Brownie points lost - husband fails to communicate to wife on small issue - desks

h0ughy (David) · #1 12-10-2006, 12:43 PM

Brownie points lost - husband fails to communicate to wife on small issue of Christmas items for KIDS.

Hey guys I stuffed up. all of the bonus points gained and bridge of trust repaired, I destroyed in a few words this morning. Basically we are getting the kids a desk each for Christmas. I suggested that it have a spot for a PC, in her mind it was firmly engraved that it only have drawers and no PC's to be seen on desk. Argument ensued as kids were waking and subject left up in the air. She wants a desk solely for "study and books, I say it has to cater for the new century and have facilities for a PC.

So I ask you what do you vote for go the standard desk with drawers, or go a PC desk ?

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #2 12-10-2006, 12:48 PM

With all due respect to your other 'arf, I was under the impression that kids are pretty-well expected by their schools to have a PC at home these days, and it doesn't seem to matter how old they are. I imagine that they'd be at a distict disadvantage not to have one available at their study desk - even if the parents didn't have one and don't think it's necessary. I realise that there are documented issues in relation to kids learning how to spell (or not) and numerate on computers versus good old printed material, but as a method of getting out an essay or project they are indispensible nowadays.

h0ughy (David) · #3 12-10-2006, 01:08 PM

one starting school the other in year 4

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #4 12-10-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

one starting school the other in year 4

Oh!

(might be a bit early then... )

hogly52 (Graeme) · #5 12-10-2006, 01:23 PM

Never too early

. I'm sure my wife introduces Prep or Yr 1 students to computers quite early. Just follows on from the exposure they more than likely have had at home. My grandson has been on a computer for at least 12 months, and he's just turned 5

, and doesn't start school till next year. PC ready desk it should be!

Should have checked what she wanted to hear before entering "discussion".

Good Luck!

Graeme

rogerg (Roger) · #6 12-10-2006, 01:29 PM

I think at this stage it is irrelevant if the desk will at some stage hold a computer. I'd go for a normal desk. I hate PC desks for several reasons:
- basic function of a desk is to provide open space for putting whatever, PC desks limit this with custom shapes for computers and small open flat desk areas.
- computers are made to fit on/under desks, you can always work out a way to fit a computer at a normal desk.
- computers change over time, you soon find the PC desk is not suitable when a normal desk would do the job fine.

Just imagine, you get a PC desk then the kids end up having notebooks with the fold-over touch screens where they just want to use it like a normal piece of paper anyway! You never know.

So, I would postpone the PC vs no PC argument and just get a normal desk.

That way, you have no argument now, and then when the time comes that the kids want the computers, the argument is between her and the kids, not you and the kids, you become simply the tech support person who installs the computers the kids requested.

Disclaimer: I have no experience with kids, their computer needs or anything vaguely like that.

Roger.

iceman (Mike) · #7 12-10-2006, 01:31 PM

Good question houghy.. we bought a standard desk with drawers for Jacob, and will do the same for the girls (Eliza starts school next year).

While I can see that kids will need a computer in the future, at this stage we'd prefer they use the one we have in the family room. We can keep an eye on how they're using it, help them out etc. They're too young to have their own PC in their room.

By the time they're old enough for their own PC in their room (teenagers), they might need a different desk, or we may have moved house, etc.. what I'm getting at, is it's too soon to plan that far in advance

wavelandscott (Scott) · #8 12-10-2006, 01:39 PM

The desk with or without PC is the easy part...in the end the will both hold PCs (or equivilant) it is the way the world is going...Both of my kids (K and Year 3) use computers at school and also at home...

The more difficult part is the rebuilding the "bridge"...I sometimes "teach" a question asking technique to our employees involved in selling (building a relationship) that might help...it works like a champ with my wife and generally helps her to "believe" that what I want is actually her idea without me needing to argue about it...VooDoo or Jedi Mind Tricks ??? maybe so but it works...

Good Luck!

jase (Jason) · #9 12-10-2006, 01:46 PM

I'd go with the computer desks. Good computer desks nowadays can also be used for study. Desks are something of a long term expenditure so you've got to plan for the future. In two years when the eldest hits year 6 you don't want to be diggin' your pockets again for the right desk.

Regardless of your choice i.e convential or computer desk, the more important purchase is a supportive chair to make sure they keep a good posture.

You could pick up quality computer desks and chairs really cheap from Greys Online. Some nice ex. professional office stuff. Mega cheap computers as well, but don't mention that to your other half.

http://www.graysonline.com.au/
Worth a try.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #10 12-10-2006, 01:50 PM

In todays day and age it is expected that most children will have access to a computer. If not at home it will be at school. Its amazing how much they have to do on computers these days. Writting is a dying art that is being taken over by the technology that we give to them so easily. Who's fault is it? not the kids they didnt make it easy to plug and play. Although later on it will be their fault when they have kids.... I say provide the best you can for your children. I am sure your wife has her good reasons for not wanting the computer in their room, which is understood. I have a computer in my two boys room already and they are 2 and 4. They love playing the mind enhancing games like minesweeper

Go on give em the desk with the computer, if you dont have a PC or Mac for it yet, you can always fill it with homework.

acropolite (Phil) · #11 12-10-2006, 02:09 PM

Standard desk with drawers, the larger the better. The PC can sit under the desk. IMO computer desks just don't work effectively.

iceman (Mike) · #12 12-10-2006, 02:23 PM

I agree with Phil - they don't usually have enough space for papers, writing, drawers, etc.

You can always get a small monitor stand later if need be, but LCD's are pretty good these days - much better than when you needed loads of space for a CRT.

Striker (Tony) · #13 12-10-2006, 02:24 PM

Get rid of the kids spend the money on more astronomy equipment.

Happy to give you advice....I should be a family councilor...lol

h0ughy (David) · #14 12-10-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker

Get rid of the kids spend the money on more astronomy equipment.

Happy to give you advice....I should be a family councilor...lol

A sensible mind - logic and reasoning.

She rang me too, she found a desk - cop this it has a spot for a pc underneath.......victory is mine

xstream (John) · #15 12-10-2006, 03:01 PM

Dave, Listen with empathy and your 3 parts the way there.

I was going to say go the std. desk but it looks like the decision has been made for you.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #16 12-10-2006, 04:06 PM

My kids have computer desks and they end up doing their homework on the dining table.

I removed the boys computer from their desk and let them use this one and now they use the desk for homework!

Go for the desk.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #17 12-10-2006, 10:41 PM

Both my boys have standard desks in their rooms, but they choose to do their homework at the kitchen table. The youngest follows me around the house reading his book to me.
They don't have a computer in their room, they are quite welcome to use the one in the lounge room, so I can be there to help if necessary.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #18 12-10-2006, 11:04 PM

View of the GRUMPY old owl (not grumpy most of the time)

there should be no TV - video game machines - computers - in the kids rooms
if they are to study in their (bed) room there should be no distractions
besides - computer (especially internet) use should be monitored - placed in a high traffic area of the house - never behind closed doors

hows that for grumpy?

h0ughy (David) · #19 13-10-2006, 07:20 AM

well its very even at the moment in the poll.

the desks have been ordered, the bad news they are flat packed, so a late night assembly.

astro_nutt · #20 14-10-2006, 06:55 PM

My two girls have standard desks in their bedrooms...the computer is in the lounge room...(their choice!!!)...and they have worked out a time share plan..no arguments and everyone's happy!