Computers have become an essential part of modern life, and children will need to be comfortable with them and know how to use them to be successful as adults. Parents should be vigilant in monitoring their children's computer usage, especially online, but should also allow children to take advantage of the many educational and creative applications on the market.
Educational Games
Children learn best when they are having fun, and educational games have become increasingly sophisticated. Educational games are available for children as young as 3, which teach fundamental preschool concepts of colors, shapes, letters and numbers. For older children, educational websites are based on popular television programs that teach science, literature and social skills.
Creative Applications
A computer program will never replace a preschooler's desire to finger paint, but good drawing programs are designed for children. These programs allow the young artist to create a nearly infinite number of pictures, while never running out of supplies.
Music programs allow budding musicians to compose their own works without having to purchase and master a dozen instruments.
Research
The Internet is a valuable research tool, and children should learn how to use it. If they are interested in whales, for example, a parent or teacher can demonstrate how to use a search engine to find information. From there, a discussion on reputable sources and being a critical reader can flow naturally. Children who can find answers to their questions and know how to decide whether a source is credible have learned a valuable life skill.
Programming
If you have a child very interested in computers, encourage them to try creating their own programs. Writing a working computer program requires the programmer to plan, think creatively and logically, and to express his plan in a very logical, structured way. These are all skills that will help them in their school work.
Brain Fitness
Computer games that emphasize strategy, problem solving and puzzles have been shown to help geriatric patients regain cognitive function. For children, these types of games can help them warm up their brains before school or a big test, like a warm-up routine before heavy exercise.
Organization And Time Management
Chances are, when your child grows up she will use a computer-based calendar, contact list and to do list to keep track of meetings, clients, appointments and other commitments. Those tools are just as useful to a high school student who needs to keep track of assignment due dates, sporting events, extracurricular activities and social commitments.
