to be disgusted at cousin and husband

[Andrewofgg]

buying 5 and 3 a Nintendo DS each as birthday presents? That's not a present; it's a babysitter!

Oh yes, wooden toys for all!

WhoAteMySnickers: Sorry to disappoint you.

Various others: the Nintendo is just a symptom, they don't give their children much attention and it upsets me more than it probably should. You only get one childhood.

Give them a orange and a piece of string I say.

Kids these days eh?

Mind your own business. Their kids, their business what they buy them

Actually I agree with OP. Not the babysitter bit, that depends on how much they are allowed to use it. I just think it promotes a child to become somewhat over indulged, and what happened to books as presents? I think how young the children are also influences why I agree with the OP.

Maybe I am just old fashioned though.

I would never buy Nintendo whatever for my DCs OP and I think YANBU..unless you're actually just taking the piss and I just can't see it ...anyway obviously it seems to be the norm but I can't see why anyone would think it is actually healthy or desirable to have young children staring a small screen engaging in some other reality. Just think it's a bit weird. It would actually not cross my mind to buy it

JoniRules, I am not taking the piss (this time!) and of course it's not my business and I have not said and will not say a word to neglectful parents concerned. But it is better for us all if children are brought up to interact socially and not left to screens and keyboards.

I don't get what all the fuss is about. The world has moved on from a hoop and a stick and computer games are just the toys of this generation IMO. You can bet that whatever toy is 'in' around 30 years from now, today's DS playing children will be moaning that toys just aren't what they used to be

"It's an ouuuutraaaage"

"But it is better for us all if children are brought up to interact socially "

considering some of the adults i come across both here and in RL i don't know if i agree with you there.

I find it a little strange that all things with a screen are considered the work of the devil.

This is the world we live in, DS, TV, playstation, internet, all good, educational and harmless when used properly as part of a way of life.

Why does everyone assume they are bad, if I said my DS reads a lot, you would not presume he reads horror stories and porn.

So why does everyone assume that anything seen on a screen is of no value. There are many excellent educational games on the DS.

I have always allowed my DS to use a laptop, and consoles, he uses them in his down time, he has many other interests and plenty of exercise.

Now at the age of 10 he can write code and has amazing IT skills. I think DC's that are not allowed to experience the modern world are at a disadvantage.