Childhood is really only a 20^th Century concept and a little over 100 years ago all but the most privileged children were expected to work around the house, on the farm or even in factories from an extremely early age.

Even in our enlightened times, children’s toys are almost always facsimiles of the things that they will use or experience in adult life. When you think of traditional gifts for girls you can’t escape the succession of dolls, prams, tea sets and scaled-down domestic cleaning equipment, preparing them for their role as mother and housekeeper. Then boys have always been encouraged towards their working futures with train sets, model cars, knives, guns, construction sets and not forgetting the cowboy suit.

There is nothing wrong in helping to equip children with the skills they will need in adult life and I am sure, that generations of children have enjoyed and benefited from this traditional role play. My concern is that in the 21^st Century traditional gender related toys may not be entirely appropriate.

I am not suggesting that we have boys playing with dolls and girls with guns either, but if we are hoping to prepare our children for adult life through play, shouldn’t we be choosing our gifts more carefully.

So what is it that you can give a child that will entertain them, stimulate their minds, educate them and help prepare them for the rigors of adult life? In my opinion the one gift that fits all these requirements and more is a computer. From simple handheld games, “speak and spell” toys, to complex games systems which give access to the internet, note books, powerful laptop computers and desktop computers, there is an entry level for all ages and abilities.

In its many forms the computer allows children to do the most extraordinary things from exploring fantastic new worlds, to competing in world class sport and saving planets. Then when they are not exercising their lust for fun they can gain access to the greatest educational tool on earth, the World Wide Web.

Once mastered, it becomes their mentor and social network, allowing them to exchange opinions, information and ideas with people they may never have otherwise met, from diverse cultures which they would never otherwise experience.

Most children take to computers so easily that once you have shown them the basics they simply teach themselves the rest, to the extent that before long they will be showing you things that you would never imagine possible. So if you want to expand your child’s mind and have someone to help with your computer problems, point Santa in the right direction this Christmas.