Food for Thought

As information professionals and children's librarians, we often get asked the question, "When is it appropriate to introduce computers to my child?"  Currently, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is being pressured to take a stand on this issue, particularly in the case of children ages 0-3.  Groups like the Alliance for Childhood are advocating no computers for this age group, clearly outlined in their position letter.  The founders of the Alliance are quoted in Dr. Jenn Berman's new book Superbaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years, as saying "Robust play stimulates the mind, strengthens the body, and develops social skills and emotional maturity", as opposed to time spent in front of a computer.  They go on to question the lessons we are teaching when we introduce them to computers at such a young age: "They teach children to pay less attention to people...and more attention to machines" (p.247).  Berman herself describes her personal challenges and triumphs to limit screen time with her toddlers.  In addition to this chapter on "screen time", she also devotes chapters to the importance of play, communication, and reading with your baby.  Need some inspiration?  A great way to do all of these things, (and introduce your child to computers when the time is right) is to join us in the children's department.  We have early childhood programs that assist in developing pre-reading skills, toys and games to play with new friends, and plenty of books to fill an afternoon of reading together in a window seat.  -Elaine B.