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Q
How and when should I start teaching my three-year-old about the computer?
A
Your three-year-old doesn't need computer training now, or for several years to come. Learning how to use a computer won't make kids smarter, more creative, or more prepared for elementary school. Your child should probably learn how to type when he's in the mid-elementary grades and learn how to locate resources online by the end of elementary school.

The best introduction to computers will come when your child expresses interest in learning more about them. It's the same as when a child's interest in playing the piano is triggered by hearing Mommy play a song. If you have a computer and your child indicates an interest in learning more about how it works and what it does, answer her questions without overwhelming her. Keep this learning process child-generated, fun, and pressure-free.

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