Loved it, they went into so much detail, not sure that a kid could persuade his teacher that the opposite of educate is learn, but love the theory. Also my teachers would have known I had cheated if I came up with that logic - or infact any logic. To be honest, if I had completed my homework they would have know something was fishy

I don't think there is such a word as uneducate. There is the adjective "uneducated", ie, without education, but there is no verb "to uneducate"

Rudi

Except for the uneducated.

I'm all for the kids being kids thing (in fact it's one of the reasons we emigrated), but letting 'em use a computer doesn't hinder that. Whether it's a pen and paper, or Microsoft Word - both require imaginations. Tech is for teenagers? Maddest thing I've heard in a long time. Sorry.

Just out of interest how do you know that your son "was top of the class on reading and near top on maths, art etc." ? Is this information given to parents in your state (as it certainly isn't in WA).

Jazzy's son, what answer did you give, and was it right?

I know he was the top of his class in reading because he was the only child to go off the 'numbers' into ungraded books in his year. I know he was near top in Maths and Art because he won bronze certificates in both. Honestly can't remember what information they reveal in the school reports.

Let me explain then.

I've got a 2 year old and a 3 year old, I want them to play with dolls and teddie bears and thomas the tank engine, and Mickey mouse, and the Wiggles, and their big red car.

As they get older yeah sure they'll start using a word processor and email, but I'm thinking maybe 7 or 8 years old? I want them to have a fun childhood. Forget tech.

Don't get me wrong, both me and Mrs JTL are techies through and through, its how we earn our living, I just don't see it as a panacea for our kids. If they want to do other things I would encourage it


JTL

Couldn't have said it better myself

They start them a bit too young I say

Agree..if it was educational, the opposite would be uninstructive...as for "educate" ..the "verb''' not so sure.

I reckon that's the bottom line. I never pushed my son to get into computers, but he's always shown an interest. He still plays with lego, does drawings, camps out in the back garden with mates and rides his bike to the beach though, so he's certainly not some tiddler-geek.

My son is exactly the same... OH is IT (programmer) and since my lad was about 2 he could use a computer (the days of him playing Noddy!).. at his nursery they used to be amazed that he could switch it on and double click and all sorts.. he's a natural now, he's 12 btw.. OH is going to start teaching him how to programme and install stuff (re-build his machine etc etc).. tho OH was a bit pissed off to find that son is now better than him at some gaming..

We have problems with him coz he can get very focused and would stay on the thing all day if able.. so we time-limit him (3 hours per day at weekends).. its become a catch phrase.. can I have my 3 hours now?

Its not something we have pushed him into either.. he just is damn good at it..

Em x

PS He does and is interested in a zillion other things too btw, drama, scouts, bodyboarding, swimming, etc etc..

My PS has come across like a disclaimer! haha! I must be on BE far too much! :S

My kids have all been able to use the computer since they were 2 or 3 as well. They all have their own logon setup and have to use their own area. We have parental controls setup so they can't get into too much trouble. It's great that my eldest (she's just turned 10) has been able to download her own tracks for ballet, singing etc for years. My husband's mate and business partner came over for dinner the other day and was telling us how he was in a business meeting that day and had his laptop open - next thing he gets a call on skype - it was our daughter phoning him to have a chat. He was too polite to say he was in a meeting so he sat there having a 10 minutes video conference with an almost ten year old during his meeting.