Are Your Kids Ready for the Latest Tech Gear?

iPods and MP3 Players

Why they want it: It seems like everyone is walking around with earbuds and their own private soundtrack these days. Kids can choose the music they listen to and zone out on long bus rides to and from school. Plus, music can be great for drowning out a little sibling's noises without subjecting the whole household to their musical choices while homework is getting done.

How to know if they are ready: iPods and MP3 players are pretty small and easy to misplace, so your child should be mature enough to keep track of their things on a day-to-day basis. It can be a costly mistake if they forget the MP3 player on the bus or leave it out in the rain. Also, consider whether your child really needs an iPod for themselves or one unit for the family will suffice. Also, consider your child's hearing. It's tempting for kids to crank up the volume while listening to music. However, studies have shown that doing that causes permanent hearing damage. Your children need to be mature enough to keep the volume down as a safety precaution.

e-Readers

Why they want it: e-Readers like the Sony Reader and the Kindle are small and portable and can carry many books without adding any weight to their backpack. That's why some schools and lawmakers are looking to e-Readers as the new textbooks and libraries. Schools like Cushing Academy in Massachusetts are taking even bolder steps, replacing the traditional library with e-Readers. Since it's the latest technology, kids think it's cool--which might entice them to read more.

How to know if they are ready: Buying your child something that encourage them to read? It's definitely a gadget that does good for their minds. But, they have to be responsible enough to handle the unit with care (as in, no dropping or leaving behind). But also consider that since most adults don't yet have one of these, does your child really need to be an early adopter?