In reply to Mary Bicanic (Letters, 13 February), as a parent of a three-year-old who uses an iPad I qualify to comment on what it actually does offer a curious little mind.
While some will criticise our parenting techniques, we are trying to equip our children with the skills to make their way through a world run by computer technology.
Before assuming what our little sponges play on iPads, a little research could be made into the limitless educational apps available and the creative, academic and imaginative skills they offer children.
Our son’s ability to count, recognise numbers and solve problems improved within a week of purchasing some of these apps.
As for some of the other apps, he simply has fun making his own music, feeding Humpty Dumpty breakfast or using his imagination to build submarines or cities. When I see him smile after making one of his iPad creations, I see he has a feeling of accomplishment and pride, just like when he explores outdoors.
In regard to the statement, “Since when did this generation of parents become so lazy as to resort to a machine to babysit their children?”, Ms Bicanic should not assume we have any other kind of babysitter.
So forgive us if once a month we would like to go out for a meal and at least one unbroken adult conversation while our children take time out from us, too.
Christie Whitney
Geelong West
