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

[Cantw8]

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

Ok, this has me scared I don't even want to know

 

[Cantw8]

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.

I couldn't agree more. I like knowing who my kids hang with. I might not always like them, being the judgemental busybody that I am, but at least I can put a name with a breast...I mean face

 

[Planogirl]

I like mine being on his video players because often I'm playing with him! We have a blast playing together and I'm pleased that he enjoys playing with me. He enjoys it so much that I have trouble ever playing alone in fact.

Trust me, there could be much worse things. I still remember when I was a kid.

 

[transparant]

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.

At 11:00 p.m my kids are usually in bed sleeping. And if they aren't in my back yard - they're in someone else's and all I have to do is call another mother to confirm that they are there playing. My kids hate the computer, they love being active. And as for the internet - they have severe rescrictions on that so that I know that they aren't doing or talking about god knows what with god knows who while on the internet (which I personally am more afraid of than them being outside playing with their friends). So don't worry - my kids are not playing sports outside at 11 pm. On school nights they are inside no later than 9 finishing homework or studying. On weekends - they are inside probably no later than 9:30 (their choice not mine) spending time with the rest of the family.

BTW - I never slammed the OP. I have no problem with what her son is doing. She asked a question and I answered it. I still enjoy watching my boys outside playing more. When they come in - they have no interest in video games or internet - they are with the rest of their brother's and sisters (I have 6 kids) and for that I am glad too. I'm not going to lie and say "Gee I wish they were playing video's or hanging on the internet now" cause I'm glad they aren't.

 

[nwdisgal]

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"

Cantw8 - I never worry about my kids being "cooped up with a computer". Bill Gates and Paul Allen spent a lot of time "cooped up with a computer." Didn't seem to hurt them I also don't have "geek complex" about my kids. DH comes from an area where being a computer geek was a complete asset. It is also one of the highest per capita income areas in the country and btw, they had a terrible highschool football team. My kids do sports and they spend time on the computer, but like I say, I don't mind them being on the computer at all for reasons mentioned. With all the nuts and tourists that visit our part of the world, I am more worried about what they'd meet outside.

 

[Daxx]

BTW - I never slammed the OP.

I NEVER said you slammed the OP! Where in my post did I EVER mention that you slammed the OP?!!?!? That's rude to make an accusation like that.

My post:

Originally Posted by Daxx
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.

Where in the world did I state that you slammed the OP!?!?!?

 

[pattyT]

Good GAWD

talk about threads gone bad...

I KNOW EXACTLY what you mean...
At 11pm that is where I want my kids - in my house!
I KNOW what you mean by a skank - (I thought I was one in high school (80's) but I looked like a nun compared to girls these days)
I agree they should play outside - at normal hours...
but I know that I am MEAN and ruin my DD - 11's social life because I won't let her walk to Wendy's on half days with her friends (oh that would be today - so it will be a long day

 

[pjlla]

Wow.... seems we've gotten way off topic here! In response to the OP's question.... I have to agree. I would way rather have my kids here, hanging with friends, playing video games or WHATEVER, than out somewhere, possibly being offered drugs, alcohol, and such. So call me overprotective or whatever! We built an addition a few years ago. Right now it is a "playroom" but someday (sooner than later) it will become a "hangout"! And my kids and their friends are welcome to hang out up there, play their music loud, video games, IM, television, whatever! If they want to play football in the backyard at 11 pm, so be it! At least I know that they are not in the car with a drunk driver or in the backseat with a drunk girl/boy friend!!

And for the record.... we currently do not own any gaming systems. Each child has a Gameboy SP for car use only! And they both swim 4 times a week, so they are getting plenty of exercise!................P

 

[SillyMe]

I agree. Just for the record, for those of you who disagree with her regarding the video games, because you would rather see your kids involved in sports...I feel it falls into the same category. Regardless of which they are doing, they are not out getting into trouble, doing drugs, drinking, whatever.

I'm having a hard time with trust issues with my dd14 right now. She has not done anything, that I know of, to break my trust in her. However, I'm so afraid of her falling into that "wrong place". We live in a small town, so she's been asking alot lately if she can go "hang out" with her girlfriends who live in town. I used to hang out in town when I was young. I know what kind of trouble they can get into. I do not know if she is where she says she is, when they decide to walk to the pizzeria for a slice of pizza. I worry constantly about it. I guess because I know what I did when I was younger.

So, when she is home IM'ing her friends on the computer or playing video games, hanging on the phone, I am relieved to know where she is and what she is doing.

 

[transparant]

I NEVER said you slammed the OP! Where in my post did I EVER mention that you slammed the OP?!!?!? That's rude to make an accusation like that.

My post:


Where in the world did I state that you slammed the OP!?!?!?

Simmer down now. I never said that YOU said that. I was just pointing out that I didn't slam her - and that I didn't disagree with her. Take a deep breath.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I agree that moderation is the key. My 12yo plays outside every day, which I think is good. He also does the computer (IM is big) and would play video games, but I don't allow it on "homework days" (M-Th). He has a pretty healthy balance of activities and his grades are good, so he's not a concern. My almost 6yo would sit and play video games more than he probably should, but he does love to play outside. My 15yo does very little physical activity and I do try and prod him to do something, but he's more interested in playing guitar, which is not a bad thing. Just needs more exercise. His grades are not great and I limit his computer time.

We have a lot of kids in our neighborhood so there is often someone to play a game with, etc. That helps, especially my 12yo.

 

[WIcruizer]

I think it's also important to point out it's not an either/or. It's not computer vs sports. There's other things they can be doing...playing games...talking...playing pool, ping pong, etc.

 

[Blondie]

My boys spend an equal amount of time outside with their friends as they do playing their PS2. DH made a comment once about them playing too many video games and I reminded him that at least we know where they are and what they are doing! My boys will soon turn 15 and 16 and I also reminded him of what he was doing at their ages. He then quickly agreed with me. When DH was 16 he blew almost half his hand off making a pipe bomb. Lucky for him the doctors managed to reconstruct and save his hand.

So...as long as they are in the room next to me playing Madden, all is right with the world.

 

[Quackmore]

"he isn't out "hooking up" with some skank "


Not that there's anything wrong with that.

If he's home he can probably catch a Leave it to Beaver re-run too!.

 

[birdiesunshine]

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"

Are you really shocked that someone had to disagree with you? Seems like a thread can't be posted anymore without someone getting all bent about a word or phrase that was used in the OP BTW I hear ya about the "skank" thing, do you want me to cover up my cleavage now

 

[VSL]

Thanks for your opinions though, I"ll file them under "Who gives a crap"

Wow

To me, that comes under the category of 'skankish' behaviour.

 

[Quackmore]

Are you really shocked that someone had to disagree with you? Seems like a thread can't be posted anymore without someone getting all bent about a word or phrase that was used in the OP BTW I hear ya about the "skank" thing, do you want me to cover up my cleavage now

Sounds like you are getting all bent out of shape about it too!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

Wow

To me, that comes under the category of 'skankish' behaviour.

Really?? I call it having a sense of humor and not letting uptight people with issues of their own get you upset.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Really?? I call it having a sense of humor and not letting uptight people with issues of their own get you upset.

The OP asked for opinions and when they got one that disagreed with them, filed it under "I don't give a crap"?

That's a sense of humor?

 

[WIcruizer]

Can't we all just get along??? Cmon...you're ALL skanks.