Exposing Child to Computer

Dear parent,

I am not sure what you mean by trust. If you hope he would wean himself off the screen within a reasonable time, then the answer is: Not likely. Trust cannot include expecting a specific outcome. You can trust him to do what he is most interested in. Since he likes the experience very much, it is unlikely that he will be done with it any time soon. At this young an age, he will not be able to restrain himself and will not fully understand the reason to do so. 

Computers and TV are like certain unhealthy foods in that the child has no way of seeing their impact on his well-being or thinking. The impact takes years and is not visible in the present. It is possible that he will taper his use after a while, or, expand it passionately. We cannot know what direction he will take.

Your child trusts you to protect him from anything that may harm him over time. If you want to protect him from potential harm from screen addiction, then, yes, tell him this was a one time experience and it is over. Provide a clear leadership. Validate his feelings if he is upset, and stay peaceful. He will process his emotions and move on. 

Warmly, Naomi Aldort, http://authenticparent.com/index.html