Learning Game Consoles for Young Children?

revco_38 asks: "My wife and I are looking into purchasing a game based learning console for our 4 year old boy this Christmas. The two front runners are the VSmile from VTech and the Leapster from Leapfrog. Does the Slashdot community have any experience with either of these products? Are there any other products similar that should be considered? We also have a 2 year old boy so something that lasts would be nice."

Comments

Re:Is this really a good idea?

[Nutria]

It's not as bad as it sounds, since it's a school/day care. The facility is top-notch, and I and my ex-wife feel rather comfortable having her there.

Bah. What's more important to her, her career or her child?

She also lives out of town, so I or my family am not able to pick her up.

What's more important to you, your career or your child?

That said, divorce is rough on kids, and this is just one of the side effects.

And one of the many sacrifices that parents have to make for their children is to be there for them, even when you don't get along with your spouse.

Yes, I am a father, and yes, I have been divorced.

My ex-wife worked in one of those fancy day-schools, and as an afternoon nanny for a rich 1980s high-powered dual-income couple, and let me tell you, those kids were screwed up. They needed more mother and less nanny.