The modern age is a challenging time to raise your kids. It’s no use getting into one of those grumpy “back in the day” conversations, because we all know that despite all the difficulties 2012 is a pretty amazing time to be alive. Technology has brought a lot of value to our lives, and with computers becoming smaller and more portable and the internet used by more people than ever before, it’s plain to see that it is here to stay. That doesn’t mean children should be left to discover it on their own. There are so many distractions in our lives, and you have to make sure that your kids still have the chance to be kids. But it is possible to see that they experience all that used to be so great about the innocence of childhood, while also enjoying the nearly limitless knowledge that technology can bring. Here are five tips to help you introduce technology to your kids.

First of all, look for toys that get them thinking about technology while still using their creativity. Legos are great for this, and there are sizes that fit almost every age. Kids can build basically anything they can dream of, and newer Lego sets actually come with motors and various other high-tech gadgets that show your kids what’s possible with technology without leaving them to sit in front of the computer for hours on end. Choose Your Own Adventure books are another great option, once your kids are reading. While they don’t involve technology, they do show kids how decision-making can control a story. Your children will start to wonder how that works, and the ’cause and effect’ conversations you can have are a solid precursor to hands-on gadgets.
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