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Parents and Children Growing Together with Technology

Your child will benefit more from time on the computer if you are there to share her discoveries, help her solve a problem, or admire a picture she has created. Parents can also encourage children's language skills by talking with them about what they are doing on the computer. While younger children require much more direct assistance from parents, older children may simply need a parent on hand for discussion and questions. Simply being available or nearby will provide an older child with needed support. Whatever your child's age, your involvement in her computer use will show her that computer time is something you can do with other people.

Try these tips for interacting with your child during computer time:

• Be present. Sit down together often to play a game and observe the way your child is using the computer.
• Place the computer in a common space shared by the family, such as the kitchen or the family room. That way, if the phone rings or the pot boils, you'll still be within reach when your child needs help.
• Find a balance in providing assistance. Encourage your child to make independent choices and decisions, but be nearby with a suggestion if he is stuck.
• Decide on a firm time limit for computer use, and stick to it. Recommended time for preschoolers (3-5 years) is 20-30 minutes.
• Establish household rules for computer use--such as no eating at the computer or putting away software after use--just as you would around television or other shared items.