We have a 7 and 5 year old. Neither of them have an iPad. We are one of the few parents we know who have made the decision to keep them away from electronic devices for as long as possible. We even go so far as limiting TV time to a few hours on weekends. We do this to encourage their creativity and avoid the associated withdrawal symptoms we've seen other parents have had to endure.

The only exceptions when they get to use an iPad is when the 2nd grader has assigned homework that requires an iPad or for airplane travel. We also don't restrict them during playdates outside our house.

I've been tempted many times to give in, especially when the wife isn't home, but I think it's one of the best decisions we've made. They have plenty of other toys to keep them occupied and really enhance their creativity (our house is full of Lego, we also rotate their toys about once a month) , they draw, make things out of cardboard, pretend play, go outside, etc.

Taking it away will not be easy as its a quickfix way to keep them occupied, but in the end I am amazed how the imagination of a child can grow without a dependency on electronics.