Computer time/video game time

tmbuchmann

I'd thought I'd ask this board, thinking that you may have some expierence with this.

Our parents as teachers lady came last night to evaluate/play with DS1, when we were talking she asked if he knew how to work a computer, and said that we should start teaching him how to use the mouse, arrow keys and enter button. That they start with computer skills in pre-school now and it will help him if he has these basic functions down.

I had thought that it was a little early for him to start using a computer and will probably hold off on showing him anything with it for now.

Just wanted your expierence, how early did you introduce computers/video games?

brightning

DD knows a little bit about our computer just from seeing us use it. We do not have her play computer games, although I know she occasionally helps DH play a few games and can use the arrow keys, understands the mouse, knows to click on the red dot to close something. Very occasionally, I will open up a blank Word document and let her practice typing her name.

I have zero interest in actively teaching DD technology skills right now. She will pick up that stuff no problem when the time comes.

howleyshell

brightning:

I have zero interest in actively teaching DD technology skills right now. She will pick up that stuff no problem when the time comes.

This.

100%

We recently decided against even getting them a Leapster.

They'll be inundated with so much media and technology and will have no problems learning it when the time comes. 

tmbuchmann

Thanks ladies, seeing how my sister has gotten my 5 year old nephew a DS for christmas, and he's always played with video games (since he was 2) I thought I was backwards or behind on the times. I just didn't want my DS to get involved with that when I want to go outside and watch him ride his bike. kwim?

howleyshell

tmbuchmann:

I thought I was backwards or behind on the times. I just didn't want my DS to get involved with that when I want to go outside and watch him ride his bike. kwim?

I hear ya.

It's SO prevalent these days and at such young ages.

We thought it over and decided that just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean it's what's right for our kids.

Now is the age for imaginary play and outdoor play IMO. 

 

mgfit1

we don't really use a computer at home with him but he has had one in his room at school since he was in a toddler room.  He knows how to use a mouse and do things on it by himself.  We do occasionally let him play the wii (selected games) but he has to do something educational first (practice writing, letters, numbers, etc...).  After he has completed his "homework" then he can do the wii for 30 minutes with us.  But we don't do that too often. 

franciscaz

howleyshell:

brightning:

I have zero interest in actively teaching DD technology skills right now. She will pick up that stuff no problem when the time comes.

This.

100%

We recently decided against even getting them a Leapster.

They'll be inundated with so much media and technology and will have no problems learning it when the time comes. 

I couldn't agree more!  

kada626

dd1 has known how to use the computer(basics) for well over a year now. She plays on it occasionally. She has a leapster that she loves too. I really don't see how learning how to use these things is a big deal as long as it's limited. She definitely is not lacking in imaginary play, outdoor play or creativity. She also wouldn't choose to play her leapster over riding her bike outside. I'm sure if you waited though he would pick it up quickly in school.

jlw2505

At my kids daycare, they have computers in the Preschool rooms, so starting at around age 2 1/2 give or take.  The time the kids can use the computers and the games are really controlled and the kids are not on it a ton.  At home, both of my kids started playing computer games at around that same time, I am guessing a little younger with DD#2 since her older sister used them.  I know that know, at ages 3 and almost 5, my kids are really great with the computer in the sense of using the mouse and the arrows and all that.

Stacyc625

Personally- i have no problem with it. Everything within moderation.

We have the FP Cool School PC- she knows how to get around in that just fine- using a stylus, arrow keys, mouse. She might play it 20 min every other day or so. It has a lot of educational games in it.

kiliwicket

DS knows how to work the mouse.  We have a subscription to starfall.com that he plays on.  Plus one of his 'rewards' is being able to watch a firetruck parade video on you tube.  I haven't taught him any keys yet though. 

He's almost 4 btw.  I was really hesitant to get him involved with all the technology.  Me and my archaic self, "I didn't grow up with any of that mess..."  BUT, it's everywhere now and it's just going to keep advancing.  They even have an iSchool back in my hometown!  crazy.  It's still weird for me to wrap my head around sometimes, especially with all the mess we hear about keeping our kids away from too much media, but seeing as how that's how everything is headed now, it will only help them in the long run.

It's like what some other ladies have said, MODERATION.  My kids still play outside and aren't glued to the tv/computer... we (my husband and I) have a gaming system, but the kids have never played it. 

flgator

Like others said, I think it's ok in moderation.  DS1 just turned 3 and uses the ipad and likes it. He plays learning games with letters, numbers, animals, etc. on it.