As children get older and more independent, parents become increasingly more concerned about their safety. My son will turn 5 in a week, and that’s what can keep me awake at night: worrying about strangers accosting him, or even kidnapping him. Everyone says that things were different when we were growing up, and it might sound like a cliche but I really believe it’s true. We just weren’t aware of the number of child predators and other potential dangers back then.

Safety Tots is a company that creates aids to help teach children about safety. This CD-Rom entitled “What’s The Safest Thing To Do?” is designed for children ages 3 to 8, and presents situations to them in fun, non-threatening terms they can understand. In addition to dealing with stranger awareness, the CD-Rom also addresses drowning prevention, poison control, firearms safety, drug and alcohol prevention, and fire prevention. Winner of a Parents Choice Gold Award in 2002, this product is recommended by educators and parents. It could be used at home to teach your child about safety in a way that’s fun and that he’ll remember, or even in a classroom.

You can purchase this unique CD-Rom for $24.95 at SafetyTots.com. I’m sure it will be worth every penny for the valuable lessons it will teach your child.

Computers are such an integral part of our lives today, and no one is a better example of that than our children. My son had computer lessons during his first year of preschool, when he was just 3 years old! He was able to teach me how to use the touchpad when I got my new laptop. It’s a new world, and GeoSafari realizes that. Their Laptop for Kids is designed especially for kids ages 3-7. It has adjustable time limits for games, so that your child doesn’t spend too much time on the computer, reading exercises, alphabet, science, phonics, sight words, and more. It comes with 63 laptop cards containing 2000 questions in 126 lessons, and additional cards are available for purchase.

This laptop is an award-winner, having won the Dr. Toy 10 Best Educational Products and the Seal of Approval 2001 from the National Parenting Center. You can purchase this educational toy for your child at DiscoverThis.com, where it is currently on sale for $57.95.

This Strollometer Computer/Speedometer attaches easily to your child’s stroller and measures speed,  trip time, has a clock and provides the temperature reading. If you spend a lot of time during the day out for a stroll with your child, this Speedometer may be an added incentive for you to really get the most out of those little “strolls.” By the time you’ve gone the whole distance around the park or around the neighborhood, you’d be surprised at the distance you’ve covered. Having this Computer Speedometer attached to the stroller would be a great motivator for exercising and getting in (or staying in) shape.

Visit inchbug.com where you can purchase this item for $47.95.

Smart E Bear is a computerized learning toy, but much more than that. Made by Kids Preferred, this bear not only is computerized, but you can customize the lesson plan to your child’s needs. You just plug the Smart E Bear into your computer’s USB port and choose age-appropriate downloads of songs, stories, and games, and the bear is ready to teach and entertain your child.

Smart E Bear speaks English and Spanish, and will call your child by name. It is recommended for ages 2-6, and is made of soft polyester (over electronics). He measures 7″ L x 11″ W x 12″ H. If you’d like to purchase one for your child as a Christmas gift, visit SensationalBeginnings.com, where Smart E Bear costs $89.95.

Without a child-sized computer desk for your child, there aren’t many choices of workspace for computer games and programs.  The kitchen table, the coffee table, or the bed are usually not comfortable places for kids to play and learn on the computer. If you’re serious about having your child take advantage of some educational and fun computer programs, then you might consider moving the furniture around to accommodate this Preschool Computer Desk with Hutch by Wild Zoo. It is child-sized so that your little one can be comfortable as he expands his mind.

This Computer Desk is designed specifically for children with a solid wood frame, attached seat, laminated top, and rounded safety edges. It supports up to 100 lbs. and measures 44½”L x 19″H x 32″D (or 38″H with hutch). You can extend the desk’s longevity by adding the optional Growth Kit, which raises the desktop to 23″ (sold separately).

The Wild Zoo Preschool Computer Desk with Hutch comes in Natural or White with your choice of trim color: Black, Blue, Chocolage, Green, Natural, Red, White, and Yellow. It costs $259.95 at OneStepAhead.com.

Young Explorer thinks that it’s never to soon to get your child familiar with a computer and I totally agree. Almost everyone uses computers so it’s makes sense that children be exposed to technology early on. This PC Pal combines the power of a PC with the playfulness and durability of Little Tikes plastic furniture.

The colors are bright and fun to keep your child engaged and it’s large enough to work like a real desk. This great product features a flat desk area, 2 mouse pads, a 2-seater bench, an IBM PC, 17″ color monitor and much, much more.

Check it out at littletikes.com. It goes for $1,799.