Little hands on your home computer? TIPS for parents...

Children as young as 2 and 1/2 learn the latest technology skills at Imagine Tomorrow classes. Imagine Tomorrow encourages parents to allow their young children to use the home computer or laptop. Here are some tips we often give to parents:

1. Set up the computer in an area where your child can easily be supervised
2. Sit with your child and explain the rules for using the computer. For example, ask a young child, "Do you think we bang the keyboard, or... do we tap it carefully like this?" Demonstrate with your fingers and let the child try.
3. Imagine Tomorrow students learn a lot about the technology they use in class. The child works independently at a computer running our software. As you guide them at home, try to let them maintain control of the keyboard and mouse.
4. Choose age appropriate content--software or websites--for your child. If your child seems to be getting frustrated, make sure he or she isn't trying to do something that isn't right for his or her age level. Look for content that provides positive reinforcement.
5. Stay involved. Your child might be kept busy at a computer while you try to get something else done, but pop in from time to time to see what they are doing and praise their work.