LikeAking:


Just relax.

Great men become great while others are asleep.

Its all about getting into a sector very very early, not when its saturated.

You get.

Its has less to do with our skills and talents.

Early beds eat the fatest worms.

In as much as I agree with you, their is nothing like capitalizing and financing your child's flare.

When you hear the adage "Catch them young" it doesn't imply you push them..It means you discover them.

I met a guy in Enugu like 10yeats ago. I am certain that guy is in places now. Never been out of Nigeria but speaks over 5 international languages fluently..I was forced to ask how he does it, and couldn't even explain.. Said something like language is just him.
Doing things effortlessly

It's good what the OP wants to do..But if you really want to make the best. Find their passion.

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

Have you taken the time to know what your son wants for himself? What if he doesn’t want a career in IT?

I don’t think it’s right to choose a career for your son at this age. I guess it is better to keep observing him closely in order to identify his strengths and interests.

NB:

Davido’s father kept compelling Davido to study Business Administration which he was studying until he dropped out after his first semester to come back again to study Music which lies his passion.

Nurture kids to follow their passion.


Provide computer but there are various areas of study under computing....


And other computer aided subjects.

OP, it's cool you want your child to have a cut of the tech industry. But please, don't be overly persuasive/forceful about that cause that will only make him hate it. You can only encourage him and expose him to certain things but at the end, let him take the decision. It's his life, you can't live it for him.

Now, all those shouting C, C++, Python, etc. must be new generation programmers who learned programming as adults. They already had the brain capacity to understand complex concepts, and most importantly, they didn't have time for a detailed gradual progression. However, anyone who learned programming as a kid can tell you nothing beats QBASIC as a tool to introduce kids to coding. Remember, the aim is for him to love it. He must, therefore, be fascinated by it and not see it as a task. QBASIC was created just for this. The verbose nature and the use of almost full sentences makes it intuitive and easy to flow with. Of course, the language is not used in production, but that's not what your kid should have worried about now. Once he starts thinking like a programmer at that age, no language would pose a problem for him. Remember, programming is more about problem solving than the language syntax.

It would have been great if you had a developer at home to guide him. But in the absence of that, you can always put him in a school where computing is taking seriously as a subject. Get him a desktop PC and also get him fancy QBASIC books (another reason you should go for QBASIC as you hardly get these kinda books for other languages). And finally, pretend to be interested too. This was all my parents had to do for me. I was introduced to QBASIC at the age of 12 in schools. I practiced at home with my oversized desktop, and it didn't take long before I started writing other languages. When it was time for uni, I didn't think twice before going for Computer Science. There's nothing as beautiful as being so sure one's career choice/path. Gladly, I'm a software engineer today who has worked in different countries in Africa, Asia and North America where I presently reside. Still grateful.

@Mamaab

neyohh:


Contradictory arguments.

Westerner's guide their kid's with everything.

Austic children, disabled kid's etc are catered to, not based on the kids decisions but what's best for them.


You provide them with everything at your disposal then let them decide .

In the ops case, this is just one option to seek, i know families that enrolled their kid's into piano, software, acting classes etc.. the kid's would have options.

Your initial arguments make's it seem like a 9 year old need's no guidance and should be free to evolve accordingly , go and read what you wrote.

I was only trying to imply he does not force it. What if the boy is not interested. And probably been suggesting other ideas to his dad which the parents might be waving off. And this is where parents get it wrong. Did you watch the NFL draft yesterday? Those are products of passion and determination. Against all odds. Sudden millionaires.

It is a good idea. But if you spend more time discovering him and knowing his interest. If you capitalize on it, you will be making a force the world will reckon with.

If you are familiar with people who were lucky to find themselves in this class, you get to realize they do thingshs effortlessly. Their imaginations are wild beyond what you can easily comprehend.

I lived next to a celebrity you know during his grown up days. The father outrightly forced him to the university. Failed and still got transferred to another university. He was busy singing all over the hood then. Today, he is a graduate and pursuing his dreams. Imagine if had that support from childhood.

A proverb said " You can only force the horse to the stream, you can't make it drink water"

can you imagine such parenting? I want my son!bWhat about what your son wants in the future? Instead of positioning your child to be successful at whatever he decides to be in future, you are here imposing your "wants" on your child's future!!
Backward thinking!

AllenSpencer:


I was only trying to imply he does not force it. What if the boy is not interested. And probably been suggesting other ideas to his dad which the parents might be waving off. And this is where parents get it wrong. Did you watch the NFL draft yesterday? Those are products of passion and determination. Against all odds. Sudden millionaires.

It is a good idea. But if you spend more time discovering him and knowing his interest. If you capitalize on it, you will be making a force the world will reckon with.

If you are familiar with people who were lucky to find themselves in this class, you get to realize they do thingshs effortlessly. Their imaginations are wild beyond what you can easily comprehend.

I lived next to a celebrity you know during his grown up days. The father outrightly forced him to the university. Failed and still got transferred to another university. He was busy singing all over the hood then. Today, he is a graduate and pursuing his dreams. Imagine if had that support from childhood.

A proverb said " You can only force the horse to the stream, you can't make it drink water"

Well everything you wrote is based on assumption's.

My point let him try it, that's the only way to find out.

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

There are a lot of materials for free online such as .......

https://www.kodable.com/

https://mommypoppins.com/coding-kids-free-websites-teach-learn-programming

Khanacademy for kids


What is important is that your kid must enjoy programming, maybe watching children video games and later learning how to develop children video games. The links above are a good starting point

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

Please don't allow anybody dissuade you from this path, this is a very good approach to developing your young child. Tech is the future regardless of whatever he chooses to do be it Doctor,Engineer or whatever he would still need the knowledge because that is the future. Please check 9jacodekids.com. They have such program for children of your son's age. GOD BLESSS YOU.

It depends on where you live, there are few centers that train children. The likes of NIIT, HIIT, New Horizons have programs for children. Also, if you love your kid, take advantage to learn too. Start from easy programming languages. First, buy books on HTML, CSS, and the likes. You as an adult that could easily comprehend, learn a chapter, teach him.

Mathematics is a great foundation from programming. Even, if you can't fully start programming with him, let him love Mathematics. Let him see numbers in everything. Teach him games like Chess, Monopoly, Math riddles. Also, increase his algorithmic thinking by always asking him to list steps of doing things. When you are outside and you see a problem, ask him how does he think the problem could be solved. For example, you go to Shoprite and there is a long queue and only 1 rep is attending to ppl, ask Junior, what caused the problem, and ask his suggestion on how the problem could be solved. Your favorite TV channel at home should be Nat Geo, Space Channel, etc. Tv Channels that will make him love science. In summary, you need to keep engaging his brain.

Get him a laptop and tablet, and some games. There's a number of video games (mobile and desktop) that require coding. Get him some age-appropriate and fun ones. Don't get the educational ones that are structured as lessons. You want him to be engaged and not even realize he's studying.

When he's a little older and more interested in real coding, you can put him on one of those coding competition websites. At this point, he'll need some coding textbooks. Just download the relevant stuff based on what he wants to do.

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

I'm a programmer. I can teach your son Scratch. That's where he should start from first at Hus age. If you're in Lagos, Chat me on WhatsApp: 07030964115

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

Contact us @firstdevlab to train your child...It is free!

The first question to ask is...
Does he want to be a programmer??
First and most important rule of parenting.
Never you force a career on your child.
I'm a victim

Start by asking him if that's what he WANTS.

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

Let him start it as a hobby or a side thing. Don't let it be about the money.

Programming will help him learn how to learn as he will come across and solve a lot of problems on his own.

I am a digital marketer myself and my son is definitely going to learn.

And the age is perfect. The younger the better.

Good luck

cmecproblem:
Start by asking him if that's what he WANTS.

If his son doesn't like it, I'm sure he won't force him. It's good to expose kids to different things, even stuff they don't like, so they can have enriching experiences, discover talents, and take on new challenges.

While his son learns about this, who knows what other great things he'll learn that have nothing to do with coding.

if its me I will sit him down tell him story about Facebook owner like big people who made it through ICT,buy a desktop computer at home, register him in a computer school,and give him close monitoring,I will even tell him to teach me what he learnt in school

My own son who is good developer, can teach your son if you don't mind, however my only concern is your child's age.

LikeAking:


Tech for sure.

But succeeding with what is trending today may become a problem due to over saturation.

The dad should encourage his son to be part of a new lucrative sector that yet on tapped. It can be a new type of IT.

When we where kids, it was medicine, Eng and law and co, but today things have changed. Those that studied those courses are not reaping the fruits their earlier predecessor reaped. Change is constant, you most be part of the current trend to succeed.

but i still don't understand why you feel cool comparing IT with Medicine, Engnr and law . It's as if they are in the same league

Mamaab:
Good day professionals. I have a 9yr old son who I think will fare well in either computer programming, software developer, software & hardware engineer or so.

I am just a regular computer user who have zero knowledge on the aforementioned prospects. Pls, someone should tell me where to start from. I am more inclined to the software/hardware prospects

Is his age too small?
Do we have specialised learning centres that I can enrol him?

Thanks in advance

my son started programming at 5. He is 16 now and can program in over 20 programming languages.
He is the youngest AI expert in Nigeria.
Check him on Google

He should visit IGHUB

It's a very good thought you have there. Yes you can make him develop interest in coding by surrounding him with materials about coding.

.. Get videos of children abroad coding and make sure he watches it, especially those that have become millionaires from coding.

.. Ensure he learns mathematics before starting.

.. show him amazing works of programmers and tell him he can also achieve that.

.. Use stories of people like bill gates to entice him, telling him how he can be a billionaire if he can code.

.. Get him a computer and ensure you put some restrictions on the web to prevent him from accessing other distractions like porn.

.. you can print a nice quote about programming and put it where he will always see it.

.. you can introduce him to free programming sites like w3schools.com or freecodecamp to help the learning process.

.. make sure you teach him how to find answers to questions by googling the question.

.. Do well to always encourage him from time to time.

There is nothing impossible for anyone to achieve, even if it's not his or her interest, all he needs to do is keep trying.

We wouldn't have had electricity today if the inventor had given up and said it's not his thing, after trying for So many times.

There is nothing impossible to achieve, only require descipline, practice, consistence and patience.

Lucky you, he's still 9, so you can do it.

Better option will be to enroll him in a kid coding school.

Good luck!!

Great post.
Following well.
Thanks to the contributors.







I rise

You are in the right track of grooming him for the future considering the current dilapidating state of this failed country... you can start him with basic computer knowledge (if he lacks it yet) then html, c or python . Do not listen to anyone castigating your plan for him... Before he gets to 20 you'd see how proud you'd be to have a son like that cos the future is on tech already.

For me, as my pikin(boy or girl) begin to talk nai I go start dey hammer am with coding skills.

chival:
Following keenly. I'm actually looking for an instructor that can teach my daughter coding, programming /software development etc.

If you are in Abuja, you can come to Torbita Computer Training School at Infinity Trust House, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

We also offer online Tutored training for people within and outside Abuja.

Does your son want to be a programmer. Allow the boy to choose and you guide him.

Mamaab:

Am not imposing a career on him sir. Am only following his interest and moreover, laying a foundation for him will save him a lot of stress later in life

Go ahead sir. Anything you think is good for your children, make them do it. I don't understand people when they say you should allow a child develop interest for something first when the heart of a child is always thinking about playing with friends. Just make the tools available and they'd adjust accordingly or automatically. If you have another boy, tune him to play football or just send him to a football academy. I can't let my children choose anything for themselves. Only few career paths lead to success. Even doctors are struggling in Nigeria.

tensazangetsu20:
The age is not too small. Your son can start off learning scratch then move on to a language like C or C++ at his age money isn't a factor so it would be good to learn things like that.

He can also go a step further to learn data structures and algorithms and start competing with his mates on solving hard programming questions. Don't allow anyone say your son is too young. Go and check the age of kids participating at the international Olympiads for informatics or google and Facebook code jam. They are mostly within the age range of 9 to 16.

Isn't that too steep? Why not start him off with Front End Web development? He gets to learn about HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Or get him to learn Arduino and Robotics with the Arduino kit. Then grow from there.

ocelot2006:


Isn't that too steep? Why not start him off with Front End Web development? He gets to learn about HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Or get him to learn Arduino and Robotics with the Arduino kit. Then grow from there.

I usually recommend scratch, c and c++ alongside DSA to kids because they are still eating their mommy's food and those languages really help you nail everything down at a basic level. I can't recommend that path to a 25 year old man with bills na. He will die of hunger before he finishes.

Draslo:
Have you wondered what he wants? I thought we're now past imposing careers on kids.

Steve Jobs 1995: “Everybody should learn to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think" 1995 was a time when computers already played an important role in our society but weren't as omnipresent in our lives as they are today.

Follow the above ""

Even, if you are a medical doctor you must know how to code in this present generation.

So, madam, you are doing the right thing and not imposing.

Sending a child to school can as well be called imposing.