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Young children and video games

January 14th, 2008 at 02:13 am

This has absolutely nothing to do with finances, however, it is burning a hole in my brain.

My four year old received a Leapster from my brother for his birthday. I am very anti-video games, especially for very young children like my son. I know in my heart that my brother shopped long and hard for a good gift and chose the Leapster especially for my son. Do I go against the grain of my laurels and allow my son to play with it? Do you think he'll become addicted to it and stop playing with all of his other toys altogether?

I am paranoid and fearful.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Young children and video games”

  1. HouseHopeful Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 02:16 am 1200277019
    1200277019

    I don't really consider Leapster a true video game. Its really an interactive learning tool. My nephew has several of their games and it has really helped him see learning as fun. I can definately understand if you don't want to introduce the game to your child, but know its a learning tool more than anything.

  2. compulsive debtor Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 02:46 am 1200278790
    1200278790

    I'm more anti-video games than anyone I know, but this Christmas I finally gave in and let Mini Me have a Leapster as well. She's 7 and has some serious "learning differences," so we're trying any and all learning tools available. So far, she has not abandoned all else in her world to play with the Leapster around the clock. In fact, right now she's hauling up a board game that she also got for Christmas. This does not mean I'm getting her a Wii or Xbox in my lifetime, but I think a Leapster is safe.

  3. Amber Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 04:53 am 1200286405
    1200286405

    I agree with Househopeful, I don't consider this a true video game either, it is more of an educational game than anything. I bought one for my God daughter for her birthday and at 2 she can say her abc's and recognize them, count to 20, regonize her colors and shapes. My friend said it was the perfect gift because she loves it. The ony thing I can say about it that I don't like is that we maybe pushing the kids too much. My nephew who is 4 has one and he is reading now and my brother will not give te poor kid a break about reading

  4. Broken Arrow Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 02:00 pm 1200319221
    1200319221

    Yes, you need not worry about Leapster. It's not a real computer. It's more of a learning tool for young children. Actually, my kids are have been on real computers, playing games at an early age, and it's actually helped them in school! Because they've been using computers so early in their lives, they aced their computer classes in elementary school.

    For example, it takes skill to not just to know the basics, but also be able to type well, and computers are so pervasive today that knowing how to use one is an essential.

    Of course, you'll want to monitor certain things with small children, like making sure that they don't stray onto places they shouldn't be on the internet. Perhaps, with them, you'll want to not give them internet access at all until they're older.

    But Leapsters are definitely fine. If you still have reservations, I would recommend to play with it yourself first. I think you may find it amusing like I did.

  5. monkeymama Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 03:22 pm 1200324139
    1200324139

    I wouldn't worry about it. It is a great toy. My son had one at 2 and it has done wonders for his curiosity and thirst for knowledge. It seriously helped him to read (he was interested but of course too little to sit still and really learn otherwise) and now he is 4 my dh bought him some math games. He just eats them up. He is becoming SUCH a math whiz. IT is funny the things he will say to people. (18 + 18 is 2 more than 17+17, for example). People look at me increduously. "oh yeah," I say, "it's his math game." Of course people who don't know us assume we make the kids study in the corner all day (which we don't at all. LOL).

    My dh loves video games and I am not a fan. But the kids have some games on every gaming system my dh has, and the computer. We just REALLY limit their time on the games. It isn't much issue. They watch far more TV; more the problem. But the games, they really enjoy them, but they understand there is only so much they can play. I don't think they play them daily either. Never had much problem setting limits. They enjoy them but they aren't terribly addicting. PArticularly the leapster ones. Not really of the addictive variety. More of the learning variety, as mentioned.

    OF course, for you, if you feel uncomfortable, that is your right. You do not have to let your son play with it.

    As for our kids, they still prefer to "make believe" most of the time. We don't do very "all or nothing" parenting. Anything in moderation should really be okay.

  6. princessperky Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 05:10 pm 1200330647
    1200330647

    I wouldn't let him play with it 24/7 even if he wanted to, but as a restrict-able tool I don't think it is bad...my kids play on the computer nearly every day...my youngest had NO interest in letters before a video (we are anti TV in many ways) and a computer game...you gotta use what tools your kid likes.

    Play the game with him, or before him, you will prolly be reassured.

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