Do your kids play video games?

[Jaimee]

DS 6 has a PS 2 and he plays it a few times a week. I love video games also, so we always play together. I'm sure that will change when he gets older though. I know some people are against them completely, another mom made a comment to me after DS was talking about a game to her DS ( the Disney Racing Game) Telling me it's terrible to let him play video games. My DS gets lots of exercise, plays for a few hours after school (outside when its warmer) and we do lots on the weekends (plays, museums etc...) We read together every night, he's normal socially. I just don't see why games are given such a bad rap. I guess in excess they can be harmful, but he plays in moderation. WHat are your thoughts? Do your kids play them?

 

[Lorix2]

We have PSOne and a Gameboy. I think as long as the kids do get regular exercise and are not sitting in front of the game for a long period of time, what's the harm? Of course, it should be age appropriate.

Kids love to play video games together, so I think it's just another thing kids do for fun.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Neither of mine ever really 'got into them', Jaimee. You mentioned what is not good with them, obsessiveness. Isaiah, along with you, show none of that. Let him enjoy them a bit, as he does.

I also personally think, that many are overtly violent, and provide a 'conditioning effect', desensitizing effect on kids over time, as exemplified so often today.

PS: Had dinner here last night with Big V and Pam, and they were relating how nice it was seeing you both again at WDW and the cruise. Nice. Enjoy the day, Jamiee.

 

[TammyNC]

My children have and play video games, but not on a constant basis. They do have to ask before playing and sometimes it may get taken away as punishment. I don't think there is anything wrong with them playing them as long as we know the type of games and they are not spending all of their time in front of them.

 

[pixiemomma]

My 4 year old (5 this month) loves video games. My 3 year old hasn't shown much interest. We have a PS2, Xbox and a Gameboy.

 

[MosMom]

My daughter has a Gamecube and is playing Mario Sunshine as I type (she just got it last night so it is still a novelty). She doesn't play it often and only plays age appropriate games so I see nothing wrong with it. She would MUCH rather play outside but it is cold and windy here today.

 

[meeshi]

DS13 got PS2 for Christmas and I'd say he plays it twice a month, not very often at all. When he first got it he played a little more often but he's usually outside playing. He only has a couple of games and they're racing or sports. I think the problem with video games are some kids would rather sit and play games instead of going outside to play, not to mention how violent some games are. The same can be said about tv. There just needs to be a balance and you seem to be doing a very good job.

 

[piglet too]

My boys (9 1/2 and just turned 5) got Gamecube two Christmas' ago. They also both have a Game Boy. THey do play a lot in the winter, but hardly at all when they can go out and play. My oldest taught himself how to read by playing Pokemon on GBA. He really wanted to know what to do and so he learned to read. My 5 year old is now doing the same thing. We do not allow "M" games and only have 2 "T" games. The ones we have are LOTR games and since oldest DS plays D&D, it is fine we feel. So long the parents monitor playing time and what they are playing, I don't think there is anything wrong with video games. Trust me, I see all too many parents who let their kids play "M" games as I am always having to tell them about the game at work (I work at Toys "R" Us in the R-Zone.) They don't care and buy it anyways. I have had parents buy their 7 yr old Grand Theft Auto-Vice City, and laugh when I ask then if they know what is in the game.

 

[joshsmom]

DS8 has a PS2 upstairs and a Game Cube downstairs. The GC was a gift from friends when they learned that he would be home for long periods of time after his transplant. GC has outlets for more kids to join in so when he couldn't go outside, the neighborhood kids came inside and played video and board games with him. He's not allowed to have anything rated above "E" (for everyone) and he's not allowed to play more than 1/2 an hour on school days after homework and reading is done. When he comes home from school, he does his homework and then stays outside with his friends until dinnertime. Some days he ignores the video game all together. Other times he wants to play it. We read together every night.

I think as long as it's balanced with physical activity and after school work, it's fine. He's gained great hand/eye coordination from it! I try to play and can't do it unless it's Pac Man!!! GEEZ I'm gettin' OLD!!!

 

[Kermit]

My mom got Jacob (who is 15 months old) a computer game for Christmas. I think that's just a bit too young. It's ironic because she wouldn't let my sister and I have a Nintendo in high school. We may do them in moderation when he's older, but we plan on strictly limiting video games and TV watching time.

 

[luv2nascar]

8 1/2 yr old DD has a gameboy sp and likes that
she plays maybe twice a week
we also have a PS2 that is DH but they both play it
it gets much more activity in the winter than the summer
last summer they probably didn't touch it at all for 3 or 4 months
so I dont' mind
I have never had to limit the amount of time she plays
she is not obsessed with it

 

[missyc]

I noticed (unless I missed someone!) that most of you were talking about younger kids. Just wait 'til they are older! My 10 1/2 DS would like to do nothing but his PS2!! IF we let him, that is! Except when football season starts...then he's too exhausted to move his fingers that fast!
There are a lot of games he isn't allowed to play because of the violence. He thinks I'm horrible cuz he can't play the Grand Theft Auto games, etc.
Over all I think video games are ok
Especially when friends are playing together & he's not just locked in a room alone while everyone else is out enjoying the day! LOL

 

[AnNaNiCoLe]

any good parent would give their kids anything they want...i guess im the only model mom around here!

 

[wendyl]

Moderation is the key--but I personally think video games are EXCELLENT Problem Solving builders. I am a math teacher, and love that these games teach kids to try another route if they get stuck, or that practice improves everything, etc...