Dh and his friends played endless Nintendo/Mario Brothers after school and on play dates. NBD. DH and his childhood friends turned out fine.

I didn't grow up that so I'm a bit of a grump about video games. I compromise with the kids so long as it's within reason.

No we don’t.

I am the poster from 8:54. I wanted to add, I think it depends on the age and activity. We don't have video games in our house at this point (7 year old daughter has never asked for these), but I could see how video games could be more interactive playing. I do not allow television watching during playdates because that is not playing or interactive at all. If we had a Wii, which is more interactive, I'm pretty sure I would allow it.

Anonymous wrote:My son used to go to other kids homes to play video games bc we didn’t have them. Now the kids basically only play video games during play dates.

Meaning they don’t play unless we have company.

My son used to go to other kids homes to play video games bc we didn’t have them. Now the kids basically only play video games during play dates.

Yes. That is playing. That is how they play. I think it's silly to micromanage their time together like that. I don't let my kids play electronics all weekend, but they can use their electronics time with their friends if their friends are over.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Girls like to dance to Kidz Bop. I let them watch the videos and sing and dance. They like to play the Wii occasionally as well.

We do not, but I would allow the above. My 7 year old daughter recently went to a friend's house and reported back that they sat in her room and watched youtube on her iPad most of the time. I would not allow that on a playdate in my house at this age.

Short playdate = no electronics. Longer playdate + 30-40 mins electronics

Once the playdate was winding down, I would allow them. Usually the last 30-40 minutes.

Yes. Girls like to dance to Kidz Bop. I let them watch the videos and sing and dance. They like to play the Wii occasionally as well.

Sometimes for 45 minutes or so. Depends on the weather. If it is nice outside, no. If it is cold or rainy, sure.

I fought it as long as I could, but now they mostly do electronics.

I let them play video games but after an hour or so it's time to turn them off and play outside. But I don't have a real policy so sometimes it's more screen and sometimes it's less. Most of the times the boys decide what they are playing.

No.

—mom of 8yo dd

I have an 8yo son, and unfortunately, whenever he has a play date, he asks if they can play video games. This started about a year ago. So far I’ve had a no electronics during play dates rule, but I’m noticing that I’m the only one. Whenever he goes to a friend’s house, that’s what they do. I don’t think that’s right. Play dates should be for playing. But soon my son and his friends aren’t going to want to play here ever because I’m the mom that doesn’t allow video games on play dates. What’s your policy?