[Doc]

My son is younger than yours, and I have given this idea some thought.

If it were just you and your son, I think you have an easier decision. What would your son be doing if he weren't playing poker? Is that a "better" activity for him?
I know you said he doesnt play video games, but I think for the average kid who does play video games, poker is generating higher level thought than most games. I would say in that situation it's a close decision, but probably reasonable for him to play.

Your wife being opposed to him playing is another matter. I think a lot of the other posters have elucidated good reasons this could go bad if she is really opposed to it. I would be trying to teach my son how and why we make certain plays, especially emphasizing the mathematical aspect of it. I think this would bring my wife around, but I'm not sure.

In short, without your wife's input, its probably about 55-45 in favor of letting him play. With her opposion, it swings it to a clear fold.

I'm sure I've been as clear as mud.

Doc