this post was submitted on 08 Nov 2025
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I promised my kid they'd get a laptop when they learn to read well enough.

This turned out to be a good motivator and they can now read full books.

The kid likes competitions and challenges. I would like to come up with tasks they can learn to do with the laptop.

The reason I want my children to have access to a computer specifically, is that while TVs and phones are used to consume, computers are used to create.

I will be installing some Linux flavor on this machine, as it is a bit dated.

I was thinking about things like:

  • Write a short story
  • Install a graphics editing program
  • Draw a picture of a cat

To get them started.

Probably I need some easier ones first.

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[โ€“] aramis87@fedia.io 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

While I like the idea of challenges to get them used to computers, I'd also suggest balancing these with challenges that may help them outside the digital/technological world. Maybe challenge them to write a short story or a letter to their grandparents in cursive. Maybe hand-stitch a running hem, mentally add and subtract numbers, walk a quarter-mile every day. Later on, maybe have them plan out and cook a really simple meal, or do some kind of simple repair or put together a flat-pack table or something. Solder or glue something.

I dunno, it just feels like so many skills aren't being taught to kids and they graduate with little knowledge of skills that make your life easier and less expensive - simple repairs, being able to research stuff, being unafraid to do things on your own. Don't get me wrong, I applaud your kid's drive and your desire to make them ready for the digitally-focused world they'll live in, I just see too many kids graduating and needing a massive amount of hand-holding for even the simplest things.

[โ€“] wizzor@sopuli.xyz 1 points 5 days ago

I fully agree with you.

The kids can use most basic tools (hammers, drills, pliers), I try to involve them whenever we fix something around the house.

They can also cook some foods (pretty limited selection but relatively independently, including with the stove), but there is much to learn here.

We have also made sure they know how to swim, ride a bike, clean and treat wounds and even safely handle firearms (very far from anything approaching skill, but safety first).

I think we should practice stitching, that's a great idea and next summer project will have some gardening.

Eventually I'd be happy if I can get them to try some martial art, but so far they don't seem interested.

I am struggling a bit to teach them finance skills, since physical money is so rare now.