I learned programming as a child using basic because I wanted to make games like super mario. My first game was a pick your own adventure novel. Just text. My second game was an RPG, all ascii. I eventually build a 3D engine in basic (yeah, i know). If the kid finds programming fun, then starting with scratch won't deter them. If they don't like programming but want to make a game, then yeah, I can see how finding out how hard it is will deter them!