By: Cat Schwartz
eBay Toy and Gadget Director and VTech Advisory Council Member

October is Computer Learning Month – a time to celebrate today’s tech-savvy tots and the digital world that grows with them. Now that computers and Internet communication are part of daily life, your child is absorbing technology. It’s my job to stay on top of the latest gadget and toy trends and I see my kids following in my footsteps by choosing toys that connect them with all things digital. I’ve developed a few simple tips to introduce children to technology at a young age without overwhelming them.

Start Them Early

As tiny tots wobble through their first steps, they are already developing in a world filled with digital discoveries. To introduce your children to today’s gadgets, allow them to watch you using your personal computer and other digital devices. As you navigate the Internet or snap photos with your digital camera, take a moment to explain how the device works and encourage your children to ask questions about the item’s functions. This will ensure your children see you as the expert and are more likely to come to you before their curiosity becomes a technology breakdown.

Try Tech Toys

Even young minds are ready to respond to technology-based education and they thrive on toys that imitate adult products. The best option for immersing your children in the wonders of computer learning is to provide tech-toys similar to those used by the adults in their lives but age-appropriate. Try incorporating an entertaining technology-based toy into everyday play, such as VTech’s Nitro Web Notebook, which connects to the web so your kids can download new games. Kids will feel a sense of independence as they interact with their own individual laptop, while gaining familiarity with the concept of computing. By using gadgets that offer educational value, children can translate lessons they learn in math, science, language arts, Spanish and more in to their everyday lives.

Safe Surfin’

Kids are eager to connect with each appealing website that flashes before their eyes, but it’s crucial to introduce young ones to safe Internet surfing habits. Establish appropriate browser settings that allow them to only explore the pages you see fit. By choosing web-connected products like V.Smile Cyber Pocket, you can rest assured your children are engaging in safe online play because it only connects to the secure online website PlanetVTech.com. Additionally, it’s helpful to “bookmark” or select websites for the “favorites” section of your Internet browser to ensure your kids can easily and directly navigate to kid-friendly sites.