Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Buying a PlayStation for a 5 year old?

74 replies

SmilingCrocodile · 02/04/2013 18:33

A friend of mine is a single parent to a boy of 4. She has recently got a full-time job.

Went to hers for a coffee and I was asking her about her new job and she was saying how happy she is because now her DS is getting older he is getting much more aware of presents etc (compared to say a 3 year who wouldn't notice what the heck you bought them for their Birthday/Christmas) - and wants a PlayStation for his 5th birthday.

I was just a little bit like ... "oh, yeah I see what you mean". I have a DD who is only 18mo so unsure of what it is like to have older children, but is it normal to buy a child that young a PlayStation?

Maybe a Wii as it is more family friendly and has children's games. Perhaps the PlayStation does too, but I have no idea.

I'm not judging her, I'm genuinely interested in whether people do or would buy a PlayStation for a child that young? As I am clueless.

OP posts:
Loulybelle · 02/04/2013 18:46

I wouldnt get my 5 yr old a PS3, i have one and she knows the basic to get Netflix on, but thats it, She has DSi, but thats it.

cantspel · 02/04/2013 18:48

I dont see what is wrong with buying one after all you can get games for the 3 plus age group for it.

And i think the wii is pretty crap so would rather buy once and buy what will last.

Shaiandbump · 02/04/2013 18:50

My 5 year old has a Nintendo 3DS.
A silent tear dropped from my eye when I payed for it.
Of course I could just not have got it for him. My mother warned me this would happen and I'd learn my lesson one day

Original poster
SmilingCrocodile · 02/04/2013 18:52

I dont see what is wrong with buying one after all you can get games for the 3 plus age group for it.

See I'm just clueless when it comes to games.

OP posts:
midastouch · 02/04/2013 18:52

I wont be buying my DS a playstation at that age!! I will leave gaming things for as long as i possible can!

ciavula · 02/04/2013 18:57

Meh, I wouldn't do it but it's her money and if she wants to treat the kids a little bit? She could do much worse.

McNewPants2013 · 02/04/2013 19:03

The ps3 is my lifeline, it's the only thing DS will play on and not break and gives me time to do housework, cooking and to spend time with DD.

It's not ideal but all games are age appropriate.

Altinkum · 02/04/2013 19:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StuntGirl · 02/04/2013 19:05

I wouldn't buy them one specifically but we have one in the house so I would let them use it (under supervision).

BegoniaBampot · 02/04/2013 19:06

But a play station is also a blue ray player so multifunctional.

Enfyshedd · 02/04/2013 19:06

DP bought DSS2 (then 5) a cheap PS2 the other Xmas - DSS2 managed to break it a couple of months later, so it hasn't been replaced. Personally, I think it was a good idea to get something cheap (can also get loads of games on 3 for £10 deals) so if there is an accident, then you are crying at the expense of it if something goes wrong.

WorraLiberty · 02/04/2013 19:06

I'm not sure why you're asking really.

Is there something about this toy that you don't like? Or are you worried she may buy inappropriate games for her DC?

McNewPants2013 · 02/04/2013 19:07

Just to add the ps3 is in the living room, so it's for everyone to use and not just ds

chandellina · 02/04/2013 20:21

I wouldn't and just can not understand why anyone would want to encourage their child toward a lifetime of wasted hours in front of a games console.

DontSHOUTTTTTT · 02/04/2013 20:29

Definitely not a playstation. I would get a 3DS. (Extra large) Although any Nintendo platform would be good. A five year old would be thrilled with a secondhand GameCube plus a batch of kiddie games from eBay.

We still use our Nintendo 64 and our GameCube and my kids are in te late teens and early twenties.

Marioparty anybody??

DontSHOUTTTTTT · 02/04/2013 20:52

BTW. We have always had computer consules in our family but I have always had rules. My DC's love playing computer games but enjoy lots of other activities. It isn't an issue as long as you parent your kids. Most consoles have inbuilt parental controls that limit the times and duration that the on consule can be played.

When my DC's were little I used an alarm clock and would give them a warning when they had five minutes of play left. Then, when I told them to finish playing if they didn't immediately turn the game off they wouldn't be allowed to play the following day. If they continued to complain then they would loose their computer privileges for the week.

My three kids and I still have Marioparty/Bomberman/Tetris/mariocart 'AThons. It's great fun.

Original poster
SmilingCrocodile · 02/04/2013 21:01

Pretty obvious what I'm asking Worra - whether someone would buy a PlayStation for their 5 year old.

I said I was clueless and I wasn't sure whether it was aimed towards younger children too.

Everyone else understood that.

Why do you always have to question every single thing people decide to post?

OP posts:
Altinkum · 02/04/2013 21:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Meglet · 02/04/2013 21:05

DS is 6 and over my dead body is he getting a games console. Even though I would rather like a Wii.

I do think it would buy me some peace and quiet and a tidier house but I would rather suck up the noise and have him tearing around the house with his little sister.

kinkyfuckery · 02/04/2013 21:07

A Playstation, no, I wouldn't, as most of the games aren't aimed at kids that age. I agree that a Wii is much more age appropriate. Or a DS.

My ex bought the DC a shared PS3 for Xmas when they were 6 and 3. I didn't agree with it, but couldn't really stop him, could I? They occasionally use it now (age almost 8 and almost 5) to play Little Big Planet, or to see him/their great grandparents on the camera, but that's about it.

WorraLiberty · 02/04/2013 21:09

Please read my post properly before jumping down my throat OP

I know what you're asking

I was trying to ascertain why you were asking. Is it because you don't really like the toy or because you're worried she might buy unsuitable games for it?

If it's the latter, there are games aimed at 3 years plus

If it's non of the above then fair enough.

Jeez there are some incredibly arsey people around today...this whole Easter actually.

Original poster
SmilingCrocodile · 02/04/2013 21:15

...this whole Easter actually

Oh wait the children are off school at Easter right?

Are you trying to imply that I'm a troll then? Ok ...

Very sly and clever of you to figure that out.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 02/04/2013 21:30

FFS what is wrong with you??

No I'm not implying you're a child or a troll!

There are some incredibly arsey people around this Easter and that has been shown on many threads.

I'm not the first or the only person to say this. Apparently it's being put down to the bad weather/economy/just general annoyance...oh and I read 1 person putting it down to the moon!

But if you want to take the arse then that's your prerogative.

Original poster
SmilingCrocodile · 02/04/2013 21:36

No I just find you incredibly annoying Worra and your constantly questioning of people.

Just because you are here all the time it doesn't make you the queen of AIBU.

OP posts:
FannyBazaar · 02/04/2013 21:37

Maybe he wants a station to play with alongside his play train tracks Confused. I wouldn't buy one for a child, I've no idea how much it cost but way beyond my present budget I would imagine.