Coding is the hottest new skill among young people – and we don’t just mean millennials. Coding has also taken off amongst kids. These days, in addition to finding kids playing with Legos or coloring, you’re just as likely to find them creating an iPhone application or creating a remote-controlled car. Parents are even enrolling their children in coding classes via programs like launchafterschool.com.
Are there real benefits to teaching your child to code? Absolutely! Here are just a few of the reasons why kids who code absolutely rock!
Coding teaches kids problem-solving skills.
Whether it’s figuring out how to deal with the constant bully on the playground, working through an algebra test, or using scrap materials to build a fort with friends after school, an important part of every kid’s growth and development is learning problem-solving skills. This hones their brains to look for solutions instead of giving up when things get frustrating.
It puts failure in the proper perspective.
In this do-or-die society, kids face a lot of pressure to be the best at everything. This mentality makes many kids afraid to attempt things they may not initially be great at doing. Coding is an excellent way to teach kids that it’s ok to try something you know nothing about – and it’s even ok for your goal to fail completely. In coding, you can always start over if things don’t work out, creating something even better based on what you learned the first time around.
They learn to branch out and explore new possibilities.
In a physical playground, as well as with video games, TV shows, and even books, there are limits set by the creator. With coding, the child is the creator, which means that the possibilities are endless. One child may build a dancing robot, another may create an animated unicorn, and yet another may design a video game. The only limits that exist in coding are the ones your child sets for themselves.
It will prepare them for a future career in the tech world.
Although it may seem a bit early to start imagining your kid heading out for their first job, it’s never too soon to allow them to dig into different areas at which they may have an exceptional talent. We see this when parents encourage their children to take music and acting lessons, as well as kids becoming involved in sports and chess clubs. Coding is no different; it’s a way for kids to discover if they have an interest or a knack for a skill that could someday enable the job of their dreams.
