Video Games

[Ohmygoodnessitsmonk]

We don’t allow huge amounts of screen time in our house, my children probably have in the realm of 4-7 hrs a week but I don’t count. We are very happy with this - and it feels like a good balance.

My son is 7, and has shown very little interest in any kind of video games. Part of that is that we don’t play them as adults and his close friends haven’t been introduced to them - there is no peer pressure/left out.

I must say I completely hate them and what they do to other children and general society. I am very much biased - this is the reason for my question.

As he isn’t missing out - beyond the odd Minecraft question - is it best to just leave it well alone until his closer friends start to have access? Is there a recommended age at all (can’t see one online)? Has anyone not introduced them at all? Are there downsides from not beyond a digital literacy argument?

The downside is a social one. When they play multiplayer games they all join in and talk to each other over their headsets - not just about the game but about other stuff too. When it gets to this stage it's a shame for him to miss out, but it sounds like your DS's friends are still miles away from this stage, so you are right to steer well clear until then!

Edited to add: 7 is still very young for this. My DSs were several years older when they started doing what I've described above.

To answer your question - leave it until your DC ask for them/show an interest.

However, I’m surprised you say you ‘hate’ video games - all video games? Chess, Tetris, MarioKart etc? The types of video games are hugely varied from highly educational to awful.
Should you get your 7yo a copy of Call of Duty? No, would he like Minecraft? Probably.

Video games are like any other form of entertainment - they can be fun & informative or crass & disturbing. I’d suggest if your DC do start to show an interest, you & your DH educate yourselves on which games are appropriate for the age range & possibly try them out first.

I would just leave it. They don’t need video games.

Dh and I have never done any gaming. I have a 12 year old who might play the odd bowling game on the switch. We have a PS2 given to us by family with some games, but it never gets used. My about to turn 8 year old has only recently gotten into Minecraft. It’s fine, in limited doses. But the only reason I let him play it is because he has a friend with some serious health issues who can’t run around outside and play, so gaming is one of the few things he can physically do with friends. It’s a nice thing for them to do together.

I don’t mind it, but I certainly wouldn’t go encouraging it if he doesn’t have much interest. Not all children game and there is so much else they can be doing.