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I think the idea of limiting it at the dinner table is a good idea. We do let her play on the ipad but limit it.

We severely limit screen time... we noticed it really helps limit behavior problems!

That article was disappointing to me though... those experts quoted have been anti tech since well before touch screens. I don't mind that at all, but I've read all of Sherry's books and wasn't surprised by her comments.

Wish there had been more real science in it.

agreed @mrbee... i'd like to read a more comprehensive write up on that study that was conducted.

@T.H.O.U.: I did some research on e-readers versus traditional books for one of my grad classes last semester, and e-books can be great resource when used "properly." One study I read suggested that most parents spend more time instructing their children how to use e-book technology than actually reading, and certainly many e-books on the market today are more video game than they are actual reading material. On the other hand, e-books in the proper setting and with knowledgable instructors can actually help increase vocabulary, comprhension and other reading skills because they offer extras not possible with a paper book (built-in dictionaries, for example). Eta: And reading physical books is very important for infants/toddlers as it helps develop fine motor skills (separting pages, turning pages, etc...). So all this to say, yes, there's a big difference between reading e-books and reading traditional books.

Personally, we're cautious about the media we expose our kids but don't shy away from technology. DD knows how to open DH's Nook and watch Blues Clues on the Netflix app, but she also knows she has to ask us first (and that really only happens once a week to a few times a month). I also have some toddler apps on my phone for DD but again, DD has to ask us first and she rarely gets to play on my phone (once or twice a month max). We also don't use technology during meals or other activities; it's all a balance, for us, between allowing only the media we think is enriching, at the appropriate times.