here's what I'm thinking...what do other parents think?

[Cantw8]

I hear a lot of grumbling on here about how much time teenagers spend on the computer and playing video games. Here's what I think..... It warms my heart to walk by my 16 year old DS'S room at 11:00 pm on a Friday night and see him in there with his "hommies" playing XBox live with kids from Scotland. Why? Because I know where he is, he isn't out getting high or drunk, he isn't out riding around with some teenage driver and he isn't out "hooking up" with some skank This is not to say that he doesn't or wouldn't do these things, he certainly spends his fair share of time out socilaizing but it really makes me feel more relaxed to know that he is blocking kicks on Madden 05 with his buds on a Friday night. Does anyone get that? If I can keep him here, safe, and that means he is on the computer, playing video games or talking on the phone, I think I would prefer that then his out getting "fresh air". What do you think?

 

[transparant]

I think the opposite. It does my heart good to see my 14 & 15 yr. olds out in the field behind my house on a friday night playing football with all of their friends. As a matter of fact - thats where they are right now as I type this. I'll be making lots of hot chocolate for all of them in about a half hour.

 

[Sparx]

I hear a lot of grumbling on here about how much time teenagers spend on the computer and playing video games. Here's what I think..... It warms my heart to walk by my 16 year old DS'S room at 11:00 pm on a Friday night and see him in there with his "hommies" playing XBox live with kids from Scotland. Why? Because I know where he is, he isn't out getting high or drunk, he isn't out riding around with some teenage driver and he isn't out "hooking up" with some skank This is not to say that he doesn't or wouldn't do these things, he certainly spends his fair share of time out socilaizing but it really makes me feel more relaxed to know that he is blocking kicks on Madden 05 with his buds on a Friday night. Does anyone get that? If I can keep him here, safe, and that means he is on the computer, playing video games or talking on the phone, I think I would prefer that then his out getting "fresh air". What do you think?

that is my argument. I could be out god knows where doing god knows what with god knows who. But no. Here I am. On dis.

 

[Marseeya]

Having a child who had absolutely no social life whatsoever, I'm so happy that he's not cooped up in the house playing video games! I'm thrilled that he's out with his friends, and even "skanks" (whatever that may be I prefer to call them teenage girls). He has a cell phone for a reason and I frequently check up on him, even following up with a visit.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I agree Cantw8. I'm always more relaxed when my 16 year old daughter is home gabbing with friends or playing on the computer. She goes out and does things, but I'm always thinking about where she is and wondering. Maybe it is somewhat selfish of me to want her home, but just a natural reaction I think of a mom who worries.

 

[Michie]

My boys were never into computers. Except the eldesrt is very profeccient in typing, he ca type 75 wpm, no errors. He did call me the other day and asked if I could change his AOL creen nmae from being on a kids only to an adult level.

 

[Cantw8]

Having a child who had absolutely no social life whatsoever, I'm so happy that he's not cooped up in the house playing video games! I'm thrilled that he's out with his friends, and even "skanks" (whatever that may be I prefer to call them teenage girls). He has a cell phone for a reason and I frequently check up on him, even following up with a visit.

Well, if you don't know what a skank is, then you have obviously not had some 16 year old girl come into your home with her cleavage hanging out and her thong sticking out of the back of her pants. I don't consider my son being "cooped up" in the house when he's playing games, as I stated, he does go out, he plays outside ect. I just feel better when he is home and I know where he is. So, I'll see your and raise you I am glad that you are thrilled that your son is out with his friends....I guess you are not that thrilled if you "frequently check up on him"

 

[Daxx]

It warms my heart to walk by my 16 year old DS'S room at 11:00 pm on a Friday night and see him in there with his "hommies" playing XBox live with kids from Scotland.

It does my heart good to see my 14 & 15 yr. olds out in the field behind my house on a friday night playing football with all of their friends.

Look at the OP's statement -- she's talking about 11 pm at night. Are your kids really out that late playing football? Anyway, you're able to keep your eyes on the kids b/c they're behind your house. Would you feel differently if your kids were god knows where doing god knows what with god knows who?! It's one thing to watch boys playing in your yard -- it's another thing when they're out and about and you can't see what they're doing.

As much as I appreciate fresh air and physical activity, at 11pm I would prefer my child to be inside the house playing XBox live. Maybe it has to do w/the fact that I live in a neighborhood where late-night football games and rambunctious activity aren't appreciated at 11 pm.

 

[Stephanie218]

Playing video games doesn't mean the kid is anti-social or doesn't have friends. The OP stated that he was playing the games with his "homies". I have a brother that's almost 16 and my mom would much rather him be home at 11 PM on a Friday night than out somewhere. He has all afternoon and early evening to be outside, which is where he usually is during that time.

I agree with the OP, playing video games at night with friends is an awesome thing for a 16 yo boy to do.

 

[Michie]

Now, now...

We, pardon, the Dh has always had a workshop which has always included a pool table, foos ball table, ping pong table and such for the kids. That way they and their friends could hang out there and off the streets.

 

[PatsGirl]

Like nearly everything in life, moderation is key. Socializing is a big part of a teens life but my DS16 has a 10 pm curfew with strict monitoring when he is not at home (I need to know where he is and who he is with and he is not allowed in a car driven by another teen). I know this is soon to change but I'm holding on as long as I can

Because he has to be home on school nights and by 10 on weekends he does spend a few hours online or playing Playstation or Warcraft. For Xmas I bought him a card table hoping I can encourage Friday night Texas Poker for the "boys" at my house. I discourage dating but again I know it's only a matter of time and when he really argues, he'll be allowed, but don't tell him that

LIke I said, moderation is key to well-rounded kids. Because he hangs online with his "hommies" during the weekends, it is limited to small doses during the week. He is then forced to interact with the family or read or something other than electronics.

Again, I know he will soon start to rebel against these things, especially when the skanks dare call or show up on our doorstep!
Haven't heard that term in years but yeah, can definately relate. Not all girls are skanks but gotta say his high school looks like a walking advertisement -- no wonder he can't concentrate on his school work. Just where are their moms and dads when they leave their house with their ****s hanging out their shirts and their floss four inches higher than their jeans?

Brenda

 

[Chris2597]

I hear ya....My 20 yr old son has xbox and plays the video games on the internet....He usually has 2 or 3 friends over playing....I always rest easier knowing he is not out and about doing who knows what....
Now that is not to say he doesnt go out....he does, but I worry about him when he is out especially late at night....even at 20....
I also agree with the other poster that it is even more refreshing to see your kids outside your home playing ball or just being kids/young adults but at home.
I guess we never stop worrying about our kids.

 

[Cantw8]

Like nearly everything in life, moderation is key. Socializing is a big part of a teens life but my DS16 has a 10 pm curfew with strict monitoring when he is not at home (I need to know where he is and who he is with and he is not allowed in a car driven by another teen). I know this is soon to change but I'm holding on as long as I can

Because he has to be home on school nights and by 10 on weekends he does spend a few hours online or playing Playstation or Warcraft. For Xmas I bought him a card table hoping I can encourage Friday night Texas Poker for the "boys" at my house. I discourage dating but again I know it's only a matter of time and when he really argues, he'll be allowed, but don't tell him that

LIke I said, moderation is key to well-rounded kids. Because he hangs online with his "hommies" during the weekends, it is limited to small doses during the week. He is then forced to interact with the family or read or something other than electronics.

Again, I know he will soon start to rebel against these things, especially when the skanks dare call or show up on our doorstep!
Haven't heard that term in years but yeah, can definately relate. Not all girls are skanks but gotta say his high school looks like a walking advertisement -- no wonder he can't concentrate on his school work. Just where are their moms and dads when they leave their house with their ****s hanging out their shirts and their floss four inches higher than their jeans?

Brenda

You got it. My son also has the whole downstairs familyroom to himself. He has his poker table and he and his friends are also down there playing Texas hold-em. Thank you to all who understood what I was saying. I certainly don't want my son to be a prisoner in his home, but just for a little longer (and I know it won't be for long) I am glad that he wants to hang here on some of the weekend nights. I know where he is and I don't have to worry. I just wish his "hommies" would start bringing their own beer, my Mich light supply is dwindling JUST KIDDING

 

[FINFAN]

I think balance is good. As long as there is a mix of activities and socialization, ok by me. It's like having eggs for dinner or PBJ for breakfast...as long as it balances out at the end of the week. I do think, however, ther eis a difference in an hour or two of video games and 5-6 hours a day...same for sports...5-6 hours of football each day would be too much. And I am not a huge fan of blog sites etc., IMing, but to be fair, that is how kids socialize these days, and my kids join in. It is funny tho, most IM's are never real conversations...just bantering or quick remarks. I would rather see some actual conversing gong on.


Pam

 

[tinaluis]

I agree with the OP and my DDs are stil very young -- 9, 7 and 4. It's DH who enjoys playing video games. Many friends have commented that it would "drive them nuts" if their DHs played video games, but it really doesn't bother me, just like it doesn't bother him when I'm on the DIS. In fact, I prefer to have him home so I know that he's safe. Crazy world we live in nowadays.

 

[drgnfly30]

Knowing the things I did at his age - I agree with Cantw8!!!

 

[Marseeya]

Well, if you don't know what a skank is, then you have obviously not had some 16 year old girl come into your home with her cleavage hanging out and her thong sticking out of the back of her pants. I don't consider my son being "cooped up" in the house when he's playing games, as I stated, he does go out, he plays outside ect. I just feel better when he is home and I know where he is. So, I'll see your and raise you I am glad that you are thrilled that your son is out with his friends....I guess you are not that thrilled if you "frequently check up on him"

Checking up on a child is called "parenting."

I just think it's low to call a teenage child a "skank." You don't have to tell me what it is, I know darn well what it is, as I was called every name in the book by judgmental busy bodies most of my teen years. Let's see, I didn't drink, didn't smoke, didn't do drugs, didn't sleep around, BUT I wore a lot of makeup and had big ****s. Hmmm. So forgive me if I don't see every overly developed teenager as a "skank."

 

[Cantw8]

Checking up on a child is called "parenting."

I just think it's low to call a teenage child a "skank." You don't have to tell me what it is, I know darn well what it is, as I was called every name in the book by judgmental busy bodies most of my teen years. Let's see, I didn't drink, didn't smoke, didn't do drugs, didn't sleep around, BUT I wore a lot of makeup and had big ****s. Hmmm. So forgive me if I don't see every overly developed teenager as a "skank."

ummm. OK. Sorry to hit a nerve, but if you come into my home as a friend of my son's, have enough respect for me and yourself to make sure you are not falling out of your shirt (I believe they make shirts for big breasted women) and your hinie is not winking at me. If that makes me a judgemental, busybody, so be it. For what it's worth, I never said these girls were "over developed"....maybe just over developed in their sexual perceptions of themselves...there's a difference Thanks for your opinions though, I"ll file them under "Who gives a crap"

 

[teacherforhi]

Checking up on a child is called "parenting."

I just think it's low to call a teenage child a "skank." You don't have to tell me what it is, I know darn well what it is, as I was called every name in the book by judgmental busy bodies most of my teen years. Let's see, I didn't drink, didn't smoke, didn't do drugs, didn't sleep around, BUT I wore a lot of makeup and had big ****s. Hmmm. So forgive me if I don't see every overly developed teenager as a "skank."

But did you cover those up? That's the question. We had a non-uniform day last Friday at school and I was personally shocked at what they would wear to school. I can't imagine what they're wearing out and about at night. I do not want to see their thong underwear because the jeans are so low. We regularly have girls buying their shirts about 3 sizes too small and then unbuttoning it all the way down so that they're almost falling out.

There's a difference about being 'overly developed' and being a skank.

 

[WIcruizer]

Everything in moderation. If all my DS did was play PS2, I would be concerned he was becoming an anti-social geek. If he was out all the time, I would worry. I always feel better when my DDs have (or had) friends over at the house so I know where she is and what she is doing. The bonus is I learn a lot more about each friend. My DS is younger, but the same principle applies. There are times when I literally kick them out of the house to go play something...ANYTHING.