Games That Enhance Your Child's Learning

Children learn all day. From a walk with you to "helping" to make lunch, they are observing, absorbing and making sense of the world. One of the best ways for them to learn is through play

Growing up with Technology

When it comes to older children - school age and up - there is a whole new set of factors to consider when introducing technology

Q.   When does my child need his or her own computer?
A.   A child under 10 can share a family computer. A child who is frequently using the family PC for school projects - often around junior high school - may benefit from his or her own computer. Don't buy a computer early for a child to "grow into". By the time the child is ready to use it, it may be too slow to handle the latest software.

Q. What do I need to know about the content of the games my child plays?
A. Know the storyline of the game and the conduct of the characters involved. Does their behaviour meet with your approval ? Are there elements of the game you consider too intense for your child ? The only way to know this is to sample the game yourself - and play through to the end if you can to be sure you've seen all the game has to offer. Rating on the box can give you a general guideline but you are the best judge of a game's suitability. Also, be aware that there are often marketing messages embedded in today's games. Commercial products such as cereals and candy are transformed into game "characters." Be aware that these additional commercial messages may be reaching your child via the computer.

Q. What limits should I set on my child's computer and video game playing ?
A. It's wise to have parental rules surrounding technology but there is no magic number of minutes for appropriate play. Parents must evaluate their own children and their behaviour to set the family rules. If video game play seems to result in overactive behaviour in your child, consider a time limit or a rule that blocks the game play just before bedtime. If you are concerned about exposing your child to scenes of video game violence, screen the game yourself before letting your child play. Once you set limits on either time or type of computer or video game play, be sure all the adults in the child's life, including grandparents and babysitters, know and adhere to the rules.