At 14 months my son was ready to use the computer, I allowed him to play around a little, I haven't bought any software yet. What is a good age to start out?

I think that computer usage should be treated like TV usage for little ones. It's Ok so long as it is monitored & limited. I'd guess that no more than 1-2 hours combined per day would be OK, no more.

I agree, that it is like TV time. Just be sure it is educational. Children should always be supervised on a computer. They will surprise you on how fast they can learn it.
Our middle boy, now 3 uses the comp like a pro.
We used to have some games that were great for little ones. You should have no problem finding some.

Originally Posted by Liza

At 14 months my son was ready to use the computer, I allowed him to play around a little, I haven't bought any software yet. What is a good age to start out?

I think that as young as they're ready for the computer is the right time. That's *computer* though, with educational software and not internet, of course. If there are games online for little ones, they should be totally monitored at all times. I really see no need for internet nearly as young as a need to learn the computer in general.

My boys both started using the computer when they were about four years old. Their time is limited on it and the only things they are allowed to do is play games on like Disney and educations stuff.

I started using the computer when I was very young, using it mainly as a word processor to type. I used to type out all the books that I owned on the computer, and I think that helped me learn to read and spell better. I would definitely let my kids use the computer at a young age, for educational purposes of course.

Originally Posted by Jewel

I started using the computer when I was very young, using it mainly as a word processor to type. I used to type out all the books that I owned on the computer, and I think that helped me learn to read and spell better. I would definitely let my kids use the computer at a young age, for educational purposes of course.

Typing out books was very ambitious of you! That's good to hear that it helped you with reading and spelling and it sounds like a great idea! Spelling seems to be a big downfall of many people these days, so that would allow someone to see and type (and learn that way) words and how they should be spelled.

My son enjoys watching a slideshow of family photos playing on the computer. He likes Google Earth too!

I think that the time limitations may apply more to the strictly recreational activities, aside from taking breaks from looking at the screen.

I'd be inclined to allow a child considerably more time on the computer if constructive learning was involved than if a shooter game was being played, for example.

I think that it is good to start them as early as possible. I let my children look at the cbeebies website and type their name. They are nearly 3.