To think this is vile

[Ispywith]

To get a child of 7 for Christmas their own Xbox, tv & DVD player bla bla bla. Saw it on thread about what people are getting their kids got Christmas. Is it me or is this madness?

[BIWI]

Well that's exactly the thing, though, Ginandtonic, you are judging! And I really think you might find that as your children get older that you will change your mind. Or at least change your behaviour, even if you haven't changed your mind.

I'm also interested that you think that 'those things' aren't games that involve children using their imaginations. Why do you think that?

And - what one person plays with for hours on end can cause death by tedium for another. Lego for example. I could never stand it and it bored me to tears. Give me a book, however, and I would be happy for hours.

[BIWI]

Those of you condemning computer games may like to read this piece from 2002

[Moominsarescary]

Well ds2 is 9 but at 7 the only fire station he was interested in was Lego ones and once he'd built them he was no longer interested.

[fuzzpig]

Is this Xbox less vile?

[TiredBooyhoo]

how is an xbox with age appropriate games and more grown up than watching an age appropriate dvd or tv show? at least with the games they are having to engage their brain and interact. there are lots of great games for children and families available for the different consoles. i think it's maybe ignorance (of what the games actually involve or what's available) that is behind some people's reluctance to allow the games at home.

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

I wasn't just talking about games, I was talking about the idea of having a tv or DVD player too. Also BIWI, I'm not sure I understand what it is you mean by judging. If I had said that anyone who lets their children play computer games is a terrible person who is obviously down the pub instead of looking after their children then I would be judging but I didn't say that. I just said that I didn't think that I would buy those things. I don't think I will change my mind as there are lots of other things I haven't caved in on that lots of other children have or do. As I say though I'm not judging as I'm sure that my children have or do things that others don't. It's just a difference of opinion that's all.

[Lia87]

if they can afford it why not, as long as the child has other toys too

[fuzzpig]

My DCs (5&3) just shared an hour on wii fit plus. This included lots of running around like mad things doing the 'jogging' game. Now I can't deny it'd be better for them to just run around outside, but since we have no garden (:() and DH and I aren't well enough to take them to the park, this is certainly a decent compromise for now.

I also have some hilarious videos of my adorable little boy boogying to just dance (and strictly of course) :o he is heading for a career on the stage I think...

Sorry for waffling, I just think there are some bloody brilliant games for families.

[fuzzpig]

... and therefore a console can be a wonderful family gift.

[Vivalebeaver]

Agree Fuzzpig, as a family we have lots of fun with Wii Fit and Family Ski. They're really good games that everyone joins in with.

[Aspiemum2]

What's wrong with a tv/DVD player? Our house isn't huge so when cousins etc come over its great for adults to be downstairs and they're all upstairs watching a video. They're not connected to the aerial so they don't watch television on it