You may fire up the computer only to realize that you don't have the right high-speed graphics card. Or the program may fit your child like last year's blue jeans. Avoid impulse buys and check the copyright date. If it's more than two years old, it may be light years behind rapid advances in technology. Attention spans vary, but you can take a cue from your child's age.
Younger toddlers grow antsy, and sometimes virtually police themselves.
But the older your child gets, the more she needs guidance when it comes to computer play. Many experts recommend setting limits on computer activity from the very start, and sticking with the program. And if your child wants to stop playing, don't try to stop her. New peripherals, or accessories, designed to enhance your child's computer experience are popping up all the time. But don't let the bells and whistles fool you.