Re:Don't blacklist... (Score 1)

I tried to do this for a single web site, but eventually gave up due to the unexpected dependency of that web (pbskids.org) site on, no kidding, at least 15 other sites. I gave up trying to locate the names of and add them all to the iptables filter rule I had built.

Left with two choices (no access or full access), I decided to open up access to everything. I have two kids, ages 6 and 2. My six year old has visited a few web sites she's seen on TV (mostly Disney). My son invariably will end up on youtube watching various A-B-C songs. They are both pretty indifferent to whatever OS is on the computer.

I installed Linux on an old computer we had (first a laptop from 2001 and later migrated them to a desktop from 2002). The computer is fast enough (just barely) to watch videos. It's still plenty fast for all the educational programs that come free with Linux. GCompris, Childsplay, and Tux Typing are all pretty good. Each has several activities for different age and skill levels in one program.

My two year old knows how to write the entire alphabet, uppercase and lowercase. He knows all his single digit numbers and is rapidly knocking down being able to say and write double digit numbers. He can sign the entire alphabet, and knows how to sign for several different food items (banana, carrot, etc). I'm a bit ashamed to admit that neither my wife nor I taught him any of this. Most of the aforementioned he learned on his own, thanks mostly to the computer, PBS Kids, and Signing Time.

Growing up in the 70's, we didn't have access to computers, or the kind of quality TV programming which is available now. It's probably true that I got a lot more outdoor exercise than my kids get. It's probably also true that I did more sitting outside in the sand or staring at mindless cartoons on the TV than they do.

I personally believe that children will gravitate toward whatever activities suit them. It's the responsibility of the parent (not the teacher, not the baby sitter, and not the older sibling) to recognize and encourage the "good" activities.