On sick, tired, stay at home, boring, bad weather days I love it because I don't feel bad about Easton having something to entertain himself.
On other days... I think it is sucking the brains and life out of my child and I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that the repercussions of playing video games with somehow turn his brain to mush.
Then, I tell myself that it is a right of passage for boys. Like Barbies are for girls. It is a social thing-- and I don't want to stunt him socally do I?
Time restrictions work- except when they don't. He is always willing and much more happy to do another activity... but if I let him he would mindlessly play on this thing for hours upon hours.
Is it weird that I care so much? Is it really so bad? Is it normal? Poor kid's been drug accross three states and had to adjust to new school, friends and his mother turning into a baby crazed nesting psycho. should I just let him play and let it go???
his new t-shirt reads "eat. sleep. video games. *sleep optional."
he wants to wear it every day.
5 comments:
I am struggling with the same thing. Randy tells me that Gavin's brains will not melt due to playing video games and that I need to get over thinking all video games are inherently bad. I make Gavin (mind you he's 3.5) get dressed and have breakfast before he can play. Then I let him play for an hour while I do the dishes/kitchen, start the laundry and shower. But he would play all day if I let him...what to do? Let me know when you figure it out. Hope you are doing well. Miss you!
My son Jimmy (now 23) loved video games and all things computer when he was younger. He spent hours and hours and hours playing them. He is now an adult with a full-time job and a master's degree. I think video games are good for your brain, and especially for boys, I think expertise in a game gives them credibility in their peer groups. Here is a link to a great article about it in Discover magazine:
http://tinyurl.com/3czjwv
You are a great Mom! Don't worry about it too much!
My kids get a little nuts when they play too many video games. I make Declan earn his playtime. He has to get dressed, eat, and do some coloring, puzzles or name writing before he can play. The older boys only play if they are done with their chores and homework.
Don't worry about the moving and changing schools. Kids are amazingly resilient and you are an awesome Mom. Really friends, schools and all that are just a bonus if kids have good stable parents. Don't ever make parenting decisions because you feel sorry for your kids. Seriously my kids would be so screwed up if I parented based on how hard their life is at any given time. When things are hard you work harder.
Can't wait to see you. I bet Easton and all my boys will have an awesome time playing their electronics together!
Love you,
Brook
I think some kids enjoy video games more than others. You are an attentive Mom and it sounds like you are setting boundaries. If they enjoy it I say why not let them under your conditions. It's a great motivator for good behavior.
I think we have a negative attitude towards said video games a lot due to Mom. She always hated them growing up. But now that I am so much older and wiser I see that they can really be fun for the whole family. There's not a lot of difference in playing a board game around the table or laughing it up playing rockband! We need to play when you come down by the way!
I love the belly shot! I'm sure you have everything you could ever possibly need in 3 different colors already:) Good luck with this last sucky part...it's always the worst for me;)
p.s. Easton is getting cuter every picture i see...he just looks so much like dallin to me
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