How computer savvy is your child? Here are 6 ways of increasing his interaction with the computer. 
 
You want to familiarise your child with the computer but are not sure where to begin, so you decide to enroll him in computer classes. True, the classes will serve the purpose and increase your child's basic computer knowledge, but before shedding out the dough, explore these options. 
 

1. Word Processor

Every child should develop a basic knowledge of a word processor. These days most people use Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. Switch on the programme for your child, teach him to open and save files and delete words, and let him figure out the rest. Encourage him to keep a personal diary on the computer, in which he can jot down the daily happenings. This will provide your child with a reason to work on the word processor. 
 

2. Email

Encourage your children to keep in touch with friends and relatives by email. Someone's birthday coming up? Let your children email them a card. Email is fast becoming the preferred way to communicate, and before long postal letters or 'snail mail' will be passe. Once you have a connection, email is almost free, and it is unlimited. Sending a letter by post is, by comparison, far more expensive.
 

3. Games

Do you children play games on the computer? Video games will keep them hooked for hours. But try to limit the time they spend playing such games. Running around in the open air with their friends playing kho kho or catch is far healthier. As far as possible, try to ensure that your children stay away from violent games. Instead, have them play mind games like Chess and Scrabble, or general games of skill like Packman. 
 

4. School Projects

Remember the good old days when we had to run around with our parents looking for magazines and encyclopedias every time we had to submit a project in school? Well, the internet has changed all that. Research has become much easier thanks to the innumerable sites on the net. It's the dawn of the information age. Have your child log on to Google.com, and search for the information he needs. He is sure to find a few sites that will be of tremendous help. 
 

5. Free Offers

Who doesn't love receiving freebies? There are tons of sites on the net offering all sorts of free stuff, and loads of contests and competitions that your child can enter. Your child can even earn money for surfing the net! Tons of schemes are available, so get your child started. Who knows, maybe he'll win you a round-the-world holiday!  
 

6. Family Website