Where is your computer for your kids to use?

[mim1]

Where do you set up your computer most of the time? I know many people have laptops, but where is it actually used most of the time?

My 4yo ds is using the computer more & more and I always thought that when our kids were using the computer I'd put it in a common area (eg. lounge/family room) to help with supervision. The problem is that if I leave it in the family room my ds wants to use it a lot more and 95% of the time I'm on it in there he comes up & wants to use it himself. But if I put it in my office/3rd bedroom he doesn't want to use it so much, it gives me a bit more peace & quiet when I'm using it, but I can't see what he's doing as I'm not going to sit directly next to him the whole time he plays his games/does reading eggs. I can hear him (it's a small house) and he usually talks while he uses the computer (like his mummy ) so I usually have a pretty good idea what he's doing ... but I know that will change with time.

The 3rd bedroom is about to become the baby's room, so I'm trying to work out where to set up the computer when that happens? If yours is in the lounge/family room how do you make that work without too many interuptions or endless use (yes, I know I can limit time on the computer, but I don't want to be asked every 5 seconds if it's time to use the computer yet).

Thanks.

[WorkingClassMum]

Ours is in a Computer Amoire like this

It is in the lounge room, but is kept closed except when I say it can be used

[himherandhe]

I would leave it out of the way for time being think only when they start using youtube should you bring it into the common area

[WorkingClassMum]

I would leave it out of the way for time being think only when they start using youtube should you bring it into the common area

NEVER! Even a 4yo can accidently wander into a less than desirable page, or accidently click and accept a virus

[himherandhe]

NEVER! Even a 4yo can accidently wander into a less than desirable page, or accidently click and accept a virus

OKAY than no need to get your knickers in a knot. It was only my OPINION.

[HowCrazyCool]

We have a few computers, but the one dsd can use is in the lounge. We can see it from most directions.

[HarvestMoon]

My PC is in the loungeroom and is on full display. DS is 6 and uses this computer the most. He also sometimes uses a netbook that he takes into the bedroom when i want piece and quiet. He also occassionally uses a laptop but sits at the dining table when doing so.

I'm not too concerned about his internet use atm. He only really uses reading eggs and googles/youtube ben 10 and the likes. I do relize dodgy stuff can come up but usually the first few 'hits' are fairly safe. I don't really think he could be bothered going through all the results.

You can limit what they can access anyway... i will probably look into doing so when he gets a bit older or his computer usage increases.

[backgroundnoise]

I just wouldn't let a 4yo use a compy anyway..... (but thats me)

[brogeybear]

I use my laptop in my bed most of the time, esp. now that I spend most of the time in bed, LOL! Our other laptop is in the lounge room. DS is only 3 and rarely uses it but we occassionally get the ABC site up for him to play with.

[Hollywood]

DS is 4 and doesn't use my computer, no need at this stage.