"Should I let my child play on the computer?"
Mums debate the pros and cons...
No
"My husband and I came from poor families and have both worked hard to have a good life now. I want the best for my son. I want him to be educated and be a good member of our society. I want him to grow to be a strong husband and father and to provide for his family. For these reasons, we encourage him to work hard at school, and he has other interests after classes. He joined the school science club and he enjoys being part of the chess team – especially when they win! I think organised activities are best. If I gave him free time, I don’t think he would know what to do with it. I worry he would use it unproductively."
Jessica, Cape Town
Yes
"I had a strict upbringing and I’m keen for my daughter to enjoy a sense of freedom I never had. Once her homework is done I try to give her some space to do what she likes, before dinner. Usually she has about 30 minutes to herself. Friends are surprised to see how she uses that time. She never switches on the TV. If it’s fine, she goes out in the garden – she’s created her own ‘Secret Garden’. If not, she finds a game to play indoors. She’s very imaginative. Many of her school friends are busy with dance classes and music lessons – but I think having time to herself is more valuable."
Sarah, Durban
What do the experts think?
"Isn't it interesting that both mothers’ choices are the result of their feelings about their own childhoods? This is very common – we all want to give our child what we feel we lacked. Understandably, many mums – like Hua – feel their child's education is top priority, and that organised activities are more 'productive' than free time. This isn't always true. In fact, many studies show that children with more access to unstructured play actually benefit academically. It seems that children use their play time to consolidate what they've learned in the classroom. For example, if they’ve learned about weights and measures in maths, they might use their playtime to pretend to set up a fruit and vegetable stall."
Drs Dorothy and Jerome Singer