. My DD tried it once and I went nuts, is it FAIR that you have 2 working legs, it is FAIR that you have parents that love you. I ranted to the point it became funny.

Lisa

 

[KKB]

I posed the question to my family, and my 10YO immediately said "DSi".....

 

[moopdog]

DSI is the most developentally appropriate..
the problem with a touch or a tablet--where do you go from there in a year or 2?
DS15 had a touch; DS12 had DS15's old touch that she bought from him; DS10 has DS12's iPod that he bought from her. (original one was Xmas gift)
They all got DS's 3 years ago. DS10 has "inherited" DS15s...
None of my childern have their own laptops or tablets. Allows me to still monitor their web action closely (they cannot access wifi at home on their Touch as they don't have the wifi password)
Of course we only have 2 TVs on our home....none in bedrooms...so clearly we are in the minority...

You just described our house...two tv's, none in the bedroom. So...it sounds like your advice is up my alley. You're right, if we get the touch stuff now, where do we go as he gets older. So true. Thanks.

 

[TiggerMomNine]

My kids have iPod Touch's and DS/DSi's. They play them both - but I think the 10 year old plays the DS much more than the iPod Touch. The 14 year old plays the Touch more.

DS games are pretty expensive - $30-$40 each, so keep that in mind.

I would suggest purchasing a lanyard - this is mandatory in our home! I got the string connectors for a GPS unit and attached it to a longer lanyard with a breakaway - this is on all the camera's and handheld gaming units in the house.

 

[chabs]

I wouldn't get the DSI. The games are easy to lose and it doesn't play videos. Why don't you look at the refurbished or previous generation I-pod touches from Apple? You can probably get a great deal on one of the older ones-the only real difference is that the 4th generation has a video camera.

 

[Pigeon]

as long as "it isn't fair" then get him what he wants.

lol in my house that saying isn't allowed. My DD tried it once and I went nuts, is it FAIR that you have 2 working legs, it is FAIR that you have parents that love you. I ranted to the point it became funny.

Lisa

The standard response in our house is that a fair is a place you take pigs to win ribbons.

I'd go for a DSI. I don't think a 10 year old needs a tablet.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

I have an 8 year old that has severe ADHD, so I feel your pain. I ended up getting him the DSi ($150 on Amazon today as a preorder, with a game AND $25 game credit!). He really IS the only kid I know that does not have one (well, along with his little sis). I have problems with him being obsessed with playing his games, but he has gotten SO much better about it. I decided to go for it. I am going to write him a letter from Santa, and tell him that he has to listen and play it only after he asks, and never in bed at night

Hope we both make the right decision!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...inc-20&tag=slicinc-20&ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER