The first full week of August has begun, which means that the school year is drawing near.  In fact, for some areas, school is already in session.  For most of us located in New England, there are at least three weeks until the school bus makes its rounds.  However, there are plenty of items that need to be done between now and then.

In our house, we need to purchase another computer.  As last school year drew to an end, one of our family laptops crashed.  While the other is running, it is older, as is the desktop.  So, while the purchase of a new computer isn’t imminent, it seems better to have an additional computer than needing to scurry about when the two remaining computers die.

My husband and I began discussing what the next computer should look like, and then an even better idea came to fruition: have the kids choose.  Of course, this isn’t a free-for-all, so we created some guidelines for our 15 and 17 year olds:

• The new computer can be a desktop or laptop.  (They’re teens, so you know that question has been decided already.)
• It also can be a tablet with a keyboard.
• It needs to solve both of their needs for homework and work assignments.
• It needs to be no more than our set price.

Both of them seem to like the idea of choosing the computer.  We, the parents, like it also, as they will be the primary (possibly only) users of the computer.  It will strengthen their shopping skills, as well as their negotiating skills, both with each other and us.  While they do their research, I am hopeful that they will do some reading, online or off, and not just listen to their friends.  In fact, when they have made their decision, we will ask on what it is based.  (As editor-in-chief of PKP, I’m hoping they cast at least a quick glance at our articles on Inspector Electra.)

I am excited to see how the process unfolds and what their decision is.  I am hopeful that it is a positive experience for all.