Wow, this is getting pretty silly up in here.
I think it's bizarre how so many people like to pass judgement on the choices other parents make. WHY?! As parents, we all need to support each other and be open to hearing differing opinions. That's how you grow and learn. No one needs a stranger commenting on how they raise their children, based on one post in an Apple forum (and, if you're that person making snarky comments in this thread, way to jump to conclusions).
If you don't think children should have an iPod Touch, or an iPad, that's pretty simple: don't buy them one. But, likewise, don't pass judgment on parents who make a decision to use them.
Our son gets limited time on his iPod Touch and it's ONLY loaded with educational games - no movies, no recreational games. Most of the time that he has it, we are sitting together, learning about the alphabet, shapes, numbers, colors, animals, we're learning Spanish. When we started using it, he could read small words and he could count to 50. Now he's reading decent-sized words and he's counting to a hundred - forward and backwards. To me, using the iPod Touch and Apps is no different than buying flashcards or other games to teach with. They're all tools.
The idea that someone using an iPod Touch or iPad is bad because it gives them an excuse to not parent, or teach their children themselves is crazy.
Guess what: that's a decision by the parent. And, even if their child didn't have an iDevice, that parent would probably be putting them in front of the TV and not interacting. The issue some of the people are talking about in this thread is about lazy parenting, which is present with or without iDevices.
I am 100% for using technology as a tool in education, especially early education. To me, saying that an iDevice becomes a barrier to interaction or a crutch, is like saying using computers is a crutch. Or adults with smartphones, communicating via Facebook, rather than in person.
It's all about moderation and understanding how to use technology. That's not an issue isolated to any facet of life, or age group.
I just think it's sad that people send so much time being divisive over supporting others. That doesn't serve anyone.