Geek in Training
My long time readers are well aware that J & I have geek-like tendencies. Being a tad geeky is something I am proud of. I (heart) my iBook and drool over the new iMacs. J is a chemist. ‘Nuff said.
Becca and Ethan are bound to be on the geek side. We are not big sport people, more the great outdoors type. Really my computer is on and within 15 feet at all times during the day and J sits in front of me now with TWO laptops working away.
It may surprise some, that I have yet to introduce Becca to the world of computers (being that I am so addicted). There are a few reasons for that. For starters that American and Canadian Pediatric Societies, do not recommend computer use until the age of three. Secondly, I am not all that excited about sharing my beloved. I knew that it was only a matter of time before Becca would become enamored with the technology. We restrict her use of television and computer time would be no different.
Just before we moved I was contacted and asked if Becca would be interested in trying out a computer based system, being that she was about to turn three (there is software available for younger but this is in part how she won me over). I agreed, stating we would be moving and that I would have little time to devote to a review. I was not entirely convinced Becca would be into it really.
I was so wrong.
Comfy is a computer based educational system, that my kid ADORES. The software is totally interactive, it comes with its own keyboard and has programs for a full range of ages. I was not entirely thrilled about the keyboard, believing that if one is going to learn to use a computer one should do so with the actual keyboard. However, Comfy is not about learning to use a computer per say, rather a fun and educational tool.
The company sent me the keyboard that included the “First Steps” software. It was a basic, however it was a great introduction to the use of the keyboard for Becca. What she really enjoyed was “The World of Colors“. There was so much for her to explore just in that one package! Not only could she work on trivia, answer basic questions, make music, she also was able to follow a story and interact with it. Becca could change the destiny of the characters! Although I am not entirely sure she totally understood the coolness of that, she totally enjoyed watched the effect of her actions.
Due to time constants, we have yet to explore the second software “Birthday Party“, which explores social experiences. Considering Becca plays birthday party all the time, I am sure it will be a big hit on the computer.
The software is PC, however would work with the dual processor Macs, and Boot Camp. I am actually a tad relieved that I do not have to share my beloved, hehe. J had no issues setting it up on his laptop, as with most software it was plug and play.
I was so not convinced that Comfy would really be our thing. Yet watching Becca interact with the software and characters totally showed me how wrong I was. I did not explore the software designed for children under the age of three and would not advocate the use of computers before that age, due to my personal reasons. Becca has really enjoyed exploring the software, and I am enjoying it as an educational tool. I look forward to working blogging beside Becca as she explores Comfyland!
I would to thank Alice, for the opportunity to review the Comfy products that her company supplied to our family for free in return for an honest review. Not only can you find Comfy at their website, but Ebay too!
coolness! A freebie for you! We haven’t let our kids near our computer although they are there in a shot if we’re not looking. Olivia will often tell us she just needs to check her emails or that she is sending one to granny! She has the language sorted. I have been thinking about getting some suitable stuff for her …. but not my department! Might get hubby to have a look at your link.
Fa and I fight over the laptop every day. She loves it…I think it’s great.
Until I get my iMac…then she must keep her paws off…
I know, I’m selfish.
the 2 of us have different views on this, and as you know Nate’s been on the computer since before he turned 2, it’s really got his hand/eye co-ordination going, but those are only my views & opinions.
Having said that, I’m glad you found something for Becca & glad she’s enjoying it.
Hey, that sounds like fun!
My kids - the older two - are big computer fans, although we strictly monitor their computer useage. And in fact, I’m writing right now with the Boy sulking in the corner, waiting to get the computer back.
Free stuff!
I’m ashamed to say, that without the bribe of ‘electronics’ we would never manage to get through the average day.
Best wishes
What a neat oppurtunity! Plus, I was reading your post about why you didn’t want her to begin computers yet, and I was thinking “because you would have to share your computer!” And then no ssoner did I say it in my head, I read it in your post. Too funny!
That sounds great!
I don’t like to share my computer either though we have several kids games. I’m not sure when my kids began to play on here but it isn’t very often. I do mean to set up the ‘extra’ computer we have for them though.
I agree with you with the Comfy. My 4-year old, however, loves the Batman computer. It teaches his letters and numbers. Also loves the Leapster.
My 2-year old loves them, too. His wondering why I don’t let him draw on my computer screen the way I draw using my tablet, though.
Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/
Awww, I love geeks
I’m glad she liked it so much! We were very into learning toys when the kids were little. I think they helped because they are all very smart little kids. Whew!
Brendan is a great in training too!
Opps, I mean geek!
See, I am a geek also!
Awwww…. she’s a future blogger! Let me know when she sets up her site.
My daughter is now asking every morning to watch Annie Lennox on YouTube sing Walking on Broken Glass in concert. Sigh.
that is pretty darn cool (and cuuuute pics!). dh keeps saying we need a new computer so we can pass my old one on to ava. i’m not ready for her to have her own puter yet, but maybe something like this would be good.
btw, if you hadn’t noticed, we’re a family of serious geeks here too.
I just recently came across this product (someone was doing a giveaway) and was interested in it - I’m glad to read your review - I think I will put this on Kayla’s Christmas wishlist for the grandparents! Becca seems to be really enjoying it in the pictures too!
We have geek tendencies as well - hubby does his work on his laptop and is 100% on the road with it, and computers and their innards are his HOBBY. Thank GOD at times, since I’ve killed a few hard drives in my time!
Besides hubby’s laptop (which is off limits to all), we have 2 desktop computers (with both windows and linux on each) along with a house laptop (hubby just got a new laptop for work and got to keep his old (3 yr old) laptop, so now that laptop supports my lazy ass and has become the house toy. We can take it on vacation, we can take it outside.
That all being said, my kids are SO awesome on the computer. I think my son started getting interested in it @ age 3. Now, at almost 6, he is SO good at tooling around on it. He is reading now, which helps him get around better. We’ve even set up a partition for just the kids, so all their games and stuff is there and they won’t open up inappropriate things by mistake. And my 4 year old is doing well on it, with guidance. Sweetpea, who is almost 3, watches her siblings alot, but has yet to really jump in to the mix - I think she’d blow up the toaster at this point.
Glad you found something that is age appropriate, fun and educational. Nowadays, kids really need to know how to get around this technology - and they pick things up so fast!
xoxo
Geeks rock!
We must be related! Both my boys 4-7 are quite efficient in the computer. I of course heavily guard what they do in the computer, but they use their IMs and emails with their Aunts and Uncles all the time. Not sure if that is good or bad, but they are in a pretty high tech elementary school where they have wi-fi and have computer lab 2x a week, so there is no running away from all this technology.
I think it’s a wonderful tool for our child’s development. It can reduce the time they spent on television. And also a great support for their studies.
how cute! nothing wrong with geekism!
I’m totally gonna cry when Becca gets her first Mac. LOL!
Interesting. It would be a big help to parents, especially to those who have kids that are not yet in school and also for home schoolers.
Interesting. It would be a big help to parents, especially to those who have kids that are not yet in school and also for home schoolers.