My gaming experience w/my kids
For what it's worth, apologies for chiming in so late (been a while since I logged on). In a nutshell, teaching kids any RPG--Star Trek in particular--has several benefits.
First off, it's a fun activity for us. I have a 10-year-old son that I now include w/my Star Trek series (post-Dominion, post-Voyager). Like PGoodman, I also like to push CODA as an RPG system. My son's character is a Lt. in security, interested in ground tactics and demolitions. He uses d6 in many other games we all play, so rolling 2d6 and adding/subtracting numbers is easy for him.
Second, TAS is in my series' "official history," and both my kids know and grew up watching it. Both enjoy the action, and my daughter (also a gamer, but not Trek) likes the life lessons that TAS includes.
Third, in our gaming group, most of us went to college together and they really like it when I bring my kids to the game sessions; they treat my kids as equals and offer good gaming suggestions.
Lastly, gaming as a social activity:
- teaches teamwork and problem solving
- encourages imagination/thinking outside the box
- helps with basic math, helpful for kids who need the practice
Just a few thoughts. Ciao for now.
M_F