[Enchanted Gypsy]

How do you handle the computer with your child (ren) ? Do you allow them to use it ? If so,how old and do you have restrictions ?<br><br>
Commnets, thoughts, advice, experience ???

 

[kpb]

interesting, I've been thinking about this a lot recently....granted, my son is only almost two, but my husband does a lot of work for his theater stuff on the machine.<br><br>
the beautiful thing about technology is that it's there, open for our use. The fine line is when it becomes abuse.....obviously, right? So on our end, and more because my son imitates everything last thing we do, I tell him in a very adult way that papa's machine is used for writing--sometimes we write with our hands (I'm always telling him that hands are his best tools<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">) and sometimes we need the computer...But that's it. We don't engage in anything other than word and some late night internet research (no games, etc) so I don't feel like we're hiding anything from him....<br><br>
not to intellectualize a relatively simple question, but...<br><br>
I read an great article in either Lilipoh or Renewal about a waldorf teacher's son and his liking to computer games--of the video persuasion....She was pretty erked by this playing behavior in her son and it caused quite a strife between the two. Over time, however, she realized that <i>she</i> didn't mind it, but was acting on the paradigms rampant in the school....Thus, they found an equilibrium where he played after homework for an hour or perhaps even shorter...and she was pleased knowing her son was doing something besides gawking at a screen while at the same time not thwarting his current expression.<br>
being a super mario brothers and mindsweep junkie myself growing up (in between pine tree jumping contests, of course) I know there is that balance--you can't call something evil and then use if yourself, one, and you can't just keep it off-limits because...currently it's rather a necessity. In our family we all minimize our time mainly because of radiation--and I have this weird Menon wish to never use anything technological--and that will be my reigning reason as he gets older...same for the boob tube. Thankfully, WS and WIHS use their workbooks for majority of their academic processes, meaning handwritten everything....<br><br>
hmmm was that just an awkward circle?<br>
am curious to hear what others think.....<br>
cheers<br>
Kyara

 

[fluttermama]

Neither of my children use the computer at all and I am not planning on introducing it anytime soon.

 

[Deborah]

The computer is isolated at my daughter's house (in a back room) and the children think of it as a machine for looking at photos. My grandson likes to hit the keys on the keyboard, but is only allowed to do so when the computer is off.<br><br>
So far, this isn't a problem.<br><br>
I don't see computers as evil. I see them as inappropriate tools for small children. I wouldn't hand over a computer in the same way I wouldn't allow a child to drive a car, or use a sharp knife, or open a hot oven. Just because the danger isn't as drastically immediate as with a car, doesn't mean the computer is a toy.

 

[Enchanted Gypsy]

Thanks for the replies.<br><br>
We do not have a tv but we do have a computer, which we do not use regularly around DD. I agree that it is fine for older kids and adults, but not young children.

 

[reducereuserecycle]

dd is 9 1/2 months old. she is rarely ever exposed to TV, even in passing. However, since I work from my computer, she is around it alot. She likes to type with her feet and arms while I'm nursing her and working at the same time. I'd rather have her at home in front of a computer than in a daycare while I work. I don't spend more than a couple hours a day, if that, working so it isn't like she is constantly around the computer. When not in use, I cover the computer with a multicolored play silk. I don't plan to let her use a computer until she is about 9 or 10 years old. Then, I will teach her (homeschool) about researching stuff online and how to use Word and Print Shop....however, I will not allow her to use chat and other parts of the internet that I consider dangerous.<br>
As far as computer games and computer "learning" programs, they do not fit into our lives in any way. I don't ever think dd will use computers for that.<br>
I try not to let dd in front of the computer much to nurse even; I worry about radiation.<br>
I do my best to keep dd away from harm and the computer really drives me crazy-everyday I think about it's negative affects on the Feng Shui of our home, but it is employment that is paying for Parent/Child classes at Waldorf School and other "extras" that we couldn't otherwise afford and all those student loans......<br>
My friend's son was killed in a house fire that was started by a computer so I try to turn off my computer and unplug it every night; it is a pain (and i know it is supposedly better to always leave the computer running) but, when there is that extra effort to plug in and turn on the computer, I tend to stay away from the computer to constantly check email and get side tracked online.