We were at friends last night for the evening, had a great time just kicking back and catching up. The boys were playing happily so I wasn't worried about them until I realized it had been quiet for too long. I went downstairs to check on them, and here they were playing on the computer. Okay, these friends only have one kid who's 1 and they're definitely not used to having their computer used for a toy. I was rather horrified that my boys had made themselves so at home. The thing was, they had no games on the computer, so Buster had opened up a browser and typed "kids" into the Google search box, and found this website. I have to admit, I didn't realize that my 5-year-old was growing up quite that fast... We do let him play on the computer when Noodle is having a nap - Buster goes crazy playing by himself. We don't buy games for the boys usually, partly because the cd's just get wrecked anyway so what's the point. We have parental controls (thanks, Vista!) set to restrict his playing times, also I have to enter a password before he plays so he can't just go anytime he wants. And we have it set so he can click on an icon and go to PBS Kids' site, which has all his favorite characters, like Thomas, Clifford, Curious George, etc. but he can't go anywhere else online... until now, I didn't realize he really know how to go online... it is so amazing how fast kids catch on to stuff! So, I'm wondering how other moms control their kids' computer time? Any suggestion or ideas? And also how do I keep Buster occupied other than computer activities? I basically have to shove him out the door on a nice day; he'd much rather play inside... help!!
It is surprising how quickly they can figure things out isn't it? I haven't had to worry too much about my daughter yet but I know it won't be much longer. She's always on the computer when I bring her to work clicking buttons,exploring and finding games. I wish she spent more time outside but I have only myself to blame for that one!
ReplyDeleteThey do learn much faster than our generation does. Sounds like your doing all the right stuff. Just let them know never to help themselves to anyone's computer without permission.
ReplyDeletemy little one loves to play on pbs.org and he is always singing the song when I let him play on there. He loves it and I love it when he can do the learning games himself, otherwise I am right there with him helping him along!
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