Daycare issue (video games)

[Coonhound]

I am not familiar with the OP's game system, but there are MANY games for the DS that involve using your imagination. My kids have a ton of games that require problem solving and critical thinking. Our kids have unlimited screen time, have never gotten anything less than straight As (just finished 3rd and 5th grade), are very active (just tested for their senior brown belt in tae kwon do tonight), and have great social lives. The thought that an hour out of a typical child's summer day to play some games is somehow detrimental to his well-being is a bit overcautious.

I can't say that I would let my kids take their game cases to school with them (they have well over 100 DS and 3DS games between the two of them), but the system and a game or two wouldn't even phase me as far as being worried about something getting lost (their iPads would NOT go, though). It all comes down to personal preference, and the child's personality as to what they can handle and what they can't. Definitely different for each child, so you just have to figure out what works best for your own situation. There is no reason that more questions cannot be asked or that OP can't tell her child no. she simply needs to do what feels right for her and her son.

It's not that the game isn't good...it's that ANY device game is not as good for a child as playing with other children, learning how to interact with others, sharing, cooperating, getting exercise running around with other kids etc
Also, this is preschool age children, screen time needs to be very limited.

 

[smitch425]

It's not that the game isn't good...it's that ANY device game is not as good for a child as playing with other children, learning how to interact with others, sharing, cooperating, getting exercise running around with other kids etc
Also, this is preschool age children, screen time needs to be very limited.

All of the bolded can actually be done with video games these days. They aren't what they used to be. In some cases, 8 kids can play the same DS game with only one actual game cartridge. As for the "running around" part, I assume there is outdoor time for that, and that free time in the class room would not include running. At least, I hope not. I've never placed a limit on screen time for my kids. DD wasn't nearly into it as much as DS. He taught himself how to use a computer and read at 3 years old. DD preferred drawing/coloring (which DS hated doing until about 1st grade) and learning to read strictly via regular books (with a little Sesame Street thrown in). As I said before, every kid is different. You just have to let them show you what they can and cannot handle. If you limit them too much, you'll never know what they are actually capable of doing/handling.

 

[Colleen27]

It's not that the game isn't good...it's that ANY device game is not as good for a child as playing with other children, learning how to interact with others, sharing, cooperating, getting exercise running around with other kids etc
Also, this is preschool age children, screen time needs to be very limited.

Preschool aged kids can only handle so much interacting with others, sharing, cooperating, and running around before they need a break. And since most aren't independent readers yet a familiar gaming system can be an ideal quiet time activity to let them have that break.

 

[Hrhpd]

No I Understand. That's why I don't like it, if you choose to not go along with it because you want him to interact with other kids, but then all the other kids are on their devices, well..who is he supposed to play with...it just is a sucky situation all around. You send him there to interact with other kids. Free play time is the perfect time for the kids to interact with each other and do imaginative play

He is interacting 7-8 of the hours he is there. Every single person, including a pre-schooler needs their own downtime where they do not have to be "on" and playing. That is why employers have breaks. Everybody needs a break once in awhile.

During your day, don't you wish for a few minutes where you don't have to interact with anybody if you do not want to? I did not see where the teachers were going to force the children to use their electronics, it was just offered as another option if they wanted it. They would still have a choice to go read, do a puzzle or other self-directed activity.

It's not that the game isn't good...it's that ANY device game is not as good for a child as playing with other children, learning how to interact with others, sharing, cooperating, getting exercise running around with other kids etc
Also, this is preschool age children, screen time needs to be very limited.

Not true.

Here is a great article from the American Psychological Association on the benefits of video games, even the "shooter" games, for children. As long as it is not all the time, there can be cognitive and social benefits to allowing your child screen time.

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/11/video-games.aspx

 

[Aliceacc]

And remember: this is a video game he already owns. His parents have deemed it appropriate for him to use during down time at home.

What this may mean is that his screen time over the next few weeks happens at daycare, and he does some of his more imaginative play at home under the watch of his parents.

 

[EMode]

It's not that the game isn't good...it's that ANY device game is not as good for a child as playing with other children, learning how to interact with others, sharing, cooperating, getting exercise running around with other kids etc
Also, this is preschool age children, screen time needs to be very limited.

This is summer camp, its usually a little more laid back then qn actual pre-school curriculum. Regardless, its not bad for a pre-school aged child to have some down time, they need to learn to manage themselves when they are alone. That is a valuable lesson or else they will always be relying on someone for their happiness or to keep them occupied. A couple hours a week not interacting with someone isn't going to be bad in any way shape or form. Its kind of silly to think it will.
The OP mentioned this was during their free time, its not an all day thing, so screen time is being limited.

 

[Minnesota!]

My kids go to a full day summer-camp type thing. They are allowed to bring their electronics. However, they only play them from about 630 - 715am, and then again from about 430-5pm. The rest of the day is planned out...outside activities, field trips, crafts, sports, etc. I have no issues with them getting a little down time. Most days, their electronics are in their lockers when we pick them up - meaning they only used them in the AM. Not a big deal, IMO.