How do you get your child interested in computers?

[Aidensmom]

I realize that in this day and age, computer skills are very important to know, even for children. However, my son just really isn't interested. His teacher has several times suggested we encourage him more on the computer, and we do, but he really would rather be playing baseball or something similar.

He has his own computer in his room (internet access only if Mom gets out the cable to plug it into the router down the hall ), we have bought him several educational games and we offer to play with him, I set up Disneychannel.com as his homepage on the internet. He witnesses both DH and I using the computer for various things. Heck, when I work from home I usually have two computers set up and am working on both at once, which he thinks is just the coolest thing, yet his interest in doing it.......

Is this just something that a child will eventually get interested in, or is there some other ways to encourage their use? He really needs to learn a lot more basic computer skills, he still needs my help to even get his games started when he does use them, he is lost at what to do.

 

[famofsix]

buy him a webkin

 

[JVL1018]

buy him a webkin

Exactlywhat I was about to type.

 

[Beca]

I wish I could give you some advice on this, but we have the other problem. We gave our dd her first computer game when she was two, and she has been an addict ever since!!! She has learned a LOT from the computer (we have her lots of educational games), but honestly....I can't say that she would be any worse off if she didn't play on the computer. I think for some people, computers are just a "tool" and for others, they are a way of life.

Who knows....maybe your son is destined to be a pro ball player? And, one thing's for sure...he'll definitely be a lot more physically fit than many other children!!!

Seriously....I think someone can be well versed in computer access without really being interested in it. When he is older and needs to know how, I'm sure he will do just fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Briarmom]

buy him a webkin

This was my suggestion as well.

 

[jsmith]

im an IT professional-computers are my life-LET him not be interested-sheeesh people can have computer skills with out being adicted to them-but there are ALOT more important things in this world-so just leave it-hell learn what he needs to when he needs to and in the in between time a good book, a bike, baseball or just laying in the grass watching the clouds go by are much better pursuits for a child.

 

[Tinijocaro]

He looks very young in his picture- too young to be worrying about computer interest. Believe me, it happens, and when it does, it's hard to stop them.

I would encourage his lack of interest for as long as you can. Computers are so easy to use nowadays- kids can pick them up very easily, even if they start at an older age. Some day, you'll be kicking yourself for encouraging the computer so much!

 

[momof2minnies]

I say YEAH- Good for him! Wow a kid outside, we as a society need to get that to happen more!

 

[meandtheguys2]

The few studies I've read state that there isn't any purpose for learning the computer at a young age. (I haven't looked into it in a couple of years, however.) Activity, play, life beyond a screen is really good for kids! Good for you for raising a doer not a viewer.

 

[tw1nsmom]

How old is he? If he isn't in middle school or high school, I can't even believe the teacher suggested that he needed to improve his computer skills. I wish my DS wasn't so interested. Computers are a major part of our life though. DH has his own computer consultant business, and we have several computers at home. However, reading, running, socializing and imaginative play are much more important than any computer skills children can learn. I would really be interested in finding out what the teacher was thinking.

 

[OrlandoMike]

If I had a child who was more interisted in Baseball and playing outside than the computer I think I would be celebrating!

 

[Southern4sure]

Sign him up at www.scholastic.com

Online games and book recommendations are based on your childs age. There is a summer reading group he could join too.

 

[Pigeon]

If I had a child who was more interisted in Baseball and playing outside than the computer I think I would be celebrating!

Count your blessings. This sounds like a very healthy child. The computer skills are really no big deal to pick up when the time comes, but aren't an advantage in a child.

 

[mickeyboat]

My kids are interested in computers, but would much rather be doing something else. Our computer is in our basement, so they don't think about it that often, and I like it that way.

I asked their First Grade teachers about it, and they said they don't need to know how to use computers until much later. And yes, they are so easy to use, that it won't take any time before your son picks it up when he needs to.

Send him outside!

 

[Bob Slydell]

Cameron just sort of gravitated towards the computer at a young age, probably the result of having a computer geek for a dad. He's very good at it -- since preschool he's always been one of the kids who's helped other kids (and occasionally, a teacher ) with their questions.

If we let him, he'd be on it all day long, so it's one of a number of things which we have to limit his time on. I think in time your son will show interest and, fairly quickly, pick up the skills he needs on it. It's amazing how fast kids learn computer skills these days.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Maybe get him a computer baseball game? Not educational at this point, but maybe if he has fun playing "ball" on a rainy day, it'll make the computer seem more attractive later.

 

[cardaway]

Maybe get him a computer baseball game? Not educational at this point, but maybe if he has fun playing "ball" on a rainy day, it'll make the computer seem more attractive later.

I was going to say the same thing except I was going to specifically point out that he might get a kick out of entering in his friends names and stats into the game and having them take on a big league team. While some of those things can be done on the Xbox, they are much easier to do on the computer with a keyboard and mouse.

And of course surfing the professional sports web addresses might be really fun as well. Most have a kids section with things for them to do.

 

[va32h]

My kids aren't very interested in the computer either, and I have no plans to change that.

Unless he is applying for a job tomorrow, I don't see any reason that a child needs computer skills.

 

[shep]

I'd like to know how to get my oldest OFF the computer and outside.. She's not big on the warmer temps....

Webkinz also has her on the computer a lot...

 

[Bob Slydell]

Unless he is applying for a job tomorrow, I don't see any reason that a child needs computer skills.

I think there's more than a couple reasons why children these days (albeit, not as young as Aidensmom's DS) need computer skills prior to going out into the job market.