When to introduce video games?

[Anonymous]

Never for us

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a lot of fun with our family Nintendo Switch. We only use it for playing games together- we don't use it as a handheld but rather on the tv. We got it three years ago when our kids were 4, 9, and 11. Our older two are girls and don't really gravitate to it, but there are a few games we all enjoy here and there. Our younger has mild CP and we have been letting him play since he turned 5. He is very stereotypically boy - wants to just play sports and video games - and he is horrible at both, so we look at it as fine motor practice and social cred. There have been a handful of times where we've had to put it aside because of a meltdown about wanting to keep playing or being upset about losing, but for the most part it has not been difficult to manage. He does not have a tablet or any other device. We just play on weekends, if his sisters are babysitting, or on trips (where we have recently started letting him use it as a handheld).

Similar here in that we don't allow use of the switch as a handheld and it is primarily used by youngest DS, who has some SN, including coordination issues and a social skills delay. It is one of his favorite things to do when other kids come over, and to be honest, I am fine with it, because it is an age-appropriate interest, helps with fine motor, and has given him some social cred.

this is sad

You’re sad. This mother is doing what’s best for her son. Not worrying about anyone else and what they might think. That’s a sign of a good mother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You aren’t the “only ones” without video games at your house. We don’t have video games and host tons of elementary play dates. Kids play outside for most of the time.

Ok, the one ones that I know of or have visited then. Have visited or talked to all grade families except maybe 2 families and everyone so far has them. All boy play dates seem to include gaming or iPad time. I’ve reached out to new people in hopes that hangout time would be all screen free but no luck there despite driving around town to different kids houses. I’m not saying it’s 0% but it’s proven extremely hard to find other boys who don’t have games. Girls are a different story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are very low screens. DS watches movies on an airplane and he watches TV maybe once a month. No tablet, no phone, no Chromebook. When would you introduce video games, and which systems/games? I'd like a console system (so no portable gaming) that just stays with the living room TV. This would be for weekends once in awhile and for when friends or family visit. Lots of friends and cousins have the Switch but I don't like the handheld aspect. Is there an old school model that would still be fun? Like the Wii sports or other lower graphics games that aren't crazy? I admit to no longer being able to watch many movies and kids programming nowadays with all the frenetic cuts and overstimulation.

If he's not asking for it don't open this particular Pandora's box.

Yep, this is what I would recommend as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a lot of fun with our family Nintendo Switch. We only use it for playing games together- we don't use it as a handheld but rather on the tv. We got it three years ago when our kids were 4, 9, and 11. Our older two are girls and don't really gravitate to it, but there are a few games we all enjoy here and there. Our younger has mild CP and we have been letting him play since he turned 5. He is very stereotypically boy - wants to just play sports and video games - and he is horrible at both, so we look at it as fine motor practice and social cred. There have been a handful of times where we've had to put it aside because of a meltdown about wanting to keep playing or being upset about losing, but for the most part it has not been difficult to manage. He does not have a tablet or any other device. We just play on weekends, if his sisters are babysitting, or on trips (where we have recently started letting him use it as a handheld).

Similar here in that we don't allow use of the switch as a handheld and it is primarily used by youngest DS, who has some SN, including coordination issues and a social skills delay. It is one of his favorite things to do when other kids come over, and to be honest, I am fine with it, because it is an age-appropriate interest, helps with fine motor, and has given him some social cred.

this is sad

You’re sad. This mother is doing what’s best for her son. Not worrying about anyone else and what they might think. That’s a sign of a good mother.

<3 Thank you!

[Anonymous]

There won't be any in our house. Once they are adults and move somewhere else, it is their choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You aren’t the “only ones” without video games at your house. We don’t have video games and host tons of elementary play dates. Kids play outside for most of the time.

Ok, the one ones that I know of or have visited then. Have visited or talked to all grade families except maybe 2 families and everyone so far has them. All boy play dates seem to include gaming or iPad time. I’ve reached out to new people in hopes that hangout time would be all screen free but no luck there despite driving around town to different kids houses. I’m not saying it’s 0% but it’s proven extremely hard to find other boys who don’t have games. Girls are a different story.

You are right. This is hardly the first generation that loves video games. I think some of the girls are into it now but not many. Growing up every boy played video games It was a good way for boys to connect when they have wildly different interests and personalities. Boys who are physical and boys who are calmer get together or have something to talk about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's okay to say no.

This. Kids should be too busy for screens.

[Anonymous]

No screens for my genius kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You aren’t the “only ones” without video games at your house. We don’t have video games and host tons of elementary play dates. Kids play outside for most of the time.

Ok, the one ones that I know of or have visited then. Have visited or talked to all grade families except maybe 2 families and everyone so far has them. All boy play dates seem to include gaming or iPad time. I’ve reached out to new people in hopes that hangout time would be all screen free but no luck there despite driving around town to different kids houses. I’m not saying it’s 0% but it’s proven extremely hard to find other boys who don’t have games. Girls are a different story.

Fwiw we have video games, but if you asked for a no screen playdate at my house, I'd have no problem with that and wouldn't judge you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You aren’t the “only ones” without video games at your house. We don’t have video games and host tons of elementary play dates. Kids play outside for most of the time.

Ok, the one ones that I know of or have visited then. Have visited or talked to all grade families except maybe 2 families and everyone so far has them. All boy play dates seem to include gaming or iPad time. I’ve reached out to new people in hopes that hangout time would be all screen free but no luck there despite driving around town to different kids houses. I’m not saying it’s 0% but it’s proven extremely hard to find other boys who don’t have games. Girls are a different story.

Fwiw we have video games, but if you asked for a no screen playdate at my house, I'd have no problem with that and wouldn't judge you.

You are being too fair! I’ve never had anyone ask me that. We’ve never policed what they are playing but I know my son’s best friend loved video games and classic board games. He’s was the dominant one and probably decided which one they would be doing. He also had a summer house with no games. The only ones who might have a problem are the extremists. Just like anything they are always the issue.

[Anonymous]

I would slow walk this for as long as possible. High school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not until he asks.

This is not something to introduce.

We didn’t introduce. Kid asked when he was about 10. During COVID. We got an x-box that stayed with the TV. Only ever played occasionally which is still the same 5 years later.

Your kid to get introduced on their own at friend’s houses.

[Anonymous]

My children are 10 and 12 and they play our old school Wii (Wii sports and Mario Kart). We don't feel the need to buy them anything else.