Our son (24) and daughter (22 today) have used computers since they were 2 years old. They grew up with S-100, Apple and PC’s, enjoying educational games, word processors and spread sheets amongst other programs. I have never encouraged either of our children to become programmers or electronic engineers – professions I have enjoyed only to support my family. The use of computers as tools (not software development) has assisted them throughout his/her school and employment. They also share my lack of interest in computer games. Life is too short to transfix to the CRT or LCD of a “virtual life”. Computers used wisely are an excellent tool and not a toy for mindless wondering.

I am happy to say that our children are in college and pursuing careers that are not related to the careers I have been involved with. I feel I would be remiss as a parent if I did not get my message across about the “joys” of my career choices.

By the way our children come to my wife and I for advice – and they also take our advice. Both children are avid readers but do not read “computer literature”.


For those that do not know “computer literature” is a type of book that typically weighs 4 pounds, contains 1500 pages, costs $50-60 and may contain one useful sentence of useable information. Your job is to find that sentence and make good use of it. If you are able to do so then your money has been well spent! In all likelihood the computer book that has just been published is obsolete, technically lacking and of little value. They do make good boat anchors though.

I am not bitter - rather I am honest which tends to upset some people, especially those that do not have a life, sense of humor or reality. :)

And now all computer software developers – off to your cubicles where you will write that really neat code to “change the world” and make it a better place to live, with all the accompanying joys that go along with our profession.

Tom


>Hi all :-))
>
>I hope nobody take anything of what I am saying personally, since
>I am joking, but I think this is all **** (30 char - you name it :)) )
>
>Do you people realy want your chilldren becoming like you ?!?
>
>As far as I am concearned;
>I WILL STRONGLY INFLUENCE MY SON BECOMING DENTIST !!!
>
>And that is just because I hate LAWYERS - otherwise he would hv
>two choices! :-)))
>
>I am gonna keep my chilldren away from computers for as long as I can,
>even if they don't become computer freaks/geeks like us - they will hv to look at that computer screen for most of their working lives anyway.
>
>My thumbs up at this age goes for sports, sex education, lott of fun
>,good books etc etc.
>
>No offences please - I am just kidding but...
>*** Truth is out there (X-FILES)
>
>Long live VFP :-))