As a first time parent, I am absolutely AMAZED at how fascinated my young toddler is with knobs and buttons on EVERYTHING ... from his toys, to the television, bedside table lamp, dishwasher, and computer.
"Mr. Almost 18 month old" has even found a button on the inside of our dryer door that turns the interior light on and off!
I thought it would be fun for my son and I to learn to use the computer together (in preparation for later learning). Our computer time would be limited to 10 minutes per day, where he could sit on my lap and click the mouse or keys, and play some fun sesame street games (free online).
In just a few short weeks I have changed our 'everyday' computer sessions to once or twice a week at the most. Already I had begun to notice some anti-social behaviour ... crying when we leave the computer office, buckling at the knees, refusing to walk, no longer interacting well with Grandma and Grandad on skype (because he is distracted with the mouse), and during the day repeatedly leading me to the door of the computer room ... waiting, hoping - checking to see if the door is open even before breakfast, rather than going in to say hello to Daddy in bed in the morning.
I have also now unplugged the television at the wall, so it can not be turned on, on a whim - just because we like pushing buttons. When we do plug the television in and turn it on, then we watch programmes together. Curious George, Sid the Science Kid or Super Why? Reader seem to be our favourites.
Here is an interesting article on television in toddlers.
Toddlers and Television watching - news on latest research (click here)
My recommendation to all parents of under two year olds - Turn your television OFF at the wall!
On a positive note, my son is so easily distracted ... we only need mention boots, shoes, hat, or coat and we are off outside to play!
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