>This is a question for any of the parents out there...did your kids take up programming as well? If so, when did they start? I have two little ones (the oldest just turned 2) and expect both of them to be pounding keyboards before they hit grade school. Given some of the mayhem I caused as a young'un, I'm almost afraid of what they might do ("Gee Dad, I didn't mean to tank NORAD...")
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>Just curious...

I have three kids and so far their interest in computers doesn't go much past email and chat. My oldest, who is about to enter college, told me several years ago that there was no way she'd take up programming -- strike one.

Daughter #2 is 12 and she has shown a little interest, asking to spend the day at work with me to "look over my shoulder" so she could understand what I do. Her strong suit is instrumental music, a good fit for a future programmer (I've known several programmers who are also professional-level musicians).

My son is 10 and shows a little interest in computer hardware, but nothing yet towards software. Of the three he has the strongest bent towards math/science but the jury is still out. He'd much rather be playing baseball or even Nintendo than learning about computers.

But then again you never know. I didn't figure out that I should be in IT until after I graduated from college!