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Video Games and Today’s Kids
By Amy | September 26, 2007
For today’s kids, video games seem to take a high priority. Every kid I know from the ages of about 5-19 all seem to have at least one video game system.
My boys have a Nintendo Cube, PlayStation 2, XBOX, XBOX 360, game boys and PSP’s. And, yeah, they want a Wii and PS3 (but daddy will probably get that one first!).
Overkill, right? Probably, but when I take into consideration that many of the gaming platforms do offer educational games (more for preschool aged and younger children) as well as other benefits it really isn’t so bad.
I have found that some of the games can be great FAMILY fun…that’s right, I play sometimes too (or I read while they play with dad). And, having more than one platform stops some arguments before they start. (they can take turns and keep on playing that way. )
I have also discovered that video games seem to be a great incentive to my boys. “Clean your room or no games this weekend” or “Stop fighting or I’m taking the Playstation.”
At first, we let them play all the time. Then I noticed their school work and homework weren’t being done to the best of their abilities…especially lil’ Mel.
He absolutely LOVES to play video games. When I take away his gaming privileges, it’s like the end of the world to him. Lamont tends to be more creative and play with whatever he can find, although he does enjoy games as well.
So we made a new rule…they could only play video games (with good behavior and responsibilities met) on weekends (Friday night through Sunday at 8pm) or vacations.
Maybe I’m just a softy but I do sometimes let them bring their handheld games if I have a lot of errands to run or a lot of driving to do-even on school nights.
We have found them playing when they weren’t supposed to though…so we came up with a solution to that as well. All games are surrendered to us Sunday nights. (the controllers for the “plug-in” systems and the cases for the portable ones)
What platform is your child’s favorite? How often do they play? What kind of rules if any do you have or what seems to work best for your household?
Til next time,
Amy
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