All kids have unique natural strengths, or gifts. But there is one common gift among all kids born after 2000: technology skills. Kids today who are born into the digital era are surrounded by technology at the same time they are learning how to speak and acquire language. They innately pick up skills the same way they develop any other skill at that age — by being immersed in what is around them.

Don’t waste your child’s gift solely on computer games. Just like any other gift, foster it through active, meaningful learning experiences. For example, when you involve your 1-year-old when Skyping with Grandma, you teach your toddler that technology can be a fun and valuable tool for communications. Also, be aware that a young child is also learning through carefully watching you, so be a good role model of healthy tech habits.

The Most Important Skills – Healthy Tech Habits

The most important aspect of digital literacy is not how fast your child can click, type, or swipe through the Discovery Kids Puterbugs Top 100 Tech Skills. The most valuable three concepts to teach your child about digital literacy are the foundation of healthy tech habits, including: proper tech etiquette, respect for technology’s power and potential, and how to use it safely and properly as a tool — not as a toy! These important concepts are taught throughout the Discovery Kids Puterbugs enrichment classes offered at many La Petite Academy locations. For more information on scheduling and enrollment at La Petite Academy, visit: http://www.imaginetomorrow.com/lpa.

Laura St. John is a busy mom of three and an expert in managing technology’s use with young children. She is the cocreator of the Discovery Kids Puterbugs technology program offered at La Petite Academy. You can follow Miss Laura’s interactive tips and advice for parents on Facebook at www.facebook.com/puterbugs. To learn more of La Petite Academy’s partnership with Discovery Kids Puterbugs, we encourage you to talk to your school’s Director or visit http://www.imaginetomorrow.com/lpa.