Am I the only parent who won't allow an xbox, DS or playstation in the house?

[MINIBondGirl]

Am I being unrealistic in this issue as I only know a very few parents who feel the same? Having seen other children playing on them (sometimes looking like zombies and getting headaches) I am really put off. I know some parents restrict usage and don't allow unsuitable games but a lot don't.

As my boys are 4 & 7 I would rather they played outside, used their imaginations and concentrated on school for now.

Realistic or not?

It can be a problem if DCs turn to theirs peers too quickly though if they dont have the connections they need at home, then it turns to the blind leading the blind if they're not mature enough emotionally.

We have almost every console going. I seem to be the only person who uses them

My children prefer being outside, although screen time is not limited if they do use them.

My sister's children have one nitendo ds between four of them and are limited to a certain time per day each. When they come to my house they love nothing more than finding something electronic to play with. My own children get very bored and fustrated with this.

I believe that limiting them only makes them more appealing. The dc only bother with them if the weather is horrendous and they can't go out.

It is gradual. Up to 5 years your DC thinks you know it all. They start school and parents get fed up because suddenly they get 'the world according to Miss X'. At about 8 yrs they realise they can have their own opinions. Friends become more important. What you put in for the first 8 years counts a lot- and they still need guidance but they need to self discipline.
I have the advantage of knowing that my way works. They have ended up DSs that anyone could be proud of, I am not saying it from the theory of having younger DCs who have not got to secondary school yet.

But, your way isnt the only way to parent.

'I have the advantage of knowing that my way works. They have ended up DSs that anyone could be proud of, I am not saying it from the theory of having younger DCs who have not got to secondary school yet.'

But it's so much fun watching the smug and morally certain as they change and adapt to reality. And sitting firmly on the 'I told you so' bubbling in your brain as the adults rewrite history and misremember what they laid down as The Laws they would always live by.

Poppyboo

Do I ?

I really am not. Although the Ann summers thread is bringing back some awful supressed memories

Do you really think I am upset or are you doing an attempt at a PA head tilt thingy. They can be notoriously hard to spot

This book makes sad reading, it's about when parents let go too quickly.www.amazon.com/Hold-On-Your-Kids-Parents/dp/037550821X

i think it all depends on how strong you are in your parenting beliefs and the connection you have with your children...whether peers matter more to the older child or parent...just a thought

Spoken by the parent of children no more than 7 years old.

Sorry poppyboo, you sound at best ridiculously naive...and a little stupid and at worst you sound smug.

The best thing is you will be proved wrong in time

'But, your way isnt the only way to parent.'

Exactly. Which is why you should really parent for the situation you have and avoid generalising to others with different children, different priorities and different circumstances.

You just sounded a bit defensive thats all.

But she has a book!
It will tell her the way, and the dreadful consequences of not following it.
Behold the book!

Amber, you make me laugh!

'The best thing is you will be proved wrong in time'

It's worth the wait.

i've heard most mumsnetters dont like people who gasp dare to parent in a non-mainstream way fallen!

Ok. You misjudged that a tad. But no problem.

It's the only way I've ever parented, and I'm still here.
There may be pitchforks and bonfires waiting, but I think this community is bigger than that. Which is why it suits me better than NetHuns.

poppyboo, you make me laugh....its a hollow knowing laugh BTW.

Poppyboo

You may want to step off the generalisations. It is negating your arguments.

I don't vaccinate and never had baby safety equipment. People on mn don't seem to have a problem with me. I don't think most mums netters really care how you parent as long as you try not to take the moral high ground.

pagwatch you may not know it, but to me, with your 'I have an older child so I know everything' stance you too are taking the moral high ground too

At 4 and 7 YANBU, but you may find you change your mind as they get older

Pag is right, as ever

I do see that some children (usually boys) can get obsessed with gadgetry - I think any sensible parent would try to ensure there is a balance between real, active and interactive life, and sitting in a darkened room on your own for hours on end, hunched over the x-box or whatever.

I dont think she is, but if she were at least she is qualified to through experience.....unlike you.

was it very long time ago coconutty?
...any parent with young children have absolutely no experience at all...is that the point you're making?

Welldone Amberleaf for stepping in and backing her up!

You show me where I intimated anything of the sort and I will agree with you.