My three years old Alyssa is interested in everything, this includes the computer, my cell phone and video games. I don't let hear use these things on a daily basis but when I do, I have come up with a few tricks to make things a little simpler for her.
When using the computer I enlarge the mouse, make it black and slow down the mouse speed for her. If you are using Windows Vista, right click on your desktop, select Personalize and then Mouse Pointer. Now, instead of sending the mouse pointer across the screen she has more control and select items to click on with greater ease. The websites I let her visit are noggin.com, nickjr.com and tv.disney.go.com/playhouse.
When we are driving in the car my daughter loves to talk on the phone and my mom (aka Grammie) loves to hear from Alyssa. So I've taught her how to call her Grammie. No, at 3 she hasn't memorized any phone numbers but she has learned how to use T-Mobile MyFavs. This cell plan isn't perfect (I have yet to find a plan that is), but Alyssa can scroll to Grammie's picture on my phone, press the circle button twice and talk to Grammie as long as she wants (without wasting my minutes). This keeps her occupied on my drives around town. Perfect!
Lastly, video games. Okay, like most moms, I am not a fan. However, last Christmas Alyssa received a V-Tech V-Smile from her grandparents. It came with a keyboard/mouse/pen/joystick combo thing and a game. It has tremendously helped her recognize letters and numbers. She has even recently started writing letters with the pen and pad.
Holding On To Little Things
11 years ago
