The Fisher Price Smart Cycle Debate
April 4, 2008 by Susan Gunelius
Filed under Video Games for Kids
One of the big toys during the past holiday season was the Fisher Price Smart Cycle. It’s won a variety of toy awards, but I’ve been really torn over this product. If you’re not familiar with the Fisher Price Smart Cycle, it’s a video game system that kids play while riding a stationary bike. Fisher Price also calls it a “learning center”. The YouTube video below includes an ad that will give you all the details.
I can understand the positive benefits of the Fisher Price Smart Cycle. If your kids are going to play a video game, then a video game that requires physical activity seems like a great choice. Also, I’d imagine this would be a good alternative during the winter months when kids can’t go outside and play. Finally, I’m glad many of the games for the Fisher Price Smart Cycle are educational and teach numbers, letters, etc.
However, there’s a part of me that doesn’t like the idea of getting my kids into video games too early. I know it’s highly likely that they’ll become very interested in video games eventually. Should I start them now just because this video game also provides some exercise? I’m torn. While the Fisher Price Smart Cycle seems like a cool toy, I’m just not sold on it yet.
I also wonder if kids will get bored of the Smart Cycle quickly? At about $100 from the Fisher Price website (less if you buy through Amazon or other retailers that offer discounts), it’s a hefty investment for a toy that is meant for children age 3-6.
What do you think of the Fisher Price Smart Cycle? Does your child have one? If your child has used one, what are your opinions of the Fisher Price Smart Cycle after watching him or her use it for awhile?
I felt the same misgivings as you did on the Smartcycle, I had the same feelings about the Vsmile also. I eventually gave in based on the assumption that most kids ARE going to get into video games, and at least with the smartcycle you can possibly show him or her early that games can be/should be for learning as well as fun. The physical activity part of the system was just gravy after this (I feel like Superdad when my kids tell me how tired they are).
I’m not sure how far he will carry the “games are for learning” message, but at least for now he gets it. Hopefully I am setting up a foundation that “learning is fun”, but it has to be part of a bigger campaign that the game is only part of. They can’t think that you can only learn from a video game/television.
John (Pop)
http://www.colestoyblog.com