Your neighbor told you that her 3 years old daughter has been able to draw a digital picture using computer. Your 5 years old nephew sent you an email said he loves to play online game now. How about your 2 years old son? Can he use mouse? Is he interesting to play funny game in your PC? What the best age for starting toddler to learn about computer? When the world is becoming more linked with information technology it is normal for any parents to assume that children should have computer skills as young as possible.
In contrast, there are plenty of opinions which say that parents should wait at least until child enters kindergarten before allowing them using computer. The main reason for delaying is the danger of information technology for children. Some experts said that introducing children to computer too early can disturb their social skills development.
There will be numerous question and debate about this matter. Certainly, we have known that every child is special. They can have interest to various different subjects even before they are able to talk. Parents shouldn't push their interest to children. Here some tips about how to introduce computer for our kid which I got from some references and discussion:
1.Wait until they are at least 9 months old
Before 9 months, children don't have physical abilities to communicate with computer. They also can't sit in proper and convenient position to use computer. Children younger than 9 months will only consider the computer as common toy and normally they don't have enough attention span to recognize the image on the screen. It is better to let them develop their psychomotor abilities during this age.
2.Let children build their own interest
Once more, waiting is the wisest way. Wait for our child to show that she interested. How she uses the keyboard? What is her response when she watches picture from the screen? If she seems responsive, we can continue for it. If not, it doesn't matter, we can try next time without pushing her.
3.Computer is not a baby sitter
Don’t use the computer as an electronic babysitter. As parents we should be next to our child when she use computer. Teach her and show her interesting pictures and games. Using computer is an opportunity for parents to create share time with children. Talk interactively with her and observe her responses carefully.
4.Limit the Time
Don't let id spend too much time in front of computer. For toddlers 15-30 minutes a day is sufficient to construct their skills. Take her to another activity if there are signs of addiction.
5.Choose proper software
Remember, they are still developing their brain. Don't give too confusing game or software which can be frightening. Experience is the most important part to construct their intelligence. Therefore parents should be smart and careful to select the proper software for kids. Simplicity is more important than feature.
6.Don't give them any target, everything should be fun
Child's world is about playing. There is no need to drill them mastering some skills which aren’t proper for their age. Instead for providing software which needs math and reading skill, parents should give toddler software with simple issue such as recognizing sound, learning shape and colours, and cause-effect subject. Create enjoyable and fun condition for them, remember they can be easily distressed if asked to do something they don't like.
7.Give special attention to internet
When our kids are able to access the internet, it is time for us to be more aware than before. Internet is really a double sided coin, which can give good or bad impact at once. Of course there are many useful websites for our kids such as www.noggin.com and www.uptoten.com. However, on the other side we have known how internet can give such negative impact to our children development.
8.Put the computer under your surveillance
Don't put the computer at the children's room. They learn very fast, even before you teach how to turn on the computer, they will easily do it. To avoid unnecessary trouble or addiction it will be better if you put your computer at living room or other room which easy to watch.
Wish this note will be useful.
Reference:
www.babycenter.com
www.mrdad.com
www.pubs.logicalexpression.com
