Are table tops suitable first telescopes for kids?

[brantuk]

On a beginner scope of this small size the difference between spherical and parabolic is maybe not going to be so important to a novice user. But yes it's toward the edges and the scope will need nudging a little more often to track an object and keep it in the center where the view is sharpest. If you ever upgrade to a larger aperture in the future - go with parabolic would be my advice.

(If you're using it through a window the view will be distorted anyway - scopes are best used outside).

[Jamus]

Thank you all. So much food for thought.