Neat computer program for toddlers (and younger)

[Ringo]

http://www.download.com/AlphaBaby/3000-2288_4-10218879.html


It's called AlphaBaby, and I read about in MacWorld. I think this particular program is only on the Mac, but there's gotta be something simliar out there for you PC people.

Basically, what it does is disable every key on the keyboard so the kid can pound on it and not screw anything up. each key brings up a letter or shape in a different color and plays a sound. my son LOVES it. he gets to play on the computer and I don't have to worry about him throwing out the photo folder (again. we had backups, so no harm done. This time).


anyway, it's free and keeps him occupied. especially if he's like my boy and has to push every button he sees.


:)

[billreeves]

Ooh, good stuff. My kid is not yet pounding on things, but when he sits on my lap while I'm at the computer, he has started to lunge for the keyboard -- I'm not sure what he's going to do with it, it won't fit in his mouth, but I think he wants to try it anyways. He will probably be at the key-pounding stage in six months or so.

[Lizzie Bee]

My husband wrote my son a little VB program that just puts the letters on a screen and makes a typing sound. Not too fancy, but he used to enjoy it quite a bit.

[kerpow]

That sounds completely genius. My 6m old loves to pound keyboards. And as I have an external keyboard (and monitor) for my Powerbook she can hit it as much as she likes.

Will give it a go this weekend.

[Twenty26Six]

It's called AlphaBaby, and I read about in MacWorld. I think this particular program is only on the Mac, but there's gotta be something simliar out there for you PC people.:)

It is called BabySplat. I don't know if it is the exact same kind of program, but it is comparable. I've downloaded it and should try it tonight or tomorrow.

Edit: Not the same it is more of a random paint/shape generator. To quote Brick: "Loud Noises"

[what a goal!]

Sorry to be a spoilsport here, Ringo, but why would you want to teach your little one how to use the computer when he could be outside playing with a ball and getting some sun.

[Twenty26Six]

Sorry to be a spoilsport here, Ringo, but why would you want to teach your little one how to use the computer when he could be outside playing with a ball and getting some sun.

If only your parents had been given that advice.

[Ringo]

Sorry to be a spoilsport here, Ringo, but why would you want to teach your little one how to use the computer when he could be outside playing with a ball and getting some sun.


how is this program different than any other toys where you push something and something colorful/noisy happens?

and not to be a prick, but who the heck are you to think that I'm sitting my son in front of a computer all day? are you honestly accusing me of NOT playing with my son? of not playing outside with him? you're not trying to be a spoilsport, but what they hell ARE you trying to be?

this is a good site for advice from other parents ... but don't you dare tell me I'm a bad parent. you don't know me.

[Lizzie Bee]

Haven't you guys heard of sun burn? Skin cancer?

Sheesh. I say put 'em in the house, away from windows, wrapped in protective gear in front of the TV and/or Computer. That'll get 'em prepared for the Real World in a hurry.

Play ball outside? Sheesh, what is the world coming to!

[Ringo]

sorry, montgjules, I would've responded sooner but my son and i just go back from a walk to the park and library. now, to move aside and let the computer babysit for me while I got down some cheap scotch.

;)

[Lizzie Bee]

I can see we're on the same page, except for me not drinking so I guess I'll like go watch some soap operas or something. On the TV my son ISN'T watching...

[Ringo]

is it wrong for me to leave the empty bottles in his crib? I mean, if I ever let him outside, I guess I could clean them up then.

[what a goal!]

how is this program different than any other toys where you push something and something colorful/noisy happens?

and not to be a prick, but who the heck are you to think that I'm sitting my son in front of a computer all day? are you honestly accusing me of NOT playing with my son? of not playing outside with him? you're not trying to be a spoilsport, but what they hell ARE you trying to be?

this is a good site for advice from other parents ... but don't you dare tell me I'm a bad parent. you don't know me.When I was little I never played on a pc until I was going to school.
You don't want your son to screw up the pc now do you?
You are bringing your son up to be fat an lazy.

[Lizzie Bee]

Is it wrong for me to feed my children cups of sugary juice before bed? I hear that's good for their teeth. :D Then is it bad to leave the cups in their beds until I can't find a place to put the actual kid down anymore? And then I have to take the cups out, throw them away and buy new ones? Is that bad?

what a goal! : Now I KNOW you're joking. That was too over the top critical to be serious at all.

p.s. My husband spent most of his youth wasting away in front of a computer screen, playing around with the settings and learning how it worked. Funny how he earns more for his job (software engineer, as it happens to turn out) than either of my Ivy League-graduate siblings or in-laws. Huh.

Oh well, one more potential Forest Ranger gone to waste in a big office!

[Ringo]

When I was little I never played on a pc until I was going to school.
You don't want your son to screw up the pc now do you?
You are bringing your son up to be fat an lazy.


did they have pcs when you were little?
did you read the post? he can't screw it up, hence the beauty of the program.
F off. Seriously, F off. I can't say that strong enough. don't you dare call my son fat, lazy or me a bad parent.

[Twenty26Six]

did they have pcs when you were little?
did you read the post? he can't screw it up, hence the beauty of the program.
F off. Seriously, F off. I can't say that strong enough. don't you dare call my son fat, lazy or me a bad parent.

Don't respond to the troll. It only gives him more reason to come back and be annoying.

[what a goal!]

Don't respond to the troll. It only gives him more reason to come back and be annoying.Excuse me I am not a troll. I might have a different opinion to you but that doesn't make me a troll. :mad:

[what a goal!]

did they have pcs when you were little?
did you read the post? he can't screw it up, hence the beauty of the program.
F off. Seriously, F off. I can't say that strong enough. don't you dare call my son fat, lazy or me a bad parent.Is it any wonder kids in America and everywhere else are obese because of f wits who don't let there kids play outside.

You are telling me to f off that's what you will be doing.

[Sachin]

Thread closed -- for now.