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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not want to buy ds1 a Nintendo ds

18 replies

Purplepoodle · 25/08/2014 07:35

Ds1 is 6 soon. He hasn't played many computer games. Dh has ps3 which we brought a racing game for and ds has just started playing that every couple of days. Dh now wants to buy him a Nintendo ds for his birthday. I'm super reluctant as I much rather he be playing with toys with his brothers which he does now. Also ds has adhd which makes him very careless with things so I don't want to pay £100+ for something he might break. Dh argues I'm being over protective and to get it insured by argos or something. Wwyd

OP posts:
Sirzy · 25/08/2014 07:39

I think the main thing is does your DS want it? And can you afford it if he does? Then comes the time for discussion between you and your dh. If your DS hasn't asked for one then I would be more inclined to get him what he does want (within reason)

But having a computer doesn't automatically mean an end to all other toys and social interaction. It's up to you as parents to put reasonable restrictions in to ensure a balance.

With regards the breaking it again I would have rules in place on storage and usage but it could well be a good way to teach him to take responsibility for his own things a bit.

Squitten · 25/08/2014 07:52

Personally I wouldn't if your DS hasn't asked for it. I'm trying to put off the personal games for as long as possible!

thegreylady · 25/08/2014 08:27

I'd wait for him to ask for one. My dgs1 got one when he was 6 and plays with it intermittently (8 soon). His brother aged 5 1/2 shows no interest at all.

deakymom · 25/08/2014 08:40

i bought my 5 year old a second hand dsi he loves it! you dont have to spend over £100 on something we spent £40 and bought a few games he can handle i know buying second hand for christmas isnt what everyone would do but we have done because if you buy new and they hate it you have wasted your money really haven't you!

i also bought my dd second hand digital camera for christmas (when she was six) so she could learn to use one without all the gadgets on the more modern ones again it was a good investment

OddFodd · 25/08/2014 08:44

I'd also wait until he asks. FWIW my DS has some attention issues and frankly his DS is a godsend whenever we have to do 'waiting' because it means he stays in one place. But he was desperate for one for years and finally got one when he turned 7

GrossMeister · 25/08/2014 08:51

Yep another one here saying wait until he asks. He's still little.

MrTumblesBavarianFanbase · 25/08/2014 08:58

Its a bit odd to buy it for him because your dh wants to, rather than because your ds1 wants one! DD got a second hand one for her 7th birthday, and DS1 has said he'd like that for his 7th too - no reason I can see to spend silly money on new, but also no reason at all to buy one for a child who hasn't even asked for o e! What is your DH's line of reasoning on wanting to give him this particular present?

Original poster
Purplepoodle · 25/08/2014 09:08

Oops drip feed - we went to a restaurant a couple of weeks ago that had ds for kids to play with (having mum and ds1 time) I hated it as he sat glued to it. He's been asking constantly to go back to the restaurant so dh asked if he would like one which he said he would. He's the most unassuming and not wanting at all child, he never really asks for any specific toy, didn't even want to write a Santa list.

Just noticed toys r us are selling the dsi for £50 as someone mentioned so perhaps that's the way to go

OP posts:
starlight1234 · 25/08/2014 09:18

I also would wait...My DS wanted a DS for Christmas , birthday then Christmas again before he got one. He loves his but I put restrictions on time he can use it. I do find if he is on it too long he is moody.

I find it useful for long journeys but then find a portable DVD player does the same.

It won't be long till he has the same console as every one now he has a tablet which is what everyone else has.

I find my DS is not very good at palying with toys now he is 7 but find more active things seem to work. or making volvano type things work well

LatteLoverLovesLattes · 25/08/2014 09:25

In that case yes, I'd get him one (he would like one, he rarely asks for stuff and it's affordable).

You are the parent, if it starts becoming an issue then you deal with that - restrict the use of it or take it off of him. However, 95% of the kids I know have one and none of the parents have had an issue with it, the kids all go through phases of playing A LOT then not bothering with it for a while. It's just another toy - not the devil in disguise Wink

KoalaDownUnder · 25/08/2014 09:25

YANBU

I don't have kids, but I am of the school of thought that the less computer games kids play (especially while they're young), the better. There will be enough gaming when they're older and it's more difficult to monitor their activities.

My nephew is the same age. He is liable to get totally fixated on computer games if he has access to them, which is why he doesn't have a games console at home. His parents don't want to take time away from learning to read and developing his imagination and social skills.

DaisyFlowerChain · 25/08/2014 10:01

I'd get him one, never understand the angst over technology. Children can still read, play outside, do colouring etc. They will have many interests over the years that will come and go.

Mrsjayy · 25/08/2014 10:35

Get him one mine had them from when they were gameboys Grin they are toys they are fun and he shouldnt have to play with his siblings all the time anyway just limit his time on it if you are worried about it, im out of touch but the last ds I bought wasnt new I got it reconditioned from game station

Mrsjayy · 25/08/2014 10:36

Get him one mine had them from when they were gameboys Grin they are toys they are fun and he shouldnt have to play with his siblings all the time anyway just limit his time on it if you are worried about it, im out of touch but the last ds I bought wasnt new I got it reconditioned from game station

Mrsjayy · 25/08/2014 10:38

Sorry double posted apparently they are good for hand eye co ordination so educational innit, you can get puzzle games etc for them

KoalaDownUnder · 25/08/2014 10:42

I have never seen a child get as glassy-eyed and obsessed over colouring in, or playing with Lego, as they do with computer games though. There is something quite unhealthily addictive about them, for many children.

BertieBotts · 25/08/2014 10:47

It's up to you, but just to address two points in your OP - if you go for a second hand DS lite they are less than £50, and they are pretty unbreakable too. The most common problem is that the lids get very loose on them.

Computer games can be good for reaction time, reasoning skills and concentration as well. And you can get puzzle games like the Professor Layton games which are pretty good. In moderation they are not as bad as you probably think - certainly better than TV which is very passive.

But equally, he's not going to be harmed by not having one.

BertieBotts · 25/08/2014 10:49

DS is currently playing on a DS lite which used to belong to his cousin, who is now 19 years old and living away from home. It would have been bought right when they first came out which was 2006/2007 and it's still going strong. DS is not the most careful with things and his cousin has autism and isn't always aware of the value of things either, so it's done very well.

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