Toddlers using the internet

With a little help from Mummy, computers can be a great way for your little one to learn – and have fun, too ... 

You may have already realised how handy the internet can be for you, but did you know that it’s also a great way to teach and entertain your toddler?

With some of the latest interactive websites and CD-ROMS, he can enjoy getting even closer to his favourite book and TV characters and also learn more about  the world around him.

How much is enough?

Too much of a good thing can be bad, which is why we’d never suggest letting your child sit in front of a computer for hours – even if you’re monitoring him closely.

But there’s nothing wrong with visiting his favourite sites for up to about fifteen minutes a day, and maybe even a bit longer at the weekend, as a special treat.

So much to do!

After a little surfing, you’ll find your own favourites sites, but also check out our favourites, below. Your toddler'll love seeing characters he’s already so familiar with come to life before his eyes. He can play a game with the Teletubbies, help Kevin and Blue find those crucial clues and be part of all the fun in the Disney Playhouse with Big Dave and Little Alex.

On a learning curve

The computer is a great way for your toddler to start learning – and chances are, by the time he’s at nursery or school, the other children will be familiar, too.

So what can you do to help him learn? The first thing is to help him understand how the mouse works. Then, he can practise clicking on things on the screen, before moving on to actually ‘dragging’ things. Even a child as young as two can get the hang of using a mouse – but never force your child if he doesn’t want to get involved.


DON'T

Allow your toddler eat or drink near the computer as you might have to fork out after an expensive spillage or crumbs-in-the-keyboard problem!

Leave your young child unattended at the computer. He could damage it by pressing the wrong combination of keys.

Let the computer overtake other forms of your child’s entertainment. There should be periods during the day where he’s able to run around freely, explore with his toys, do colouring in or have messy time and read books and discuss the pictures and illustrations with you.

Encourage eyestrain by letting him stare at the screen for too long

DO

Bear in mind that if you have more than one child, the computer is a valuable way to teach them to take turns.

Be inventive. Use the keyboard as a clever way to teach him his ABCs. Let him identify the letters on the keyboard s they’re all mixed up. He’ll have fun typing them and seeing them appear on screen.

Print out images of your child’s favourite characters for him to colour in – then he’ll equate using the computer with fun.

Use a favourite photo of your little one as a screensaver  – he’ll love to see himself on screen every time you switch it on.