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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to let 3 of my kids have their own computers?

161 replies

Rosbo · 04/03/2008 19:11

my MIL thinks its spoilt to let them have their own computers, however they are teenagers and use them for schoolwork as well as other things such as social networking sites like facebook and MSN messenger with their friends. Many of their friends have their own laptops or computers too. My dd2 aged 16, recently described herself as "Complete" when her hair straighteners were fixed as she "found it hard to cope" without them. Are my kids becoming too materialistic for their own good?

OP posts:
warthog · 04/03/2008 23:16

i just don't like the idea of all the kids in their own rooms glued to a screen for hours, with no human interaction.

Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:18

Haha, good good. To be honest I think I've proved my MIL wrong

OP posts:
JodieG1 · 04/03/2008 23:19

Who says that will happen though? Also, what are we doing here if not interacting? Human interaction, these days, is much more varied than just face to face.

We are all interacting with each other and enjoying it, I assume, otherwise why are we here posting?

It's a different age to what most of us grew up in and times have changed. Just because they may want to spend time on the pc doesn't mean they won't spend time with the family, just like us eh and our dh's? Works both ways.

mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:19

TBH Rosbo I don't think that spoilt is in the things you have but in your attitude to them.
For example, looking down on others who don't have the lifestyle you do, or feeling inadequate if a peer has something more expensive.
Or not being grateful to your parents for buying you things.

Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:20

Well Warthog, I'll go to the mac shop tommorow and get my son a new laptop then we can all sit round on our laptops, not in our bedrooms.

OP posts:
MotherFunk · 04/03/2008 23:20

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:21

My children are very grateful for what me and my DH provide for them. For example, they always work hard at school because they know we work hard to pay for their education.

OP posts:
warthog · 04/03/2008 23:21

that's true jodie... i guess i just don't want them to do hours of it. homework, ok. a little bit of social networking, ok. but not hours and hours. we all know - it's very easy to get caught up!

mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:22

I didn't say I wouldn't allow my children to use computers - where did you get that from?

warthog · 04/03/2008 23:22

hmm rosbo, i sense you're not actually agreeing with me...

mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:24

Well, if they are very grateful I wouldn't call them spoilt then Rosbo.

tyaca · 04/03/2008 23:25
Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:26

Thankyou mrs Ruffallo. And what do you mean, warthog?

OP posts:
warthog · 04/03/2008 23:28

ah - you're not being sarcastic? sorry!

i think it's a very good idea to go to the mac shop for a laptop. topnotch machines.

mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:29

Still don't see a necessity for a laptop each tho', but we will agree to differ about that

Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:29

yeah, I think macs are better than PCs, in my experience.

OP posts:
KnickersOnMaHead · 04/03/2008 23:32

Message withdrawn

MotherFunk · 04/03/2008 23:33

Message withdrawn

agnesnitt · 04/03/2008 23:33

I have a mac, it's pretty confusing but I like it

Agnes

mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:33

Knickers- It can't be common practice at those ages surely?

Original poster
Rosbo · 04/03/2008 23:34

Nothings the difference between them MotherFunk, And by the sounds of things, you literally are Mother Funk x

OP posts:
mrsruffallo · 04/03/2008 23:35

MotherFunk- Where did I say I wouldn't let my dc use computers then?

KnickersOnMaHead · 04/03/2008 23:35

Message withdrawn

MotherFunk · 04/03/2008 23:35

Message withdrawn

warthog · 04/03/2008 23:36

i don't think anyone's disagreeing with you knickers.