Come to think of it, it is common place to answer this question by saying that it is best to expose babies to computers as much as possible as soon as possible. After all, we live in an age where expertise on such machines is critical to success in a wide range of endeavors, and it therefore would be a good idea to make sure a child becomes accustomed to, comfortable with, and adept at the technology right from the start.  However, the fact of the matter is that no evidence exists to suggest that children gain any enduring advantages whatsoever when exposed to computers at very early ages. In addition, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that extensive exposure may actually be highly detrimental to optimal educational development.

Take for example my Keoni.  I had mentioned this in one of my earlier articles and vignettes on my son.  Keoni, although extremely advanced and smart for his age, (he’s 5 now and spoke before he was 1, was potty trained at 1, learned how to read when he was 4, knew to write at age 2),  somehow never  improved his penmanship!  Actually, he doesn’t like writing longhand and his reason?  “Mom, my teacher says I’m smart, you say I’m smart. Why do I have to write on paper when I can read, spell and type on the computer perfectly?”  So there you have it, a perfect example of the ill effects of getting used to using the computer.

Think about it. Prior to two-and-a-half or three years of age, most children have not yet developed the cognitive skills necessary to understand and appreciate the complicated cause-and-effect processes involved, nor have they yet developed the sophisticated hand-eye coordination required to operate the mouse and keyboard with confidence and ease. Consequently, using the computer is largely a passive experience in which much of the thought and effort is supplied by someone else.  At best, a child will eventually be "trained" to perform the specific steps involved in operating a particular device and selected software programs. While this may appear impressive and may seem to indicate that the child now has a significant advantage over other children, the child's "advantage" is merely temporary and mostly illusory. Given the rate at which technology is advancing, by the time the child is in first or second grade, the specific computers and programs he has mastered will be largely obsolete. And he will be left with nothing more than a collection of knowledge and skills that is as useful as the collection of knowledge and skills involved in using a slide rule is today.

It may be good to note by us parents and critical to keep in mind that the environment in which we currently live in is not the same environment our children will inhabit as adults. Giving little ones what is required to be "the best" today is not necessarily helpful; and it can be harmful if it prevents them from developing the kind of flexibility and adaptability that will enable them to conquer (and perhaps even help create) a better tomorrow.

On the other hand, some tests have shown that infants and toddlers always get satisfaction and benefit from enjoyable activities pursued alongside their parents. Just like my Keoni, again, because of my status (single working mom), grew up around my being on the computer sometimes till wee hours of the morning, making my proposals, meeting my deadlines.  He was so used to seeing me work on the PC so much that sometimes he would wake up in the morning and find me still on it and say, “Mom, did you sleep?”  But at times, during his toddler years when it wasn’t too late that I’d let him sit beside and watch me work.   He liked looking at the screen just as babies may be attracted to the changing light patterns on the screen, they may be intrigued by the sounds coming from a program, and they may take delight in simply banging on the keys. And, of course, they definitely will be enamored with imitating Mommy and Daddy.

So if you enjoy fooling around on your computer and want to let your little one gain some familiarity with the machine under your supervision, that's perfectly all right. But keep in mind that the early years are a time when children are "learning how to learn" through active exploration, investigation, and experimentation with a wide variety of items and activities.  Infants and toddlers need plenty of opportunities to play with materials that engage their senses and provide them with a lot of "hands-on" experiences in order to develop broad concepts and skills that will enable them to master all sorts of specific challenges later on - including the proficient operation of whatever computer technology is then on the cutting edge. And they need plenty of opportunities to acquire as much general knowledge as they can about the wider world and the people who populate it so they can eventually use a specific tool like a computer productively.

With all the cyber games on the computer, kids nowadays miss out on “more human” or real life playing experiences.  It may be more thoughtful for some mothers and fathers to simply let their young child play with the neighbor’s kids or their cousins while the kid next door is busy becoming a computer "whiz kid" by the age of three. Don’t ever be afraid that if you don’t let your kids get on the computer early they may be just "wasting time" and will quickly "fall behind" his technologically proficient peer. But it pays to be patient. The evidence is overwhelming that the child who spends his infancy and toddler days having a lot of fun with all sorts of simple stuff will soon surpass those children whose time, energy, and attention were forced into relatively narrow channels during the early years - no matter how "important" those channels may appear to be at the moment. The less narrow child will be healthier, happier and not only survive in the future, he will thrive in it. 

For any thoughts: jayebautista@gmail.com