When I saw BlogAdda’s “Be a child, with your child” activity, I was mildly curious. Mainly because it was targeted at kids starting from the age of 4. As you probably know kuttyma just turned 4 and has never played a computer game before. In fact, she has never spent time on a computer.

She plays on the iPad but I felt computer games are really not suitable for a 4 year old. Also we have a family rule, she cannot touch the computer. She gets a set iPad time every day and that is the end of her gaming experiences.

She doesn’t watch Chotta Bheem (or any other cartoons unless she is on vacation at the grandparents). So she did know that there was a character called Chotta Bheem – she was not very keen on it. It was quite a challenge getting her interested in a game based on the character.

Day 1:

We settled comfortably on the couch and headed to http://www.pogo.tv/iciciprulife/ created a login for kuttyma and plunged in.

The site was vividly colorful and had a lot going on. I was wondering what would capture the attention of a 4 year old and it was the map. My daughter always had a fascination with maps and there she was trying to understand the map.

I explained to her the concept of the map and then we watched a video. Like most cartoons, the concept of the game is simple, cross multiple levels and complete the journey. I could sense my daughter getting restless. It really was not her kind of activity (maybe she is just too young for it).

The first game was a game of arm wrestling and the minute it popped up, my daughter walked away.

I played a couple of times and ended up with sore wrists (really!).

Day 2:

We spoke about completing the game before we logged in. It was a game based on cricket – a sport kuttyma has no idea about (oh well neither do I for that matter). We tried for 2 minutes before my daughter lost her patience (I lost it much earlier). I tried another time and really it is not something for a 30 year old mother with a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. I closed the computer down.

Day 3:

We logged in and realized that we need to clear Day 2 to proceed to Day 3. I mentally groaned and my daughter wanted to watch the video again.

Slowly she lost interest. The main reason we failed is her age. I really don’t think it was suitable for a 4 year old.

I navigated to the “Fun Mela” section that has age-appropriate videos. We watched a couple and then talked about them. For a 4 year old the videos were a little advanced. Counting till 1000, spelling long words, etc. Videos that would be ideal for a older kid I felt.

Now that I have said that, let me tell you why the game would appeal to computer-savvy kids aged 6 and over

– The animations are super lively and cute. They look real and not cartoonish. It makes the game come alive

– The colors are bright and screams fun.

– The games themselves involve a lot of thought and quick deft movements that are what kids enjoy.

– The characters makes them laugh

Why would parents love their kids playing the game?

– They can only play one level a day and there by restricts their time on the computer

– They are exposed to games like arm wrestling that seems to be a vanishing art.

– Ultimately in its own way it teaches good wins over evil

– It teaches the kids purpose and strategy. It is never too early to learn.

Thanks BlogAdda for the opportunity and if you have a older kid who would like some fun – stop by the game site