A computer for the little ones

Preschoolers, of course, do not need their own computer. For kids, infrequent communication with the parent's computer is quite enough. In the vast world of children's computer games, there are games for this age: a small child can color coloring books on the computer or play puzzles. For older children, there are many educational computer programs that help in learning to read and count. However, it is better not to let the preschooler seriously "get hooked" on computer games, at this age, after all, ordinary board games are much preferable. Educational computer games for kids may not be harmful, but they often formally imitate what can be done on paper. Many parents believe in the "myth" that the use of a computer mouse develops fine motor skills in children. This, of course, is an exaggeration.

Computer – student's assistant

Usually, a child of 7-8 years old will already consciously forgive to buy him a computer. And if you have such an opportunity - buy. The effect of the computer on children at this age is very beneficial and can help in the development of certain skills. For example, psychologists note that working with a computer develops attention, logical and abstract thinking. Computer games will help children learn to make independent decisions, as well as quickly switch from one action to another. The computer also has a good effect on the creative abilities of children. In this case, the positive impact of the computer depends on the individual characteristics of the child. The Internet can be a good school of communication and skills for finding and selecting information.

Computer and child health

It's all about a sense of proportion. The fact is that a short stay at the computer improves concentration, and excessive - worsens. And so that the computer does not damage health, it is very important to regulate the time that the child spends at the computer. Parents, when solving this issue, need to show perseverance and consistency on the one hand, and on the other hand, to overcome their own temptation to take a break from a child who is sitting at the computer, does not prevent parents from doing household chores or watching TV. To prevent the bad influence of the computer on children - the time of classes should be determined by you immediately. It is better for kids under 6 years old not to sit at the computer for more than 20 minutes - and then, preferably, not every day. For children aged 7-8 years, this time can be extended to 30-40 minutes a day. And from 9-11 years - no more than an hour and a half. Among the main health problems that a computer can deliver to children is a large load on vision. And since our eyes are directly connected to the brain, visual fatigue will immediately affect the condition of the child, both physical and psychological. Therefore, adjust the brightness and contrast of the computer so that the baby's eyes are comfortable, and on the "desktop" set a picture of calm colors. Also, it is desirable that the refresh rate of the screen on your computer is maximum (100 or more hertz), especially if you do not have an LCD monitor. It will be very useful to teach the child special gymnastics for the eyes. If you still feel that, despite all the precautions, your child gets tired when working at the computer, then first of all check the correct organization of the workplace.

How to properly equip a computer place

In order for the computer to bring only benefit to children, it is necessary to properly equip the child's workplace. First, it should be well lit, but not so that the monitor gets glare from the lamp or direct sunlight. The table at which the child sits should be suitable for his height. The child's legs should not "hang out" or be squeezed under themselves, so it is better to put a stand under your feet and make sure that the child holds his back straight and does not pick up his head. It is better to place the monitor so that the look at it falls a little from top to bottom, and it is right in front of your eyes (so that the child does not have to turn to it). The screen is best placed at a distance of 70 centimeters from the eyes of the child. Doctors advise daily wet cleaning and ventilation in the room with a computer, and it is also good to keep an aquarium in the room, which is more useful than a cactus at a monitor that allegedly absorbs harmful radiation.

How to tear your child away from the computer

If it is impossible to tear a small child away from computer games without subsequent hysteria, this, of course, is a manifestation of the initially wrong policy of adult attitudes. Parents are then very worried about the harmful effects of the computer, then suddenly seem to forget about it, allowing the child to play for hours. And since there are no uniform requirements in the family, then the child acts as he wants. When older children, especially teenagers, spend a lot of time at the computer, this can be an indicator of problems in the family. Children "go" to the computer, hiding from family troubles, compensating for their own loneliness, or because it is difficult for them to communicate with their families. If you are sure that it is just a strong hobby, then in order to tear the child away from the computer, it is best to switch his attention to another activity. It will be nice to captivate the child with sports, to find him some kind of mobile hobby. If you notice that children prefer a computer to a book , this is an alarming sign. No matter how much useful information there would be on the Internet, it is worth trying to captivate the child with a book. There is also a problem of the quality of the information that the child receives via the Internet, but this is a topic for a separate conversation. So that there are no family scandals and quarrels around the computer, you need to talk to children initially (but without "horror stories", moralizing and pressure!), simply and clearly explaining why it is harmful for children to sit at the computer for a long time. Be honest with your child – he will feel it and remember it for the rest of his life.

Do not be afraid of the negative impact of the computer on the child. With a reasonable approach, the computer will not bring any harm, but the benefits will be downright invaluable. Having his own computer, the child will slowly learn to reinstall something, understand what is happening with technology, will be able to start his own creative projects. Such skills will be very useful to him in the future, and maybe they will become a profession. Your own computer is, one might say, the personal space of the child, and it is necessary for every emerging personality. So, do not be afraid to put a computer in the nursery. Technological progress cannot be stopped, and children are the first to meet its latest achievements. And in order for a smart machine to be a friend, not an enemy, of our children, we, adults, also need to improve our level of knowledge. At least so that we can understand what our children are passionate about, share with them their successes, and just communicate more with our children.