No different than Windows. Kids will use what you put in front of them.
When I was fist getting interested in computers I didn't want to run DOS, I wanted to play Doom.
this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2025
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https://www.gcompris.net/index-en.html installed on an rPi. My 6yo loves it.
Pi or SBC are a great entry. A pi 500+ would be a great one. Classic wedge style. Just plug it into the TV and wall.
PC gaming, probably
Get an old PC, have a secure external data storage, and let them delete system files a few times, then teach them how to fix it themselves. Familiarity breeds comfort.
He's 6. Let him do what he wants.
What does that even mean in this context?
Maybe he's not interested in tech. Maybe he'll do better playing with clay, or just running around.
Just because his parents love computers, that's no reason to try and force him into tech.
You can be a plumber, or a musician, or a million other things without knowing Linux.
So you expect the 6 year old knows exactly what he wants to do, and parents should never introduce some tech they like?? Best, leave the kid alone let the internet and friends guide him. No need to have parents at all.
Your comment reminds me of an old The Onion headline.
"Father Makes Son Hate Fishing By Teaching Him To Do It The Right Way."
You aren't the lad's parent. The actual parent asked for advice. I gave my opinion.
And yes, within reason I think you should let a 6 year old do what they want with their free time.
You aren’t the lad’s parent.
You aren't too. I gave my opinion as well.
And yes, within reason I think you should let a 6 year old do what they want with their free time.
You have lot of assumptions about how the parents raise and teaches their kids. I think the parents should teach and bring the tech to the kid, because the parents think its a good thing. From there it can go any way. Without trying you wouldn't know. I think we both should let the parents parenting the kid and not assume anything more than the question. Let the parent show the kid some Linux stuff.
I think this is a good preparation for the future, so it does not become too much dependent on Windows and knows difference and strength of Linux early on, so it can make his own choice. Parent does not force here, just teaches some stuff. I don't know why you have a problem with that.
tl, dr.
Why would anyone care what you say then?
If you don't care what I say, why would you ask a question?
Kids don't know what they like. You just have to show them some things and see which ones they resonate with. Why not start with things you'll enjoy together?
Sugar on a Stick maybe?
I tried installing that on a thin client laptop I have but kept hitting issues, was trying sugar on the emmc lol
World of Goo?
A Steam Deck maybe?