So as we head into the Christmas season it’s time we Dads thought about .. well our kids. I was talking to one of the guys from DIYFather.com recently about my iPhone and how I use it to keep my 14 month old entertained in church, on the airplane or similar places. He suggested I write up an article, and well here it is. These things apply equally to your iPod Touch/iTouch too, of course.

Entertain The Kids

The apps you download will, of course, depend on the age of your little ones, but here is my list:

Dice, by Motion X

It’s free, and fantastic! This dice rolling application means your little on can shake the living crap out of your phone and have dice rattling and rolling. My little one loves to shake, and then put the dice away (just watch they don’t throw your iTouch across the room!)

JingleJumble

Also free and fun, this Christmas-themed game will have your little one trying to figure out which body and feet belong to what face.

Ocarina

This musical instrument app is hugely fun and easy to play, my little one has figured out you blow on your iPhone to make this play music – just not the right bit. But I can play her favourite nursery rhymes to her and she loves it.

Koi Pond

Not really a game at all, it’s a Zen visualisation type thing, and the little ones love to try and tap the fish. The interactivity of this game is brilliant for the young ones … and calming when the young ones get on your nerves, too!

Raging Thunder

For older kids, this is a great car racing game that will entertain for hours. Easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Armado

This simple game about Armado the Armadillo made me the hero of all the kids in church. They love this game, and it’s so easy to play by simply tilting the screen and tapping to jump.

Duck Shoot

My little one is fascinated by ducks and this app from Polar Bear Farm means she can interact with her favourite animal in a fun, fair-ground type of way.

Keep Yourself Organized

Keeping the kids entertained is one thing, keeping yourself organised is another all together. Thankfully the iPod Touch/iPhone is great at this too!

Things

This organisational app is a life saver. I use Things on both Mac and iPhone and it keeps my work life, tasks and such like all in order. Well worth the cost just to keep your brain free of those worrying task lists.

Baby Milestones and Toddler Milestones

There are heaps of applications for tracking baby due date, milestones, and so forth, these are just two of them.

Phone Aid

This really is a must have for any parent. Step by step first aid instructions, with a voice over track – to tell you how to do CPR, basic first aid etc. It is American, with instructions like “ring 911″ but most applies anywhere

Gas Cubby

This app will make sure your car is always in tip top shape. Track your gas usage and maintenance (great app for the wife’s iTouch) in US or international units.

Bonus links

Of course I have to throw in some bonus links:

My Very First Album

You need to have music for your kids, and this album is sure to drive you totally nuts, but your little one will love it!

Toy Piano

This one’s perfect for little fingers taping away to make music, but is also guaranteed to drive you mad unless your kid is using headphones!

Squeakies

This one’s a strangely addictive game that is easy for little fingers, it’s basically a memory game so they are learning as they play.

Summary

The iPhone is the perfect phone for you, and is a near perfect tool for your little ones. It’s ease of use, it’s fun interface, it’s robustness is great. Just make sure you have a backup, my little one often holds down the icons causing them to flip into edit mode (sometimes an app disappears and I wonder where it’s gone).

I highly recommend you put a skin on (check out our supporters BestSkinsEver) to protect it from scratches and drool.

Suggest your favourite kids apps below and go in the draw to win from our christmas giveaway. Sorry, Christmas giveaway is over but check back often for more giveaways and competitions!