Kids on the computer?

[Starshine]

I have some before/after school kids here this year. One of them asked to use my computer today and I wasn't sure what to say! Mostly I'm concerned about the computer being damaged by the kids! I let my own school-age child use my computer, but he is supervised and knows how to use it properly. I think I'd just prefer that don't use it, but I wasn't sure what to say to the boy today. Would you let older kids use it or not (age 5-9)?

[jec]

I wouldn't let them, if something did break by mistake- you can be sure it wont' get paid for.

I would just mention to the kids sorry as it's something they can't play with in case it gets broken as you use it for your business.
You would be sick if a glass of water got spilled on it and it was by mistake, you really couldn't ask someone to pay to fix it as it was a mistake

[Play and Learn]

Nope. Wouldn't allow them to use my computer. Just as jec said, it's a business tool.

I also only have the one laptop for hubby and I. Why would I have a bratty child (that's not my own) use it!? I don't even allow my nephews to touch my laptop! lol

[treeholm]

Not a chance.

[Dreamalittledream]

Agreed, I totally would not either. I'm just thinking from a liability aspect...I know I wouldn't have time to monitor their computer explorations with my little DCKs in tow...it would be just that time that older DCK would find some very inappropriate site that traumatizes them for life or something which leads to parent blowing a gasket.

[Toregone]

I know a provider that does only before and after school care and the children have thier own laptops for school. They are allowed to be on thier own computers and she allows them to connect to her wifi but her personal computer is off limits.

[Dreamalittledream]

I know a provider that does only before and after school care and the children have thier own laptops for school. They are allowed to be on thier own computers and she allows them to connect to her wifi but her personal computer is off limits.
Wow...their own laptops for school? Is that a normal thing?

[Mamma_Mia]

I too know a dcp who's 3 B/A school kids have their own iPads!! They don't bring it to school (not allowed) but use her wifi when they're home....

I don't even have an iPad!!

I wouldn't allow anyone to use my laptop either. Now if I had an old desktop that had no internet and just age appropriate games....yeah maybe I'd allow it. Make it educational! :laugh:

[apples and bananas]

I do! My 9 year old daughter has to be with them to assist, but I think the computer is a great tool for learning. I'd prefer they were on the computer being interactive then zombies in front of the tv. I only allow specific websites and as long as my daughter is there it's fine.

I also have one that brings her IPAD. She does not go into my wifi though as I can not monitor what she's watching on there.

[Toregone]

Wow...their own laptops for school? Is that a normal thing?

It's not only normal but a requirement. In the Catholic schools here (not sure about the public) children in grade 4 or 5 (can't remember which grade) need thier own laptop as a required school supply. So they have it with them every day anyway, she figures why not allow them to use it. Mostly they just do homework from what I understand.

[Starshine]

Thanks ladies. I definitely don't want to risk my laptop getting wrecked! I do have an old desktop that is in my son's room, but it doesn't have internet, which is what this kid wants. Ah well, I guess he'll have to make do with playing/crafts/books/etc lol.

[Momof4]

Unbelievable! Children with their own laptops and ipads and dvd players and tvs in their room. I know I'm old but all I had was a radio and a record player. :o

There is no way a child would be allowed to use my computer at daycare. I get a little ticked off when they turn the tv on by themselves.

[kidlove]

I wouldnt let them on my personal computer, however, in the past I had an old computer donated for the purpose of "kid use" I had certain programs downloaded (they were limited to education only) that would be ok, but not your personal computer.

[Dreamalittledream]

It's not only normal but a requirement. In the Catholic schools here (not sure about the public) children in grade 4 or 5 (can't remember which grade) need thier own laptop as a required school supply. So they have it with them every day anyway, she figures why not allow them to use it. Mostly they just do homework from what I understand.
Really? A requirement? I really feel for the families that are just scraping by financially (for whom new school shoes are a financial hardship)....a laptop? Don't get me wrong, a great learning tool....I use my IPad as a teaching tool all of the time with my DCK's (& my own children).

[JennJubie]

I agree, I wouldn't allow them to use it. Again, what if something happened to your computer? If you really wanted to let them use it, though, I would clear it with the parents first just to make sure they were alright with it.

[Bugaboo]

I have allowed the children to view something on the computer or watch a clip of something pertaining to our program. These activities are SUPERVISED and the children do not touch the computer. In terms of allowing the children to play or serf on the computer, that I wouldn't allow. My own children are too young for computer time so I don't even have parental controls set up. I would not allow children on the computer because it has the potential to be dangerous and because it could get broken.