Why do children need computers?

The easiest answer for this one is: "A child needs a computer so that he can play computer games". Everybody agrees. Nevertheless, let’s not just limit on the short term use of the computer? Let’s analyze a little the world we live in and see what can acomputer do for children.

Computers are starting to have more and more importance in our daily life. Almost everywhere you go, you find computers. At office or at home, a computer is almost indispensable.

Not knowing to use a computer, you find many difficulties. Moreover, things will not get easier in the future, because the world is getting more and more computerized. That is why your child should get accustomed and work with computers from an early age. If your child does this, it will be much easier for him to adapt to the ever-changing technology.

Educational products are nowadays released mostly on computer CD’s.

More and more educational products for children are now released in the form of programs and electronic encyclopedias and can only be viewed with a computer, somehow forcing you to buy a computer for your child. Unlike the traditional learning methods, learning with a computer has the advantage of interactivity. Children love to learn with computers, because they can control the way they learn and what they learn.

Of course, a child will use a computer mainly to play computer games. At first, the computer will be for your child like a more expensive toy. The computer will be his favorite toy. Your child will play computer games the entire day. However, after a while, the child will settle down and start exploring the other sides of the computer.

At first, the only thing I was doing at my computer was playing. Then, as time passed, I started being interested in how computers work, the internet, 3D modeling and so on. Now I can say that I know a lot about computers.

The disadvantage of computers as toys is that it is a lot more expensive than other toys for children, but on the long term, the money you spend will come back multiplied many times in the form of knowledge for your child. That is why I do believe that a computer is a very good investment on the long run for you and your child.

Which computers for children to buy?

Since the main use of the computer for your child will be to play games, you should choose a fast system on which modern games will run smooth. Also, because modern computer games use lot’s of space, a high capacity hard drive is recommended. The computer you choose for your child should be equipped with a DVD, because DVD’s are starting to replace CD’s as main data transport medium.

Now that you have chosen a computer system for your child, all you need is a monitor. You can choose from two types of computer monitors: CRT and LCD. LCD monitors are the ones you usually find in a office. They are flat and do not produce radiations. However, they are not recommended for the purpose your child will use it, because of the slow reaction time. CRT computer monitors are bigger and cheaper. They are more indicated for children who like to play computer games a lot.

Read the whole article located at http://www.child-toys-guide.com/computers-for-children.shtml

Eugen Lisov is the creator of http://www.Child-Toys-Guide.com , a site that helps parents worldwide to choose the best toys for their children. Please feel free to browse my site; it will only help you when choosing toys for your child.

Show your child that you care about him and that you are dependable.

Children who feel loved are more likely to be confident. Your child must believe that, no matter what, someone will look out for him. Give your baby or toddler plenty of attention, encouragement, hugs and lap time.

Set a good example.

Children imitate whatthey see others do and what they hear others say. When you exercise and eat nourishing food, your child is more likely to do so as well. When you treat others with respect, your child probably will, too. If you share things with others, your child also will learn to be thoughtful of others’ feelings.

Provide opportunities for repetition. It takes practice for a child to crawl, pronounce new words or drink from a cup. Your child doesn’t get bored when she repeats things. Instead, by repeating things until she learns them, your child builds the confidence she needs to try new things.

Use appropriate discipline. All children need to have limits set for them.Children whose parents give them firm but loving discipline generally develop better social skills and do better in school than do children whose parents set too few or too many limits. Here are some ideas.

Direct your child’s activities, but don’t be too bossy. Give reasons when you ask your child to do something. Say, for example, “Please move your truck from the stairs so no one falls over it”–not, “Move it because I said so.”

Listen to your children to find out how he feels and whether he needs special support.

Show love and respect when you are angry with your child. Criticize your child’s behavior but not the child. Say for example, “I love you, but it’s not okay for you to draw pictures on the walls. I get angry when you do that.”

Help your child make choices and work out problems. You might ask your 4-year-old, for example, “What can we do to keep your brother from knocking over your blocks?”

Be positive and encouraging. Praise your child for a job well done. Smiles and encouragement go much further to shape good behavior than harsh punishment.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil’s Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

Starting at age 3 or 4:

Does your child remember nursery rhymes, and can he play rhyming games?

At about age 4: Can your child get information or directions from conversations or books that are read aloud to him? Kindergartners:Is your child beginning to name and write the letters and numbers that he sees in books, on billboards and signs, and in other places?

At age 5:

Can your child play and enjoy simple word games in which two or more words start with the same sound? For example: “Name all the animals you can think of that start with d.”

At ages 5 and 6:

Does your child show that he understands that spoken words can be broken down into smaller parts (for example, by noticing the word big in bigger)?

Does he seem to understand that you can change a small part of a word and make a different word (for example, by changing the first sound and letter of cat, you can make hat, sat, mat, bat,rat, and so on)?

Remember to track your child’s progress and see how he/she is doing. If you suspect there are problem you get help from many places.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil’s Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

Think about your child’s age and choose the types of things that you want him to see, learn, and imitate.

Look for TV shows that

–teach your child something,

–hold his interest,

–encourage him to listen and question,

–help him learn more words,

–make him feel good about himself, and

–introduce him to new ideas and things.

“Sesame Street,” “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “Blue’s Clues,” “Between the Lions,” “Reading Rainbow,” “Barney & Friends,” “Zoom,” and “Zoboomafoo,” are some shows that you may want to consider. Many other good children’s programs are available on public television stations and on cable channels such as the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Limit the time that you let your child watch TV. Too much television cuts into important activities in a child’s life, such as reading, playing with friends, and talking with family members.

Watch TV with your child when you can. Talk with him about what you see. Answer his questions. Try to point out the things in TV programs that are like your child’s everyday life.

When you can’t watch TV with your child, spot check to see what he is watching. Ask questions after the show ends. See what excites him and what troubles him. Find out what he has learned and remembered.

Go to the library and find books that explore the themes of the TV shows that your child watches. Or help your child to use his drawings or pictures cut from magazines to make a book based on a TV show.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil’s Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

The Librarian

Introduce yourself and your child to your librarian. Librarians can help you to select the best books that are both fun and suitable for your child’s age level. They can also show you the other programs and services the library has to offer.

Books . . . and More

In addition to a wealth of books, your library most likely will have tapes and CDs of books, musical CDs and tapes, movies, computers that you can use, and many more resources. You also might find books in languages other than English, or programs to help adults improve their reading. If you would like reading help for yourself or your family, check with the librarian about literacy programs in your community.

Supervised Story Times

Babies and toddlers.

Many libraries have group story hours that are short and geared to the attention spans of the children. During story hour, child sits in your lap, and both of you can join in the story. The storyteller also may show you fingerplays and rhythm activities. The storyteller also may give you tips and handouts that you can use for your own home story hours.

Preschoolers.

The library may offer these story hours more than once a week. For these story hours, you and your child usually read several books on the same topic. You might play games, sing songs, use puppets, or do other activities that are connected to that topic. You also may get ideas for books to read and other things to do with your child at home.

Families.

Families can read together, or they may join in a story told by the library storyteller. Some libraries also set up family activities around the readings, including crafts and art projects and watching movies.

Summer Reading

After the school year is over, some children may forget what they have learned about reading. Libraries help keep children interested in reading by offering summer programs.

Children from early elementary school to high school read books on their own. A teacher or librarian may give a child a diary or log in which he writes what he read during the summer. And, because reading aloud is so important to promoting a love of reading, many libraries offer “Read-to- Me” clubs for preschool and younger children.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil’s Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com