We let my sons start at age 8 and 6. It was becoming hard for them to talk to friends because everyone else spoke Minecraft and they didn’t.

They have probably played 10 hours over six months. It was worth it for the social reasons and hasn’t taken over our life.

Anonymous wrote:Our children are 6.5, almost 5, and a baby.

We do not have video games, and they rarely play iPad games. My husband and I don’t play games either and never have.

Will my children stick out amongst their peers? Are they missing out? It seems like a lot of kids have Mario Kart…?

I know my kids are young…will we end up with video games eventually? Is that just the way it goes?

We never had video games.

-Mom of fully functioning non-dorky 18, 16, 14, and 12 year olds. (mix of boys and girls) It can be done. Don't get 'em if you don't want 'em in the house.

Anonymous wrote:We've never had video games. One kid is in his late 20's, and our youngest is in early middle school with a few in between. It's no problem.

Same. We never had video games. Our youngest is a senior in high school. All of them have thrived academically and do one or two sports for recreation. Do what works best for you.

They're too young, OP, but the pressure to play Minecraft will be on soon for your oldest, and then it will snowball from there. Minecraft is an excellent virtual game where you have to prioritize what you need to do to survive before nightfall (in survival mode) or you build whatever you want in your world (in creative mode). Just don't let them play with strangers online and don't allow them to kill mobs mindlessly!

Video games can teach all kinds of fine motor skills, reflexes or higher-order critical thinking with strategy games. The downside is decreased outdoor exercise, possible visual impairment, and reduced socialization. The supposed violent content of video games like Call of Duty is wildly overblown IMO, and you don't need to worry about that until your kids are much older. You can leverage video games to teach a measure of self-control as they grow.

A big thing is watching Youtube videos of other people playing Minecraft or other video games. Most are stupid, and a few are rather intelligent and inspiring. Youtube is actually full of really cool maker-type or how-to videos. My second child loves watching experts make things, from katana swords to paintings to machines to looking after animals. She's learned a TON of non-academic stuff. And then there's the academic content: Kurzgesacht (STEM) and Crash Course (AP History) are excellent channels, but a bit too complex for the age group you have.

My DD never played video games. She is 14.

If boys, they'll want them by middle school. If girls, maybe you can avoid them altogether. For now, you're fine.

I like video games and have tried to play Mario Kart with my five year old without success. They're not missing anything right now.

We've never had video games. One kid is in his late 20's, and our youngest is in early middle school with a few in between. It's no problem.

We never had them, OP, including I-pads. Our boys are now 14 and 17 and guess what- they play games on their phones. They will find a way but I still think it’s a good idea not to provide them.

We did not have any at those ages. Got DD a Switch during pandemic, age 8. She has only two games and plays infrequently, usually rainy days.

Anonymous wrote:Your oldest are 6 and 5? Most kids don’t have video games at those ages. That’s not unusual at all.

I’m sorry, 6 and 4. No way. No video games until like 3rd grade?

Your oldest are 6 and 5? Most kids don’t have video games at those ages. That’s not unusual at all.

My kids are 9 and 11 and don’t play video games. They don’t seem to feel deprived. They’re girls if that matters.

They are fine. Eventually they will want them but if anything mine do the computer games vs. console despite us having console's.

Its fun. That's all. You can play with them.

Our children are 6.5, almost 5, and a baby.

We do not have video games, and they rarely play iPad games. My husband and I don’t play games either and never have.

Will my children stick out amongst their peers? Are they missing out? It seems like a lot of kids have Mario Kart…?

I know my kids are young…will we end up with video games eventually? Is that just the way it goes?