LeapPad Explorer is the latest offering from leading educational toy company LeapFrog. This durable learning tablet has a built-in camera, microphone and a library of more than 100 games and activities, including education apps that are designed to inspire a child’s creativity. This kid-friendly gadget is available in either green or pink, costs $100 and comes with a 5-inch touchscreen and 2 GB of built-in storage. An interactive reader and Disney Animation Studio are included with the LeapPad.

Read a review of the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer on Engadget and see a demo in this official YouTube video. You can also find out more on the LeapFrog website.

A recent survey of over a thousand moms has revealed just how important technology has become to the modern family. More than 70% of moms told researchers that they don’t go for more than one day without using the Internet. Almost 80% of moms said they consider their cell phone to be a necessity, compared to about 40% who feel that way about their landline. When asked how old children should be before they use technology, 1 in 3 moms said their children used a laptop or cell phone by age 2.

The survey was conducted by The Parenting Group, parent company of Parenting Magazine, Parenting.com and the BlogHer network. Read more about this survey in this BlogHer post.

Toddlers love spending time outdoors. Why not take a break from routine and plan a picnic in the park? Both you and your toddler can benefit from fresh air and exercise. Head to the park early to avoid afternoon grumpiness. Pack a picnic lunch and don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a blanket to sit on and disposable wipes. Besides having fun on playground equipment, you can make your day in the part a learning experience by pointing things out and teaching your toddler new words. You can also bring a small bucket and let your toddler gather interesting objects from nature like leaves, rocks and stones. Read more about this activity on YeahBaby.com.

According to research conducted by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, since 2005 the average age that kids begin playing video games has dropped from age 8 to age 6. For the most part, young children are not using educational software or interacting with others while they play games, but are sitting by themselves in front of a computer screen. Many children are involved in games that take place in virtual worlds on internet sites.

Psychologist Jane Healy has written that children under the age of 7 should not use computers because critical brain development is still taking place. They are better off playing with basic toys and books that foster basic developmental skills.

Read more about the controversy related to young children and video games in this Wired article.