Do you allow your child to spend hours on the computer each day? Perhaps you worry a bit that he\u2019s in front of the screen too much, but reassure yourself that he\u2019s learning skills that will prepare him for the high-tech work force of the future. Not so fast. While there may be some merit to a child learning how to use a computer, spending tons of time surfing the web and playing video games could be eroding your child\u2019s skills in other areas. Here are a few indications that your child\u2019s online activities may be stifling his communication skills.<\/p>\n
###\u00a0The computer is his favorite source of entertainment<\/p>\n
If your child\u2019s favorite thing to do is play on the computer, then this may be the first sign of a real problem. Offer your child a variety of different activities to choose from including reading interesting books and hanging out with friends offline. These activities will enhance his verbal and written communication skills instead of robbing him of these abilities.<\/p>\n
###\u00a0He talks in computer-ese<\/p>\n
Have you recently had a conversation with your child and failed to understand the majority of what he was trying to tell you? Many children who spend too much time on the computer end up speaking \u201ccomputer-ese.\u201d That is, they talk the way they chat, using abbreviations and acronyms instead of real words. Help your child understand that while there is a place for this type of language, it\u2019s important to be able to speak properly as well.<\/p>\n
###\u00a0He neglects friends and family<\/p>\n
If you have a hard time getting your child to come to the dinner table, or if he turns down opportunities to spend time with his friends in favor of playing on the computer, then there may be a problem. The computer is a great tool for certain types of communication, but it will never replace real human interaction. If your child spends too much time online (especially at an early age), then he may not ever develop interpersonal skills such as eye contact, proper body language, and of course, the ability to carry on a conversation.<\/p>\n