As we see more and more websites being developed specifically for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, parents have a greater responsibility of looking into each site to ensure they are safe and age-appropriate. The good news is that the majority of online websites geared toward children are extremely beneficial, teaching a child everything from counting to coloring to dancing to singing.
Through online games, children can learn, thus getting a head start when it comes time to start school. As you can imagine, children’s websites are quite controversial. On one hand, you have individuals who strongly believe that children should be allowed to be kids, playing outdoors in the mud, riding bikes, playing with dolls, and so on. While I certainly agree that kids need to be kids, the other side of the argument is that for a child to make it in today’s advanced schools, he or she needs some computer time.
Personally, I feel some computer games are fine but the time on the computer needs to be monitored, as well as the sites being viewed, especially as the child begins to grow into teenage years. Keep in mind that you will find literally thousands of websites designed specifically for children but not all are created equal.
The key to choosing the right online website for your young child is doing your homework, again checking the content to make sure you agree. However, most websites for children focus on very specific areas of development, which is beneficial. For example, using the mouse and having to make actions on the screen, your child is learning hand-eye coordination. Then, the various matching games and puzzles are excellent for problem solving. The games that focus on sound, shape, texture, color, and animals strengthen recognition. Finally, many websites offer areas where your child can learn dances, songs, or hear stories, all excellent interactive fun.
Today, kids are working with computers in preschool. Therefore, by allowing him or her to have some time learning online, he is again gaining valuable experience with the keyboard, mouse, and even his/her own actions to include patience. As the parent, you need to be sitting with your child, helping answer questions and teaching computer use. Obviously, this means you and your child is having more parent/child time, which seems like there is never enough.
Children’s Picture Books by Nancy Luenn
The Ballad of Little Joe (2003)