I'm a totally bad mommy. I've let my children have TV since day 1. I've always censored what they watched, keeping it to Disney Channel and PBS Kids (Sprout), since these generally have no commercials selling things like toys or sugary cereals and snacks. My not yet 2 year old totally loves Thomas the Train, both on TV and with the toys. That same child has now "learned" (thru another sibling) that we have a Thomas game for the computer and now begs for it, about to drive me nuts! Of course, he can't work it by himself yet, but with an older sibling or myself, he enjoys watching.

Look and see what's available. That Jump Start series is very good. I have the JumpStart Toddlers for my oldest and she really learned how to use the computer with it, along with a Fisher-Price Farm software.

Computer games are great for a child to sit on a parents lap and watch/do. Not only are they learning and being entertained, but snuggle time on parent's lap is quality time as well.

Of course, nothing takes the place of books, puzzles, and one on one time. But in today's day and age, learning to use a computer is a very useful skill.

Case in point: my 10 year old will be doing a PowerPoint presentation in school this year, 5th grade. She and my 8 year old are also learning to type, using a software program with SpongeBob (I can't stand SpongeBob, but they love him. What can ya do? LOL!)