Cyberkids

My 6, 4, and 2 year olds like RIF.Org (Reading is Fundemental). It has nice stories, songs, and lullybyes. I like that kids can listen or follow along. I do wish it was better maintained. They have an English and Spanish version. http://www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading/en/preschoolers/....

Today's children are born with their brains already hardwired for the computer. They are naturally drawn and facinated by it. Limit his time on it to maybe 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. But, provide plenty of interactive activities (not DVDs)during the rest of his play time. Manipulatives, blocks, coloring, time outside are essential for brain development. Computers are okay as long as the time is a small part of his overall play time. Investigate some parental control software in the next few years to be sure he does not accidently find inappropriate site. He is learning quickly, and his skills will surpass his judgement.

Our 4.5 year old has been using the computer since around age 2, and he's been able to completely navigate our macbook by himself now for quite some time. He knows how to log in to his own partition, he knows how to open Safari, and I have Parental controls set so that he can access his kids' sites through the bookmark bar and that's all. He loves the Lego site and also watches Nick Jr., PBSkids, sprout online & thomas and friends. We used to let him watch youtube, but he was picking up way too much bad language from the Thomas the train videos that kids would make themselves... we don't let him access that at all anymore and have found that the other sites have games and are much more educational. He loves the Sid the Science Kid section on PBS...

My feeling is that this is better than watching a movie or TV because it's a super-useful skill and it's interactive. Our son won't even need computer class at school because he's already going to know how to do everything... at least on a mac. LOL

At this age the computer should be used for parent guided fun. Not veg out time. Give your child something like poker chips that have a in house value for a certain amount of computer/TV time then once he redeemed them for the week he is done until the next payday. This not only limits time on electronics, gets them more active but also teaches them budgeting, bargaining.

Screen time is screen time...if not used in moderation, sooooo many studies have shown a link between screen time and obesity and other not-so-great habits.

I'm not a "no tv/no computer" mom but I do firmly believe that, like pretty much every thing else, screen time should be used in moderation. Be sure you're also giving ample opportunities for gross motor development (i.e. going outside to run around and play), reading, writing, being creative through play/arts/crafts.

Personally, I believe that if you do decide to allow him computer time you need to monitor it and make it a 'team activity'. Don't plop the boy down in front of the computer as a babysitter - get involved too and enhance the learning/recreational experience.

My son is 4 1/2 and he, too, knows how to navigate his way around our computer. One of the best websites for kids I have seen is starfall.com. And you said you wanted a website for kids videos...totlol.com is the one! It's got cartoons, educational videos, arts & crafts...and more. :)

I think it is a sign of the times. My kids are really good on the computer and they are 7 and 4. But, like with t.v, it is recommended that they only spend short amounts of time on the computer. For the benefit of their eyes and I am pretty sure these kids are going to experience alot of carpel tunnel as they get older since they are starting so young typing and using the mouse. I feel though that as they get older, it will only be a benefit to them to know computers inside and out, since more and more we are relying on them. You can find alot of good kids sites that promote reading, math, hand/eye coordination, etc. We like PBS Kids, Noggin and Nick jr, there is Starfall which is a learning to read site,

That's funny because my 5 yr old was a bit upset at me a little bit ago because I'm on the mac (job searching) and she couldn't get on herself. This is an obsession of hers that just started maybe a week or two ago. I have to set times and even still it almost upsets her sometimes to come away when it's time to do something else. I take her out to the park almost every day and so that definitely helps keeping her off because she still loves the park more. She also loves to watch movies on her mac or even on our DVD player which I don't mind allowing her to do from time to time. She doesn't mind watching the same ones we have over and over (The little mermaid, Shark Tales, etc) which is good because I can't afford to buy more right now. I know the Red Box has some kid movies and I believe they are $!. We used to go for a long walk and bring back a movie to watch....but we haven't done this in a while. We hardly ever watch TV however and that's ok with me. Until recently we only had one TV in the house and it was in my bedroom so she doesn't really even know to miss it because it's never been something she watches. My daughter has Nickjr.com, Starfall.com, Fisher-Price.com, and Sesame Street.com bookmarked right now. I personally don't like for her to go on every day and too long. I like the old fashion play dates when we can find one and or just heading out to the park and making new friends. I feel being online can be addictive and can almost isolate them from making real friends and experiencing life as we did. I have great memories of playing with friends and making mud pies and coming back home with a new scrape on my knee:) I want her to have them too. I still remember my 2 best friends when I was 5 and I hope she will too.
I think Disney is coming to Hulu.com as well but I'm not sure when that will happen.