The Ultimate Guide: Software for Children

As parents we face a very tough decision where our children are concerned when it comes to the computer. We are right to be cautious, protective and somewhat leery when they get online, but on the other hand, computers provide essential skills and learning factors that are necessary in today's world.

So, how can we, as parents, rest assured that our children are learning and absorbing all they need to function properly in the technology age while also keeping them safe from predators and harmful elements? Well, that is exactly what this Ultimate Guide is going to tell you.

The Ultimate Software for Children: Internet VS Software

The internet is not for all children and families. Some families are very strict and cautious which doesn't allow for the children to really get a handle on the lessons that could be learned. There is nothing in the world wrong with that at all. However, we do need to let go just a little and allow our children to figure things out for themselves and get the concepts needed.

Being online does open up a fast moving and often very adultified world when children are not yet ready to bear witness to them. From pop-ups of pornography to 'learning chat rooms' that attract child predators there are many pitfalls to be aware of. Most parents assert that they do not have the time sit for a few hours straight while their children are surfing from site to site trying to learn the day's lessons.

So, for children of all ages there are software choices that can do all of that without the risk of the internet and all of its harmful and sometimes very dangerous aspects. This article will show you alternatives to the online activities and is primarily targeted towards children between the ages of 2 to 15 years of age.

The Ultimate Software for Children: Choices

First, let me just say this, that if you are a parent that has decided to let your children use the internet for all of their learning needs then there are software choices for you as well. If you do not 'have the time' to monitor your children and their behaviors with various websites, then please think about buying the following software to help keep them safe.

If you belong to AOL, CompuServe or Prodigy then you already have parental control at your finger tips. These controls allow you to block any profanity, sexual content and those types of problems. Microsoft browsers also come with 'filters' that allow you to be in control of what your children see. If you would like to buy the highest quality in actual software to download onto your computer then the following are considered the best tools: KidDesk Internet Safe and CYBERsitter.

Now then, if you are ready for the best software choices for children today to replace the internet ordeals then here's what you've been waiting for.

Specifically catering to children under the age of 10: The Fisher Price "Ready for School" series, Dr. Seuss preschool and kindergarten, the parent acclaimed Jumpstart series, Junior Adventure, and Playschool Puzzles.

For children ages 10-12: Everything Carmen Sandiego, Clue Finders, and Rockett's New School.

Especially for teens and all of their needs for the ever growing educational demands: Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, Time Warp of Dr. Brain, Age of Empires, Sim City 2000, Mighty Math series, Sim Safari, and Microsoft Creative Writer 2,

The Ultimate Software for Children: Conclusion

So, there you have it. There are many more titles that are superb for the growing intellect of a child's mind but this is called the "Ultimate Guide" not the "Ultimate Encyclopedia." The decision of internet or software is a delicate one worthy of a lot of consideration.