We've heard about too much television...

MommyToAshley wrote: but what about too much time on the computer? Ashley really doesn't like to watch too much television, but she is addicted to the computer. I think she would spend all day on the computer if I let her. Anyone else have a toddler spending too much time on the computer?

I think it is better than TV because at least it is interactive, but I don't want her spending all her time on the computer either. It isn't so bad when we had nice weather, but now thta we don't go out as much, she is always asking to be on the computer.

MomToMany replied: Hannah loves the computer too. The only way she stays off of it is if I password protect it. She can't get in there to play her games. I'll let her play a little bit, but then shut it completely down so if she turns it on again, you need to type the password in.

I think the kids will be getting lots of new games, books, and coloring books for Christmas, otherwise they always ask to watch a movie or play games.

Gatalita replied: Even though Zuriel is only 14 months old he already has his own little lap-top that my husband gave him. Hubby and I are typically on the computer almost 24-7. Mind u hubby has his own little computer buisness Wiles Web Works and Technologies, so that is why he is on so frequently. But, when we are both on the computer Zuriel will go to where his lab top is and bang on the keys. It is so... cute. But, I can see that to be a potential problem...

I know that that computer is better than television b/c it teaches hand eye cordination. However, I think as everything does you need to keep it balanced. I don't really know how much is too much though. If u find out ne thing please let me know.

redchief replied: My kids could never spend too much time on the computer... because I already do preempting their computer attempts.... MUahahahahah. heheh.

J/Kidding. Anyway, wth us we don't actually limit their computer time unless we fear they've developed an addiction. So far that's only happened with one. We had to limit her use for a while. Otherwise our kids (with the exception of the 20 year old) have enough other activities that take them from the puter that it's not too problematic.

12 Step Program?

Hi, my name is Ed and I'm a computer addict.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Claudia is rarely uses the computer. I bought a few game for her, blues clues and bob the builder. But she isn't interested. She isn't really interested in the TV either, she is always telling me to turn it off. She would rather sit and read her books or play with her mega blocks.

Jamison'smama replied: Jamison also likes the computer but when I went to her 2 year ped appointment, he said 1 hour limit of "screen time" per day is what they like to see and that includes TV AND the computer. I do think the computer is better as it has taught her more letters and cause/effect but that is the pediatric association recommendations I guess.

Kaitlin'smom replied: Kaitlin does not spend much time on the computer at all, she would rather watch Scooby

3_call_me_mama replied: As Jamison's mom said.. screen time should be limited, that being TV, videos, game systmes, and computers.....

With that said...
Cameron is addicted to the computer. He will play his games 24-7 if we let him. He freaks out if you turn it off when he is using it. We literally have ot shuit it down adn unplug it, cause he knows how to let it bot up and put the disk in adn rrun the game. He has a bunch of games that he plays, mainly while i am getting dinner ready or bathing the baby, cause i need to have him in a place where i jknow he is focuse dand will not wander around and get into trouble. DH is a network admin for the state colleges so we have a ton of computers lying around and therefore Cameron has his own in his playroom that he is pretty much allowed to use when ever it is plugged in. SO we are not good about following the 1 hour rule, but there are far worse thigns he could be doing, and he doesn't use it everyday, so in 30 days he migh tactually have 30 hours of screen time, total. But sometimes it may be 3-4 hours in one day... (those are the night s i cook before DH is home! LOL)

coasterqueen replied: I would say Kylie is more addicted to the tv over the computer but that's my fault. I disagree that a child can't be as interactive with a tv though. Not just because Kylie likes the tv more but because I see the way she is when she is watching a show. She will get up and dance, sing with the songs. When they are talking numbers or alphabet she is saying it right along with them.

I know we are supposed to limit our tv time but I'm not going to limit it to only one hour. I just make sure Kylie gets a well-balanced day of activity/tv, and other things as well. After all I have to let her be a kid some. My aunt was one of those who closely monitored everything her children watched, etc...and all her children did was rebel for them being so "protective".

~KARA~ replied: My girls arent aloud on my computer. the oldest gets to work on one at school.
Tv how ever is on all day in my house. Maddison is a regular tv junkie in the mornings. She watches Nick jr and pbs kids. She loves Dora and Blue and plays along with them. From dora she has learned her 8 basic colors, 4 shapes,and to count to 10 in english and 5 in spanish. Idont mind tv as long as she is learnign something from it.

maestra replied: Jaci won't leave the computer alone! She knows how to load cds, and can turn it on if we turn it off. The computer is in our dining room, which is on the other side of the living room. Sometimes I will be sitting on the couch, she will walk away, and I will start to hear the click click of the mouse. She isn't trying to open any particular game, usually just wants to watch music videos on Yahoo Launch or put in one of her daddy's Star Wars movies.

I think that Jaci really likes the tv just for background noise. There is one in her bedroom, and when she goes in there to play, she always turns it on (I'm amazed she can reach it, but when she gets on her tiptoes she can). She mostly prefers watching the commercials. She could usually care less about the shows! Her favorite expression right now is "Call Now!" and then she will start spouting off numbers (she can count to ten easily, but her favorite number is 6).

Josie83 replied: Cassie's like Claudia, she's not really big fan of the TV or computer. She lieks to be outside and playing about or building things inside. She'll watch a programme or a film but only usually if Jason or I watch it with her. She's not into the computer at all, she'll sit on jason's knee when he's on there but wouldn't go over there to play on it herself xx

kimberley replied: the boys were computer addicts as toddlers. now they are limited to weekends and a movie at bedtime.