Is it your iPad or the family iPad? (Sponsored Video)

Can I play of the iPad after breakfast/lunch/tea please, mummy? – JD, 4

When I bought our iPad, I reasoned that I needed it for work. At the time I was commuting between Lincoln and London at least twice a week, occasionally staying in hotels and regularly spending hours tubing it across London to meetings. Owning an iPad seemed like a shrewd business move. And hey, we might also be able to find the odd educational app for the kids.

As it turns out, while I do use it for work, it’s mostly used as a family tool; the social, educational and gaming applications far outweighing those needed for business. Has it been the same for you?

It’s the large touch screen, of course, that makes it such an appealing toy for all ages. At four years old, JD enjoys the educational apps the most; tracing letters with his fingers, sorting shapes or practicing his maths with visual cues. Even Miss J, now 10.5 months old, is able to interact with the more elementary apps.

Launching this month, Mattel Apptivity is interesting because it allows little gamers to use real-world toys to interact with iPad games. You buy from a choice of packs, including favourites like Hot Wheels, Batman, and Fruit Ninja, download a free app and then play by putting the toys on the surface of an iPad.

Sound like fun? Here’s how it works:

What are your favourite family apps?

Disclosure: This video has been sponsored by Mattel but all thoughts are my own.

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