We don't have one. Kids are 4 and 6. We have an iPad with games they like to play (some educational, some just fun). When we first got it, they were a little obsessed. This school year, we've imposed the rule that they get no screen time (including TV) during the week, and because they don't use it much their obsession has cooled for now.

We don't have an xbox and it is a major point of contention with my 15 year old DS who wants to play all the m rated games. I don't think it has hurt him socially though. Perhaps it has even helped because he is always willing to go to someone else's house to play.

Mine doesn't. Kids are 22, 19, 9 and 6.

If you put limits on it and make conditions like homework, behavior, etc. it is not a big deal to have one. I would hold off if money is an issue or get a cheaper xbox 360 (they have specials for the holiday). The games do get expensive but older games are more reasonably priced. Hold off for as long as you can but be open to it in the future. We rarely allow our 4 year old on it. If I were buying one for the child, I would wait till 7-8-9 but we have ipads.

we don't, kids 9 and 11. very low with the media here. lots of reading going on; very pleasant to all be in the same room together, them reading, me cooking or whatever, because there's no electronic sounds going on

OP here. I'm not high and mighty about not having gaming consoles. I just know nothing about them and have a kid who's started asking for one. We don't have unlimited cash, and it's not something I'm really excited about buying. I'm wondering how long I can hold off buying one, whether there is any social challenge to not having one, and by what age do most kids in this area have regular access to one. That's all.

Anonymous wrote:Gaming consoles are going to always have a place. But, with so many phone games and other "game" systems it is no longer the only "game" in town.

Don't get so high and mighty about not having a gaming console if you are still playing on the computer or ipad.

I was waiting for this comment... Who said anything about high and mighty? The OP asked who had a gaming console--period. Say yes or no, state your reasons if you have them, and then move on.

13 year old boy and almost 11 year old girl. No gaming console. The kids (particularly my son) play iPad games. And, honestly, I think it HAS hurt my son socially not to have a console, but that's a consequence I'm willing to live with. I see how wrapped up he can get in the iPad games and I'm glad not to have something more compelling in the house. He himself has said the iPad games are not as "addicting" (his word, not mine).

We have one for my husband we got pre-child but I would not buy one for a child and allow them to think it is "theirs." We will buy for us and allow them to use it at our discretion. Video games have benefits if time-limited and done with parents supervising. Its good for motor skills, logic and playing together.

We don't yet, but it's going to be a battle with DH in a few years. DH was addicted to online gaming when we moved in together and it's been a long slow process of awareness and weaning off of that habit over the past 10 years (mostly facilitated by not being willing to spend the money to keep the computer systems current enough to keep up with the game developments). I can only hope the awareness of what was a real problem and the new patterns of how we spend our time (and his "real life" hobbies and relationships) translates into a slower, minimalist approach with DS.

16 and 21 - I bought one and never installed it . Neither kid cared. Now that my son is in college, he plays with his friends but never understood the obsession.

I know I am not feeling high and mighty ...just worried that my kids would be the only kids without a game console in their home and therefore ostracized or left out. It would be great to give it more publicity and get more families on board to go without game consoles kinda like the organic or healthier home made food so kids don't feel they are missing out if they are not going to Mc Donald's since none of their friends go there either.

Gaming consoles are going to always have a place. But, with so many phone games and other "game" systems it is no longer the only "game" in town.

Don't get so high and mighty about not having a gaming console if you are still playing on the computer or ipad.

Funny thing - DW and I were both games growing up, so we have a PS3. DD however could care less and never plays it.

Anonymous wrote:12 and 14 and none here. The 14 got an I Phone this fall and the 12 yo inherited the old I touch. Between that and the computer, they have still managed to become addicts. Very concerned about the future of the human race at this point - LOL, but only a bit - honestly, 14yo gets annoyed at many friends who refuse to make eye contact when they actually manage to have a real life conversation!

here too. no consoles, no cable etc. 13. but all kinds of games on iphone.