Are We Having Fun Yet

I’m one of those parents that believe that there’s too much visual stimulation for our next generation. The choices we are hit with on television, computers, and video platforms are mind boggling. I thought to myself, the longer those things stay out, the better (or at least simpler) life will be. Because, being a playmate when there are not playdates with a 5-year-old does have its challenges. For my daughter, who is now in college, we had timers for “TV time”. My kindergartener has his limitations for “visual stimulation” too. It’s an hour during the week, and two hours on weekends.

I get everything from “that’s great…I wish I can do that” to “if your child doesn’t enter the world equipped with the latest techno-knowledge, you’re putting them at a disadvantage.” Had to think about that one, putting him at a disadvantage? What parent wants to do that?

My soul searching did not last long. My little guy’s teacher, Mrs. Teacher set me aside one day to tell me that “Little Guy” (name withheld) was having a little issue learning how to read. The school is going through phonics reading materials and…I really couldn’t believe what came out of her mouth next. “Perhaps you can look into online reading programs?” Did she say online? I said, “Did you say online?” “Yes, there are different learn to read, learn to spell, learn to do anything online content that are really valuable.”

I caught a fly or two in my mouth on my drive home since my mouth was still open from the “input”, but nonetheless, not wanting have Little Guy at a disadvantage, I got home and hesitantly put in “learn how to read” in my search engine. I guess parents are doing this. A site quickly caught my eye. It said that it was the world’s most advanced but they can say anything, can’t they? But, Little Guy IS advanced. Then I read about their 60-day money back guarantee. Well, surely, 60 days is more than an adequate amount of time for Little Guy to catch up, and in the rare event that we need it more than that, they have a program that’s only $9.95 a month. It fit my budget.

I tried a few of the trial lessons, and really, really enjoyed them. The phonics lessons made sense; it was led by an online cartoon tutor and even went through the process of using the mouse and keyboard. Little Guy isn’t so sheltered that he doesn’t know how to use the computer, but let’s just say it wasn’t a habitual experience. What was also great, is that it’s green. No wasted packaging, directions with ads, and there was nothing to download. The whole thing was kept online. Even his progress, as the program came with an online progress report, which kept me abreast.

With the phonics method, Little Guy is learning to read by himself, and is loving the extra computer time. I, too am happy because I feel that I’ve found some sort of technological balance with my child, I’m putting him to an advantage, and I’ve taken advantage of their referral program. As we’re coming into our 5th month, I’ve almost recouped the cost of the program with my referrals!