plugged in & online:
Is Your Preschooler Tech-Obsessed?

By Sharon Miller Cindrich

Q: We just got a new laptop and my 4-year-old wants to play use it. I know there are great programs for kids, but does she really need to be on the computer at this age?

A: Computers are a part of our everyday modern life, much like a television or a stove. So, it is not uncommon to see toddlers identifying letters or numbers on a computer screen or learning to move a mouse.

Of course, a computer is certainly not the only way for a child to learn—there are plenty of traditional ways for children to explore, read, do math and identify colors. However, teaching children about these everyday appliances is an important part of preparing them to use technology in a responsible way.

Rather than denying your child any exposure to the computer, I’d suggest setting firm boundaries, supervising limited use and modeling good behavior yourself. These are the best ways to introduce your child to computers and begin to cultivate healthy tech habits.

Cure curiosity
Your child will be curious, so let her take a look. Explain that the computer is a tool for learning and communicating. Show her how she can see messages from Grandma or learn about another part of the world. Let them carefully push the keys or move the mouse under supervision. Giving them a supervised peek will help cure their curiosity.

Limit time
Families with new computers often become obsessed with the computer, especially when it opens or speeds up your connection to the Web. A computer should not disrupt regular family routines or cause parents to become too distracted. Try to limit the time you spend on the computer while you are with your child, and you’ll curb her curiosity further.

Avoid accidents
Keep the laptop closed and stored in a safe place—out of sight and out of reach if possible. Lay down do's, don'ts and guidelines (like "no drinking juice or soda while you're on the computer"), and make sure you follow the rules, too.

Finally, it is perfectly okay to make the laptop off limits to children until you decide there is a value in allowing her to use it. School years will provide ample opportunity for children to explore computers and learn online.

Sharon Miller Cindrich is a mother of two and the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with your Tech-Savvy Kids.