fiona1311

My son is already showing an affinity for gaming as an uber-precocious Kindergartner that spends much of his free time asking about the creation of the universe and how the wireless internet works. He's currently a master of Minecraft, but I think he would love to start learning more about the intricacies of gaming, how it works, how they are created.

As an English major who is really only good at reading things, I'm in over my head here. Any websites/youtube channels/games that are age appropriate for a six year old that teach about computer programming/gaming/logic/architecture?

And should I start learning Dungeons and Dragons now or later?

Thanks so much for responding! I have to admit, before working in IT I was one of those, "Oh I'll never let my kids play video games," people. Then I fell in love with all of my gamer co-workers and with technology and realized that gamers become software developers who are some of the greatest/most interesting people I know. Now I am a believer that coding should be taught as early as possible and technological literacy is an invaluable skill. I'll check out the site and see what they've got for my dude!

I always wondered if D&D could be our family's version of Monopoly... glad to hear that it's happened with (potentially disputed) OK results. It actually sounds right up our alley!

You guys are awesome. Thanks again and best of work as you continue honing your craft and I wish much success to you!

Thanks so much. I've struggled because he's a lot different than me... I'm very reading/writing/artsy... he's very scientific and super cerebral. It sounds like you had a really positive experience from being encouraged to explore at your own pace and being encouraged to explore new areas....which is awesome because that's what we try to do! And I've learned a lot about black holes and gravity in the process :)

I am a huge fan of your work (if Good Will Hunting comes on, I am incapable of changing to channel and become glued to the TV), and have enjoyed following your career as well as your humanitarian efforts. And as the only female in a house full of four boys, I cannot imagine being outnumbered with five girls to one boy! Stay strong!

I have two questions:

1. Call me a skeptic, but I’m hesitant to give money to foundations and organizations fighting poverty/hunger/thirst, simply because so little of what money I give actually goes to helping an individual as opposed to administrative costs, government meddling, etc. I realize that those costs are necessary, but I still wish I could fly over there and hand people food and water myself as opposed to going through channels. What can my family and I do to help further the causes of organizations like ONE Campaign and H20 Africa in a non-monetary manner? Or should we just suck it up and accept the administrative costs are what they are and donate anyway?

2. On a much more selfish note, I have been writing a novel for the past few years. It’s nearing completion. Any words of advice (or condolences) as I set out on the arduous journey of peddling it to publishing companies? How many times did you and Mr. Affleck get shot down before someone said, “Yes!”?

Thanks so much for doing this AMA! Best wishes from our family to yours!

I just have to ask….

Was there a part of you that expected the first response to be, “Sorry Matt Damon, but we’ve run out of time….” – Jimmy Kimmel