kid computer/laptop

[Anonymous]

stop feeding the troll.

Browse the sales going on at computer stores, online or in person. You're bound to find a good deal on a desktop or laptop...whichever you prefer.

[Anonymous]

Anyone bought one of those "One Laptop One Child" computers?

[Anonymous]

"1:18 again. PS - my kids are not allowed to eat and drink in front of the computer, not because I am worried about eating habits and screen time, but because I have dropped enough stuff on my keyboard at work to know you can never get the darn thing clean again once there is a spill."

I was about to post the same thing. I'm not sure why someone would assume that kids would always eat while using a computer or watching TV? We don't allow food out of the kitchen or breakfast room. DH and I don't even eat in other rooms, keeps the cleaning down. Oh well.

I second using a regular laptop with a mouse attachment. Most TV shows like Sesame Street and Dora have on-line games. I'll have to look at the brand but we received one of those baby keyboards and Leapfrog infant/toddler game controllers as gifts. They are OK but the games are a little repetitive and the graphics/response time is not great.

[Anonymous]

OP, don't waste your money on a computer for your child, or on electronic games. My children are computer and electronic game-free, and guess what? They can entertain themselves anywhere with anything. They do art projects or make up games instead of asking to be entertained by some device. They also read a lot of books (the ones who can read). There's ZERO evidence that kids need to be exposed to computers early. Sure, they like them -- who doesnt? Computers are just another toy to a kid, but they are completely unnecessary and in my opinion keep young children from developing self-reliance and imagination.

[zumbamama]

Anonymous wrote:OP, don't waste your money on a computer for your child, or on electronic games. My children are computer and electronic game-free, and guess what? They can entertain themselves anywhere with anything. They do art projects or make up games instead of asking to be entertained by some device. They also read a lot of books (the ones who can read). There's ZERO evidence that kids need to be exposed to computers early. Sure, they like them -- who doesnt? Computers are just another toy to a kid, but they are completely unnecessary and in my opinion keep young children from developing self-reliance and imagination.

WHile I agree that spending a couple hundred on a "toy" for the kids is a outrageous, I don't see the harm, at least for my DCs, in letting them play for a half hour on my old computer that would otherwise just collect dust. We have no TV, 5 bookcases full of books and art supplies galore. What I find amazing is that DC will build an imaginative creation with his Legos, draw it on paper and design it on computer. Yes, they don't NEED them, but it's not ruin their lives either, especially when the computer is just one of MANY creative outlets and learning tools around the house.

I also grew up with computers and I don't think it hampered my imagination...I come from a family of artists and am one myself.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the nice and well-put post, zumbamama. I try not to be too dogmatic about any one thing with DC, because I feel like at some point they always want the things we deny so strongly. Balance, balance, balance. That is they key, I think.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:eating chips while watching tv starts with eating grapes while using the computer...

the brain doesn't know the difference.

I guess a glass of wine when they are 21 will send them down that road to crackhead as well!

don't talk about what you don't know smart mamma..

the brain links the "computer activity" with the eating action.

no matter what is in the screen or what is in the bowl.

googling port while eating chips is the same thing for the brain as eating grapes while playing with auto-cad.

I knew exactly what you were referring to and still disagree. Computers don't magically make grape eaters into chip eaters.

what you cannot understand that it's not MAGICALLY...

it's a FACT that the brain cannot select...

it's called CONDITIONING.

why don't you do some google on it?

none of your wonderful parenting books talks about it?

remember the neurologist explanation to why parents forget babies in the car?
the same principle applies here...
some activities, when made into a habit become a task of another part of the brain responsible for automated response.
when your brain triggers the desire for munching on something while playing with the mouse will the person chose yummy chips or healthy grapes?

ok, go for google now.

and you're welcome.

oh, for god's sake, as if we have no control over our own actions or something. Please.

oh.. so the 300 pounds people have full control over what they want to eat?

come on.... you're human and you have cravings too.
and you forget stuff too...
and you do stuff "automatically" too.

We are not Pavlov's dogs.

so what will your excuse be when you forget your baby in the car during summer?

Would you please just GO AWAY!!! I get annoyed every time I see your posts. Go away.

sorry but the world is not like your 2yo paints it.
just because you're closing your eyes very tight and holding your ears screaming GO AWAY things won't desapear.

So we're all supposed to take childcare advice from someone who can't even spell the word disappear? Right.