C-64c probs

My 3 year old is already telling me how to use "HER" sofware! and my 15 month old plays a lot with my test equipment (there are more buttons). I got my daughter started on a VIC20 then she moved to a PC (she loved maing it beep). Gotta find a list for Kids and computer learning :) -----Original Message----- From: Aaron Christopher Finney <aaron(a)orr.wfi-inc.com> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers <classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu> Date: Sunday, February 01, 1998 11:42 AM Subject: Re: C-64c probs involved with this stuff as possible. My older guy loves to help me clean and restore the systems, as well as play games and simple learning progs (I have to admit that he's not turning out to be normal, he's got quite a knack for the stuff already). I wrote a nice program for the younger guy for the Atari 8, it divides the keyboard into 4 sections and a different colour/sound part executes depending on which quadrant he touches. He's already learned to be gentle with the keybards, so nothing gets hurt and he's learning how to use a computer! My older son learned the same way, and I just gradually made more sections of the keyboard until now he can type any letter or number on the keyboard (we're working on the other characters). Well, my dad had his hobbies that were "adult stuff" and I was excluded (collecting old rifles). Older computers are a fun hobby for me, but are also something that lets me invest time with my kids and teaches them skills that will give them an advantage in life. Older computers, especially the ones that are so plentiful and inexpensive right now (C64's, Ataris, etc) are perfect for teaching them this stuff. I admit that I would be a little nervous about leaving my new Dell laptop on the floor for them to play with, but what can they do to an 800XL? And even if they manage to break it somehow, what is $25 when compared to what they're learning? So don't just try to divert them with a junk keyboard, put some time into helping them learn to use the stuff too. Believe me, 15 months is *not* too young, and it will save you a lot of yelling and frustration when they're terrible two!