To get DS (4) a DS (nintendo).

[Ilovethedoctor]

For christmas (he will be 5 then).

I have buckled under the pressure. DD (8) and DS both feel like 'the only kids in the world' without one.

maidbloke - yy, U re thinking about christmas already. If it was anyone else I would say they are mad.

Where I live Target has a massive toy sale in July where you can get significant savings, no deposit lay by blah blah.

After doing trolley loads of tat it would be nice to arrange two small items but would like to be well informed in advance for good games etc as I am technofool to the max!

Everyone goes through the same dilemma (is that how you spell it?) dilemna??) My Dd will play on journies to pass the time and I keep the DS. My Ds would play all day if I let him, but again it is saved for car journies etc and kept in my drawer! In fact he does not have a DS, he borrows MY DS. Also use it as a bribe for encouraging good behaviour - works like a dream.

Boys do socialise around them as well - my 6 year old plays at the swimming pool while sister is swimming. There's a load of boys all with DS's and they all chat amongst themselves and join up, swop games, swop DS's etc. I don't think he knows any of their names though - typical boy!

God, I dunno-I must be the meanest mother in the world but DS will not be getting any form of computer game or use until he is at least 7. (He's 3 atm)

I feel that it has a big impact in their ability to use their imagination in free play. (In all other ways I'm a really crap parent and have been known to leave the washing in the machine for the whole day!)

Each to their own. No gaming consoles in this house before the age of 7...and even that is open to debate. I hate the things. Want to develop hand/ eye coordination? Try racquet sports.

DS got the Leapster when he was 4 and could play it right away, there are more games aimed at that age group and he is still playing with it after a year. It is sturdy and no obvious bits to break off or damage. And cheaper.

He calls it his 'DS' and all the children that have visited have wanted to play with it, despite often having their own DS.

He likes that his is 'different' and I am keen to encourage that I can't be bothered with having to keep up with the Junior Jones' from this early age!

cantspel - thanks for that.

Both my DD have them

DD1 got one for her 6th birthday lasy year (very small school...all the other kids really did have one!); DD2 is 3 and she used mine for her Peppa and Pricness games with supervision

DS just got his first one - he is 9.
Think there are better things that little ones could be doing with their time.

Agree totally with dementedma.

My dc (6 and 5) have asked for them and I have said no because I think they are too young. They have a lifetime of games consoles ahead of them.