I went back to work part time after giving birth to my son. As he got older he started to become more aware of my actions. One particular preoccupation was planning for my class for the week ahead. At the age of two he started to come over and press the buttons to copy my actions. His interest in the computer increased and with this, his ability to use the computer. Now at the age of five and a half he can navigate his way around quite happily. This is where my watchful eye was quite important. I therefore started to look for children’s online games and websites that I felt would entertain him, challenge him and educate him (whilst also being fun and safe).

Here are some of the sites that  my two children  enjoy …

www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies Whilst living in Britain we came familiar with most of the TV characters on this great site.

www.fisher-price.com Go to Fun & Family Time  - then Fun and Games Online. You will see there are different sections for different ages. The children will probably recognise many of the characters if they have any Fisher-Price toys at home.

www.pbskids.org Your children will recognise the many fun characters in the variety of games. If your child likes dinosaurs check out this brilliant page on pbskids website: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/

www.starfall.com As a teacher I particularly liked the ‘It’s fun to read’ section. My daughter enjoyed the activity ‘About Me’ – making a book about herself, and than making one about  an imaginary person.

www.kneebouncers.com This internet game site  is great for the toddler, younger child or sibling who really wants to be able to play on the computer just like their older brother or sister, but hasn’t quite got the skills yet. I found this site for my younger daughter who didn’t quite have the manipulation skills to control the mouse.  The games are colourful, fun and all your child needs to do is tap any key on the keyboard to see something fun happen!

www.abc.net.au/abckids An attractive website with lots of games and activities based on favourite TV characters. My 4 year old seems to enjoy this site more than my 6 year old.