HACKER Q&A
📣 itsoktocry

Computer Games for Toddlers?


Does anyone have any recommendations for young children? My daughter just turned 3, and she's very interested in computers (I guess because I spend so much time on one).

I'm showing her basic typing skills in word docs (letters, change font colour). I've also found some simple web games[0] that she enjoys, but I'm looking for more.

Obviously, coordination when using the mouse is limited at this age, though that's something we're working on. Does anyone have any suggestions for software that fits the bill here? What have others done to help young children with basic computer skills?

Thanks!

[0]https://www.owlieboo.com/

  👤 thensome Accepted Answer ✓
I think just letting them play with regular programs or kid versions is better than games. When i was a kid, i would use some kid version of Paint that had little clipart built in, and then i would just play around on word trying to make signs and pictures and junk.

I never got super into video games because my dexterity is crap at high speeds. But as i got into my teen years, my grandma who was super into photography gave me her old laptop. I was really into changing the color of pics, trying to give people makeup, etc. I also really like specific data software like RadarOmega.

In general, i would say try and get fun stuff that doesn't have the pressure of timers and points and game over screens until the kid is old enough to understand competition and games in real life.

👤 RGamma
Around that age I had one of these "educational laptops" (Lexibook-ish). Of course these get old somewhat quick and can't be used for older age...