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[quote=Anonymous]Your mom asked, so you have a good opening.

Just tell her "Thanks for asking! Jimmy's really into these remote control airplanes - here's a link to some good ones. He's been talking about them for months! And I know you think we're crazy, but we still feel pretty strongly about limiting screen-time while we still can, so please not big electronic presents since Bob and I are going to keep being super mean parents and not allow them much opportunity to use them." Honesty, with a good dose of self-deprecation, does go a long way.

While you're at it, I'd make sure you are giving suggestions that you think both your parents and kids will be very excited about. My in-laws like to give our kids awesome presents, and seem to savor being the ones to spoil them. While I roll my eyes a bit, I indulge them and let them buy the big, cool presents that I find completely unnecessary. If your hill to die on is electronics, then let them go crazy with a trampoline or elaborate dollhouse or whatever. If they are insistent, you could try kicking the ball down the court: "we're very committed to keeping them off ipads for the time being, but were thinking of getting a family computer next year... maybe you could stick with the skating lessons this year, and we could talk about that next Christmas?"
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