Stationary Bike for Kids Controls Video Games
The new $100 Fisher-Price Smart Cycle plugs into a video game unit, and CONTROLS GAME PLAY. For example, an alphabet game lets kids drive the virtual bike to, say, drive through the alphabet. In the future -- who knows? -- "Grand Theft Tricycle?" The good: Smart Cycle makes video games more active. The bad: How about buying junior a real bike and letting him go outside? The ugly: Richard Simmons was hired to promote the Smart Cycle -- Parents, If I were you, I wouldn't let Simmons anywhere near your child... What do you think? Is this good for kids, or bad?
10:58 AM * PERMALINK * 38 comments
Comments:
like any other toy, they'll get bored of it over time.
Exactly. Do kids ever get bored with real bikes and being outside?
No we never did get bored...
"Parents, If I were you, I wouldn't let Simmons anywhere near your child..."
...because he is obviously gay?
*** because he is obviously gay? ***
No, because he's a creepy weirdo with a fake afro and short from the 70's.
This toy is just another excuse for parents not to interact with their children. I say sit down with your kid, help them learn, and for gosh sake take them outside!!! No wonder we have so many overweight children!
Richard Simmons has helped thousands of women, from the chubby to the obese, loose weight. That is a very good thing. Let's see if he can do the same for this nations chubby kids. Go Richard Simmons!!!! (However, going biking outside es so much better)
Might be a nice alternative for kids during the winter when it's too cold/snowy outside to ride a bike. They'll get bored with it, sure, but parents will buy them just out of pure guilt over the junk they feed their kids.
Have you tried taking your kid out for a bike ride in the pouring rain or a foot of snow?!
This toy has it's uses given the right circumstances.
"Parents, If I were you, I wouldn't let Simmons anywhere near your child..."
Bigot. The subtext is antigay, no matter how you try to spin it in your later comment.
*** Bigot. The subtext is antigay, no matter how you try to spin it in your later comment. ***
No, you're right. Only straight people can be creepy. It's impossible for gay people to be creepy, so any suggestion that any gay person might be creepy is automatically wrong. My mistake.
Mike
I think I might get it so that when I exercise, my 5 y.o. daughter can be right beside me doing the same thing; but with the added zeal that appeals to her age.
my 4 year old son knows how to ride bikes and i think this is a good peice of toy equipment because in the winter time when it is 40 below outside he's not going to want to play outside and get frostbite so i think that this is good exercise for him during the winter.
Some parents don't have the choice of taking their kids outside any given time. SOme of us work full time to feed and cloth them. Some of us live in apartments in the city where it is hard to safely ride with out hopping in a car and driving for an hour to find a suitable trail. Some of us don't let out children out in zero degree weather. To imply that a parent is being neglectful by purchasing a toy that turns a common child's pass time into something a bit healthier seems closed minded. I guess I could be one of those parents that pushes their child out the door and lets them roam around the neighborhood with out supervision, but I'd rather not. I fully intend on purchasing this for my two children this Christmas. I do not let them roam outside without me there and its nice that they can enjoy something like this in doors while I cook dinner, do laundry or any of the million other things on my list for after I get home from a full days work.
My kids love getting on their bikes. They're toddlers, too young to go outside by themselves, obviously, and I can't spend my entire day outside everyday... after the hour or so we're usually outside, they don't want to come in. I think this game would be good in teaching them to pedal a bike, I mean, I bet it doesn't have to be plugged in for the pedals to move; and at least the games are educational. Instead of them trying to climb on my stationary bike with me -which is obviously dangerous- and I can't really get out and take them on a bike ride by myself, unless someone would like to donate one of the toddler trailors you hook up to the back, but even that, while fun, would limit a workout. Video games are just fine for kids, but parents still need to be good parents- you know, interact with your kids, discipline them when they need it, with whatever method works for you, and help them contribute something positive to society (and if anyone takes offense to contributing postively to society and discipline, then you know one of the reasons society is the way it is...why kids, even at an age when they should be able to go outside and play by themselves can't.) But, this is a comment about a video game... not about the downfalls of society and people with no common sense (not saying that if you disagree with this or other video/childrens' games you have no common sense...)
I am going to buy this game for my children for Christmas, and since we're only getting one, I bet my husband and I can help teach them even more about sharing as well.
I completely agree with the anonymous person that posted on Sep. 24, 2007.
I also agree with the two posts above the one that posted Sep. 24, those on Sep. 5, and Feb. 21.
Where I live it snows, so an invention that allows my children to exercise inside and still have fun can really help me thru the winter. I think it was great idea!
I think this is wonderful! I try to limit my kids TV time but if they are in front of the TV Id rather it be interactive, and even better is physical activity.
And, Richard Simmons wont be near your kids anyway, its not like he comes to do a home demo. So, you dont have to worry about your assumptions about him anyway.
And, yes, our kids have real bikes too...so people saying that this purchase is out of guilt is just ridiculous. People who actually have children understand the value of providing entertainment for your children while you take a moment to check your email or do household chores AFTER you've worked a 10 hr day....
THUMBS UP FOR FISHER PRICE!
I THINK IT IS GOOD FOR KIDS IF LIMITED.OBVIOUSLY ALOT OF THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMENTED HAVE NOT HAD CHILDREN WHO HAVE ANY KIND OF MOTOR SKILLS,PROBLEMS OR ATTENION PROBLEMS.I HAVE A CHILD WHO IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM THAT I THINK THIS KIND OF INTERACTIVE TOY/RIDE ON WOULD BE GOOD FOR.PEOPLE NEED TO THINK ABOUT OTHERS SOMETIMES BEFORE THEY VOICE THIER OPINIONS.
this is a wonderful toy for my child whose allergies are so severe in the fall!
I think that anyone who thinks this is a rediculous toy needs to get real. Let's be honest. A lot of Kids are FAT, FAT, FAT now a days partly because of the computers and video games that keep them inside sitting on their butt. Do kids even know what 'kick the can' is now? Probably not. But they sure do know how to turn on a computer and play a game!! As for those people that say, "buy the kid a real bike" - they probably do have real bikes, but when there might 3 feet of snow on the ground for 3-4 months, there isn't far to go!! Those of you that think that a child is going to ride their bikes in to the street and get hit 'chasing a -z-'...if your child isn't old enough to know the difference between a fake street and a real street probably isn't smart enough to use this game. As for everyone else who has nothing better to do but complain about new toys and games.....get a grip!!
If those of you that are complaining haven't noticed, healthcare costs are going up and one of the leading causes is obesity. Obesity causes health problems. Health problems lead you to the doctor more often. If you haven't noticed, there are quite a few obese children in this world, more than there ever were, due to hand held games and computers. Thank you to the person who invented this game. You may be saving healthcare for the future!!
My son is a bike freak...he loves to ride and he does so as fast as he can. He is 4 and has training wheels on his bike. Both my children are 'slim', tall and active. I think this game is great for the winter and other inclimate weather to help stimulate the body and mind together indoors. My son won't be playing this game 24/7 and it won't be a babysitter for him. He will be limited (just like tv etc). I see using this for warming up for his swiming lessons and other activities (like a bike ride with the family). Although I know he'll think he's sneaking in a game while the rest of us are getting ready. I just hope he doesn't out grow it (mentally) too fast.
I know Richard Simmons is a nice guy and helps people but I think he's creepy looking too. He's still wearing the same clothes he wore when i was a kid. He needs a new look...at least get into the 90s. A nice running suit with long black pants and a more tailored hair cut would help his look tremedously. As it is now just throw on some face paint and color his hair red and you're got a clown. lol
I got one because the winters where I live are very cold(like 40 below zero) and kids are limited on outside time then. I thought this is a good way to get exercise during the long cold winters. I generally send them outside anytime the weather allows.
I think it's great! It's hard for me to exercise with two small kids wanting me to pay attention to them. So now we can do it together. Especially during the winter. There is however an option that doesn't include the game. Who says you have to use that part anyway??
As a teacher, I realize the downfall in society in regard to outside "play" for children but you have to play the hand that is dealt to you. It is sad that children are limited in some areas. Therefore, games of this type provide them WITH "activity" that is educational and physical.
Those of you who are judgmental of someone else should take a look at yourself and the inside of your own home. Each person must decide for themselves what is best for their family and they have to live with it. As for Simmons, who are you to judge???? My philosophy is to find some good in everyone.... even those I "think" may be the worst. I have a gigantic job just taking care of myself.
Find happiness and search for truth! This can be found in the Christ we celebrate this Christmas!
ok...whoever wrote this is a nut case! Its just a game, and for those of us who live in snow where there is 10 inches or more for 3 months at a time this is perfect to get on and ride, just as if they were outside and having fun, but instead they are in the warmth and safety of there home until summer when they can go outside and play...besides riding on a bike they get some basic skills of the alphabet! (at a young age) Why get so upset over such a wonderful idea! get a life and let kids play! The world doesn't revolve around simple minded comments such as the one written about the Bike!
I'm very glad to see video games starting to include physical activity. This appears to be an innovative product that I hope my active son enjoys getting for Christmas. I think this article making fun of all us excited parents glad to add physical to video learning was a hoot. I hope it's hot and toy makers and video game makers see we want innovative ways to keep our kids active, learning, entertained and healthy.
Take it from Mama:
When there is ANYTHING that will help release your childs pent up energy when they arent able to go outside,give them exercise, and keep you from going crazy, all at the same time...that is a Mother's best friend! LOL
This toy SUCKS!
Cause kids HATE outside. Cause parents freaking can't wait to get on the treadmill. IDIOTS!
I think this is a brilliant toy! When my son can't get outside during the winter because of below zero temps he needs to release his energy some how and what better way to exercise on a stationary bike like mommy does! It's better than bouncing off the walls and driving the parents nuts because they can't get them outside when it's -40 out. Have an open mind people! He LOVES being outside and fosho he will be back out during the warmer months riding his bike as long as he wants!
Our 3 yr old wants to sit with mommy while she rides her stationary bike.So maybe she will ride this one if we sit it next to mommy's.We just bought it last night at Costco.
A very smart person once said...
" Cleaning your house while your children are still growing is like shovling your walk while it is still snowing." Enjoy your children while they are still children. They don't stay little for long and in a blink it could all be all gone.
can anyone please comment on the quality of the product, not their personal reasons for purchasing or not
What does riding through the alphabet have to do with "Grand Theft Tricycle", jerk? I realize that Mattel isn't and shouldn't be immune from the choices that they made regarding our kids health and the methods that they used (via China) to make their toys, but should be rewarded when they get something right. Personally I'm afraid of the deer tick population and the 5 cases of Lyme disease reported on my street and the amount of TV that my 3 y/o wants to watch. She also has a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise. We are purchasing this toy this year for Xmas because I think that Mattel got one right. Too much of anything is bad and this used in moderation will be fine. To the author: I have no idea what your reasoning is and it seems that you have other reasons for your comments
Hurray for Richard Simmons for promoting this product. He is a selfless man. He loves people and looks out for their best interest not making just a fast buck. This is a great toy because some kids don't have the luxury of going outside and playing all the time if they live in an apartment, a high crime area, etc.
"can anyone please comment on the quality of the product..."
Anonymous 11.27, I was doing online research about the product & the only complaints I read were about the machine's dependence on batteries, & other people had issues w/how quickly they seem to run out - but it appears that's only for those who don't turn off the appliance when finished (BAD Americans! ;} ) But I have wanted this toy for my child since last year, my brother bought one for his daughter & says the batteries have yet to run out.
"ANYTHING that will help release your childs pent up energy when they arent able to go outside..."
'Mama' AXE! (Amen!) I have a 'ping-pong' child who is constantly running everywhere - I need 'edutainment' for her if only to supplement focusing techniques. I also live in not the best neighborhood & cannot stay outside w/her for hours even when the weather does permit.
My wife and I bought this for our 4 year old nephew last year for christmas, and he loves it.
It has a variety of "games" and they're all geared toward teching him things like spelling, counting, colors, etc.
The only downside is that it only take batteries, and unfortunately you go through them like crazy. I'm currently working on hacking it somehow so that I can mod it for AC power and they'll never have to worry about changing the batteries once a week, which can be both costly for the wallet and for the environment.
Post a Comment
<< Home