Poorly designed software will frustrate a child and can erode confidence. Make sure the program is well matched to your child's abilities. The program's story line and graphics should be meaningful to preschoolers, and the software should not talk down to them or underestimate their abilities. But you don't want the program to be too far above the child's abilities. Less than a minute on a too-difficult program can turn enthusiasm into frustration.
Good software offers a range of difficulty levels that automatically adjust to what a child can do.
Use your child's interests to determine what to buy. Like other toys and materials, the computer should offer your child a stress-free, fun, and playful experience. Avoid buying software that focuses on what your child does not enjoy or has difficulty with. The best programs don't make a child wait. Children should not have to sit through credits or lengthy instructions.