Video games... the good, the bad, and the ugly!

[TigrLvsPooh]

Sure, that will work.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I think the term is called Computer Vision Syndrome? You might want to do a Google search on that and read some. Basically, many years ago when your Mother told you not to sit too close to the tv or it would hurt your eyes, she was right!

I also read a very interesting article 3 or 4 months ago which studied "educational software" in Pre-school and younger elementary ages. They finding as I remember them showed no to little correllation between computer use at younger ages and increased educational ability. There was also detrimental effects of lower abilities in some language arts and mental processing skills that develop from imaginative play. There are many schools now which are moving toward completely eliminating Computer use in the classroom until the Jr. High ages. If I get some time later I'll try to find it for you. That doesn't even begin to address the issues of inactivity and obesity in today's children.

In short, I personally don't believe that a young child playing Blue's Clues or other video games for limited period is going to come to great harm and if it is fun for them...then by all means they should have their time at the controls. Most of the really fun things in life are meant to be enjoyed in limited doses.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

We have not bought DD a system because I just don't want to go there (yet). She does have a My First Leapad which she really likes.

I understand about playing more in the winter vs. summer. Maybe he could do an hour after lunch and then an hour later in the the afternoon/evening. I do this with tv/catoons for DD when I want her to wind down a little. Maybe a timer would also work? That way he knows when his time is up.

 

[Cindy B]

We only do 1/2 hour per day. 45 minutes only if they have friends over.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Oh, and check out Dance, Dance Revolution - it's active but it's still video games - my girls love it!

I agree. Both my mom and I actively play this at home on our PS2. I'm constantly on the computer and hate going outside into the FL heat, so DDR was our compromise...it's fun too.

 

[floridafam]

I have a DS8 and a DD6. We have a PS2 and a GBA.

As long as homework is done, stuff is picked up, etc., they can play.

I don't let them play too much but they do enjoy most of the games they have. It amazes me how coordinated they are when they play.

They still play outside, we play board games, etc.

They like Nicktoons racing, Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy, some of the Spyro games and Crash Bandicoot games. DD, a kindergartener likes the same ones and she has a Mickey/Minnie kitchen game where she can make recipes.

I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[debster812]

My cousin had a micro preemie baby 18 years ago. When he was 7 or 8 her pediatrician advised her to get him some sort of video game to help with his hand/eye coordination. He is now a strapping 18 year old, who plays an amazing guitar, and is applying to both Julliard and Berklee. It certainly helped his reflexes both hand/eye, and small and gross motor skills.

DS has a gameboy which he primarily uses when we travel (makes those long airport waits MUCH more tolerable), and he has a PS2 that Santa brought. He and DH have been playing Gran Turismo quite a lot. I agree with other posters that as long as homework and chores are done, and it's the dead of winter, I think a little extra game time is OK. Plus once Spring hits, and the outdoor activities start, I bet his use will drop off considerably. I think being outside and running around is still way more fun for little boys.....

 

[Planogirl]

I think that many of the kids want to play a lot when it's new and exciting. When they get used to it, they seem to level off or at least DS did. He does many things now and not too much of any one thing. Except, he is a little too wrapped up in Buffy and Angel lately!

 

[Tinks]

It sounds like we have some stiff competition for that Nintendo scholarship!

We have started to strictly limit the video games at our house, though, because I don't think my kids are using their imagination enough or getting enough outside play. By strictly limit I mean no games during the school week and now one hour on the weekend. It has helped. I don't think video games are bad for your kids as long as they are still well-rounded and still seek to do other things.

 

[Sparx]

Video Games help build hand-eye cordination. I am an avid gamer, but I can see where you are coming from. He needs to spend some more time away from the TV. What kind of games does he play? And IMHO I can say that children do not become violent or antisocial because of a computer chip and a 3d display. They become violent when they are not taught the difference between a game and real life. They become antisocial to GAIN attention. Or because they are affraid of it. IMHO, he needs to spend a little less time on the game, get him something else interesting to do, or get him some educational Video games.