I don’t think it’s a big deal. At least the kids are doing some sort of physical activity.

This thread is 6 years old.

Anonymous wrote:As an adult, I love playing laser tag and will be happy to host laser tag parties when the time is right. Based on the per head pricetag of those parties, OP, you are probably not inviting all of DCUM, so why not informally poll the parents of likely invitees and see how many say nfw vs whether you would have enough kids for a fun party?

If she invites some of us, she has to invite all of us. Or all boys/all girls, etc.

We've never been anti-laser tag for parties my kids are invited to but surprisingly my husband refused to get the backyard kind as a Christmas present for our kids on the theory that he didn't want us to be in the habit of shooting each other. That wasn't really how I was thinking about it, but no big deal. I wouldn't have guessed his opinion and I've known him well for 20+ years. People have odd quirks sometimes. I wouldn't let it dissuade you from planning anything; plenty of people are fine with it.

Anonymous wrote:I believe that some boys and girls have an evolutionary, biological imperative to beat or hit each other with sticks and or generally attack one another. To the extent that it can be done in a safe environment, I believe it is foolish and maybe harmful to try to utterly restrain this drive. I don't mean boys wielding sharp sticks on the playground either. But kids with play guns playing war (nerd guns etc, ) is a healthy way of blowing off steam.

Boys, yes.

Girls? Not usually. Their weapon of choice is usually words.

Laser tag isn't a bad thing. It can be a harmless recreational activity. These days, kids are all into flashy. It's a good way to get them something "flashy" that will get them off the couch. Your friend may have past experiences that will discourage her from letting her kid play with any toys resembling guns. Most parenting restrictions are based on experience.

I believe that some boys and girls have an evolutionary, biological imperative to beat or hit each other with sticks and or generally attack one another. To the extent that it can be done in a safe environment, I believe it is foolish and maybe harmful to try to utterly restrain this drive. I don't mean boys wielding sharp sticks on the playground either. But kids with play guns playing war (nerd guns etc, ) is a healthy way of blowing off steam.

I have to say I was a little unsure what the experience would be like for our 7 year old son. It was held outside and the kids had a really good time. The instructor did a great job of keeping things under control, giving them a "lecture" about the experience. We allow nerf and water guns in our house. We have yet to see a negative reaction from out kids as a result. I don't like violence and the fascination with war and guns on the other hand our kids have been very good about talking about what's wrong with guns, war, violence and so if anything it has sparked a lot of healthy discussions in our household. We follow rules in our house with the "guns". We are hoping by being open and honest about guns and violence that our kids will go thru this stage and move on.

Anonymous wrote:As an adult, I love playing laser tag and will be happy to host laser tag parties when the time is right. Based on the per head pricetag of those parties, OP, you are probably not inviting all of DCUM, so why not informally poll the parents of likely invitees and see how many say nfw vs whether you would have enough kids for a fun party?

OP here, you might be on to something, a DCUM-wide laser tag game. Wonder what the teams would be? I see Private School vs Public School, SAHM vs WOHM, Nanny vs MB, Prius vs SUV

As an adult, I love playing laser tag and will be happy to host laser tag parties when the time is right. Based on the per head pricetag of those parties, OP, you are probably not inviting all of DCUM, so why not informally poll the parents of likely invitees and see how many say nfw vs whether you would have enough kids for a fun party?