Got my 4yo an iPad for educational apps during long car rides and rainy days. Now she asks for it constantly. Feels like every time I say no there's a meltdown. Wife says I'm creating the problem by allowing it in the first place. Maybe she's right. Any tips for resetting expectations without full meltdown mode?
Yeah this one's not overthinking. She's 4. There's other ways to survive long car rides. Audiobooks, games, coloring books. The iPad should be the last resort not the default.
My 4 year old is the same way. We did a trial period and said we were taking it back after a month. It was painful but at least he knew the deadline. Now it's special occasion only.
You're not overthinking. The asking constantly means she's already hooked. I'd say pull it back to once a week on car rides only. Teach her other stuff for road trips first.
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This is the classic trap. Educational apps are legit but kids don't distinguish between that and games. Before you know it she wants it for everything. Set the boundary now while it's still easy.