looking for some advice

It sort of depends on what they are doing with the computer. Instead of removing the desire maybe it could be channeled into productive things and balanced with other activities.

For example, we’ve encouraged our kids to take advantage of technology at very early ages. They all have their own e-mail, instant messaging accounts, and Web sites. Of course, that all started with filtering and our training to be safe on the Internet.

Now as teens, they have acquired skills that will help them in life and careers. They have taken to things like computer programming, Web design, graphic design, 3-D modeling, video  editing, online marketing, and writing. They regularly use the Internet for studying, taking courses, research, project planning, and writing collaboratively with others who live in other parts of the country.

Our children have developed creativity and a love of learning that is often expressed in how they use technology. In fact, some of what everyone enjoys here at SCM are fruits of their skills.

We’ve looked where their interests were leaning then found opportunities to shape those in a productive way. We made it up as we went along so I don’t really have much for specific resources. If it’s an area we don’t know about then we help point them in the right direction to do the research themselves. Sometimes it’s as simple as providing some tools and direction then getting out of the way.

Some examples:

– One child showed a great interest in filmmaking. He was using a still camera to make stop-motion animated movies of toys because we didn’t have a video camera. When he showed some skill we invested in a low-cost video camera and editing software. It’s turned out to be his passion and likely career path.

– Some of our children love maps and globes. We downloaded the free Google Earth software and turned them loose. They pull it up now and then just to explore.

– Some of our children became interested in 3-D modeling, animation, and special effects. This was driven by the movie making fun. We downloaded the free Blender software and pointed them to some getting started tutorials. That also led to learning Photoshop and other design tools.

– All of our children devour books. Some really like exploring nature. We encouraged them to create their own Web sites with blogs about those things so they would have an outlet to write about them. I set it up initially but they’ve learned Web design along the way. We’ve picked up some books on the topic along the way.

– Some started picking up computer programming because I’m a geek and it just rubbed off.  We picked up some books too.

– As I type this, three of our children are playing musical instruments. They looked up some hymns and folk tunes arranged for each instrument on the Internet from resources we helped them find.

Does that help?

I’m lovin this post since we have a 13yo geek in the house!

Doug, do you recommend any type of internet filtering system? We are on a trial period with SafeEyes. Anyone use this? Do you recommend filters; why or why not?

Thanks, Heather