The right time to start teaching computer skills..
@iamiramadnama (421)
Canada
January 30, 2007 8:23am CST
My son is 4 and I think it's about time he started learning about the computer, how to operate it and how it functions. I mean, this is the computer age, and I want him to know what he's doing. My husband thinks he's too young.. what do you think? When is a good age to introduce a kid to a mouse and keyboard, and have them start learning about computers??
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Sasselle (698)
• Australia
31 Jan 07
By the time your son starts school the classes will do lessons with computers anyway - so you may as well give him a head start.
My 3 year old decided he wanted to play computer from just before he was 2 and we just started off with simple childrens games with him sitting on my lap. We do things on the computer together as a special time for the 2 of us.
He is still trying to work out how to move the mouse more smoothly but I was told by his doctor that it's all motor skills.
Bottom line - if your child is interested then go for it! It's not like you have anything to lose.
PS - Just make sure you supervise them ... my son has managed to delete Windows from my computer twice which apparently is not an easy feat =)
@iamiramadnama (421)
• Canada
31 Jan 07
Oh, I would definetly supervise him, I just didn't know if it was too early for things like that. He already knows about websites.. from tv.. some of his fave cartoons tell him to visit their website.. And his dad works with computers, so I just wanted him to be familiar with them too.. this is the age.
@iamiramadnama (421)
• Canada
31 Jan 07
You're welcome. I find that many people often have the same questions, and someone else asking is just as good as you asking yourself. I hope that you're getting the answers that you're looking for too.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
31 Jan 07
My son was 4 and new dos - creating directories, removing directories the whole nine yards. Just make sure you stick with the educational software and avoid the straight games.
One he get involved in them there is no going back.
Check out reader Rabbit - awesome educational software
@coolest1983 (281)
• India
30 Jan 07
Agreed that this is a computer age and that children should be made aware about computers from the grass root level. 4 is a right age for a child to grab simple things. You do agree to it but your hubby doesn't. So why not give your child one more year to develop his senses; and that way you and your hubby can reach a compromise. Try if you liked my suggestion.
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
30 Jan 07
I think it is never too early to introduce your child to a computer. Both of my daughters have grown up sitting on my lap while I have been on the computer.
My 5 year old confidently plays games on the net and chats to her auntie on yahoo messenger. she could type her name before she could write it.
My other daughter is just 2 and has just learnt mouse control so is now able to play simple games on the computer and is loving it.
