What Age Computer Use

My son used the computer with me at that age. I started letting him use it by himself when he was able to manuever the mouse (around 3). We started with www.starfall.com. This is an AWESOME educational site (teaches letters and sounds). I made a shortcut to this on my computer and he knew he could use that site by himself. This was the only site he could use at first. Now we have added www.abcya.com - also educational, but a little higher level. I teach 2nd grade, and these are the two main sites my students use. (The computer teacher does not allow the disney and nickelodeon sites because of all the popup and advertising.) At home we are now doing webkinz world too (they have a webkinz junior as well) but this requires buying a stuffed animal to get a code and then the child takes care of the animal online. Hope this helps!!

My DS started checking out Playhouse Disney.com around turning 4. At first it was difficult for him and he would get very frustrated. DH showed him a couple things and now he navigates the site like a pro. He can play any of the mini games, and watch any of the videos/music he chooses. He made up his own way of using the mouse (moves it with one hand, clicks the buttons with the other). I let him play alone, checking on him from time to time. We play with a timer, when it goes off he turns off the games. He plays very very rarely because it's always the first thing I take away when he's had bad behavior and the last thing he earns back.

Whatever you decide about your "real" computer, I think with the way our country works, that computer skills are very important for our children to pick up. I think one of the other responses suggested a toy computer to start. It's a great idea and there are many different ones out there with built in games that teach fundimentals of reading, phonics, letters, numbers and math as well as computer basics of keyboards and mouse use.

We have the fisher price computer...it's awesome. I wouldn't let a 2.5 year old use mine. Besides...she isn't old enough to get much out of the computer yet.

My boy was able to log on the computer snd go online to Noggin.com when he was two. He would just climb up and log in.

I've got a 4 year old daughter. I just recently started to let her play on my computer. She's got her own profile and I restricted certain things with her profile. For example, internet explorer icon is hidden away. If she can't see it, she won't click on it. Instead I signed up with Big fish games and bought her a couple of them. If I see a game she might like I download the 60 minutes trial and if it's a winner I buy it for about $7. This way all her stuff is on her profile. She got to pick the background and everything, this is what makes it a bit more special. I say definately let her give it a try, with you right there of course. She won't learn how to properly use the computer if she never uses it.

I would not let a toddler use a computer without direct supervision. unless you want to call the repairman.

There are kid computers that you could buy her. a $40 toy that she could play with ...

using the big computer should be on moms lap.

Can she use the mouse. my duaghter is 3.5 and still does nto understand that movng the mouse moves the curser ont he screen...

Hi L.,
I let my youngest son play on the computer at about 3 yrs old, I watched him while he played and most of the time I had to find the websites for him. He played on clifford the big red dog most of the time. I made sure I was in the room with him at all times. There are a lot of great sites for young children to play on. Believe it or not, your daughter will be using a computer as soon as she starts preschool, all of my children did. There are a lot of programs that are for younger children that you can buy if you are not comfortable letting her being on the internet by herself.

At that age we let our kids (we have 4 kids) play educational games on the computer by themselves, but NEVER on the internet by themselves. We still don't let our kids get on the internet without mom or dad being in the same room. There is always the risk that your daughter might accidentally mess something up on the computer, but you never know.

Good luck!

Hi L.,
My daughter was about 2 and a half when we let her play educational games on the computer by herself. We showed her how to play the games. At one time she did press some keys that caused issues on our computer. She learned very quickly how to use the mouse. We also let her practice typing the alphabet in Word.

gave my two year old an old laptop. In minutes it was in pieces. Get her one of those kids computer like games. For example, leapfrog had a ton to choose from. My daughter now had the handheld with the attached pen and loves it. It's durable and the battery life is good.

V-Tech has computer like products. A new year old can't make sound decisions. She doesn't need to be on a real computer. Age appropriate like LEAP FROG, is a lot more smart. They're fun, they're learning tools, and for the proper age.

by she wants to do it herself...does she want to play games without you there? Or does she want to play use the mouse and keyboard without help?

If it's the former...NO, she is much too young to be trusted to play alone. If it's the Latter...as long as you are supervising her I don't see the problem with allowing her the control of the mouse and keyboard.

At 2 1/2 and 3 I let my daughter use the computer at the library most of the time. And sometimes at home, and now she is 6 she likes to play on ours at home more, my husband hates it, he thinks all those websites ( pbs, noggin, barbie ect.) slow the computer down. I still let her play even though dad gets mad. Her favorite game at that age was sesamestreet.com

I think it depends on the kid. Mine was 3 1/2, we treat the time like tv time. It all adds up fast.
A. H