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Kids and Computer Time

By Tina on 26th July, 2008 | Filed under computers & internet, family & relationships, school & education

It seems that the computers in the house are on 24/7. If the older kidlets aren’t on the internet, they are using the computer to do their homework or any school assignments that they need to complete.

It was just a matter of time that the younger ones would want to go on the computer as well but I worry about them going on the internet. I’d much rather them use educational software that is suitable for their age, fun and at the same time allowing kids to learn and discover essential skills that they need to succeed in school.

I was asked to check out Knowledge Adventure, a leader in developing software for children. I had heard of Math Blaster and Reading Blaster before through DD8’s school. The software is great for encouraging kids to gain confidence in their math and reading skills. But I didn’t realise that they have software for toddlers and preschoolers as well. I’m always looking for new activities for the baby’s play time and these software titles can let her have fun on the computer and learn at the same time.

I think that, with Christmas coming, I might have to buy some of these titles to put in the younger kidlets’ stockings. I like products that seem just to be fun for the kids but they don’t realise that they’re learning something at the same time!

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  • Oh how I wish I could just get rid of the computers and the television! I know they're using the computer for work and learning, some of the time, but the rest of the day they'd stay glued to the screen and if I try to make them quit they tirade for twenty minutes.
  • I don't even let the younger kids get on the computer! I was gonna set up one for them ... it's actually there I just haven't had the time to sit down w/ them and teach them. I see how many children are on the computer at such a young age. My oldest didn't start using a computer 'til she was later in elementary school... I felt like I could trust her then. She's very responsible now with her computer.

    I guess I'll have to load up the educational software and let them go at it!
  • Justin
    It is a huge challenge to enforce computer time limits because we (parents) have a conflict of interest - when kids are on the computer/TV we get quiet uninterrupted time in the house. I feel guilty when I let my kids stay on the computer for hours at a time. I built and now use a simple timer program that lets me set time limits (like 1 hour/weekday and no more than 30 minutes at one sitting). The program gives kids audible reminders like "5 minutes left" and logs them off when their time is up. It has ended all the fighting over computer time in our house. You can try it from http://www.TimesUpKidz.com

    I try to steer my kids toward worthwhile computer activities, like browsing Google Earth (free) or drawing 3D buildings with Google Sketchup, also free. My younger son plays Viva Pinata, which is a great game; talk about non-violent - it's all about gardening! In the end, though, they just want to play games, which is fine with me as long as it is in moderation.
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