Xbox and babies

[MeiYiFoo]

Yesterday I had to tell my sister to stop letting my 2-year-old nephew playing Gears of War and Call of Duty on the xbox. It was really hard for me to do this cause I had to tell her some scenarios that may happen if she didnt stop him doing this (ie, becoming violent, not wanting to do his homework, etc). I hated talking about my nephew in this way.

She doesn?t think there is anything wrong in letting him play these games cause he does other stuff as well like reading and writing, etc.

Did I do the right thing?

Isn't COD for 18 year olds? Firstly (slightly impressed that he can do it) but secondly I can't believe she thinks it's a good idea. Would she let him watch an 18 film? This is the same thing.

pippop1, there is some truth in what you say. From my point of view, I just hate the suggestion that video games (or, indeed, violent films for that matter) mean a child will grow up being violent and lazy. I played a lot of video games as a child, and still do. Games such as Doom, GTA, etc. haven't done me any harm. I don't go around acting violently, if anything I'm completely averse to physical confrontations.

Have to say, it's pretty crappy parenting to let a 2-year-old anywhere near these games. All of you who are saying you wouldn't risk upsetting the sister, have you actually seen the images in the games the OP has mentioned? I would be really concerned if DS (almost 3) even saw them being played, let alone doing it himself. (And I am very relaxed about violent Xbox games when played by adults ... pre-DCs I played a lot of GTA)

Personally I think the risk of mildly annoying your adult sister is worth taking in this situation -- presumably she's not such a delicate flower that this will cause a major family rift? Maybe you came across badly though, with the talk of "what may happen".

The whole thing of how his behaviour might or might not change long-term is beside the point really in the initial discussion (IMO) -- it's hard to back up, and easy for the listener to brush off. I'd be thinking more about whether it would give him nightmares or other immediate issues, etc.

CashCarol (xposts), but don't you think there are more basic worries about toddlers playing them -- eg just the fact they might get a freaked out/wound up? I don't want DS learning about the bloody consequences of blowing people apart with grenades any sooner than he has to ...

Thediaryofanobody - thanks for your message, but I only said it out of genuine concern and worry for my nephew.

CashCarol ? I don't read the Daily Mail, I just don't want my nephew subjected to those images 16 years before his time! Would you let a 2-year-old watch pornos or horror films? Also, I hate it when people say ooh I did so and so and it didn't do me any harm ? what about the kids it has done harm to?

I just find it hard to believe that a 2 year old can play these games.

Don't see how thinking that allowing a 2 year old child to play a computer game with an 18 certificate equates to Daily Mail reading.

seriously COD for a 2yo???
we don't even have that game on in the house before the dc are in bed.
i would not be able to mind my business if my dns were playing at that age and i normally bite my tongue in situations.

i can't believe anyone on this thread against op has actually even seen the game.

so yes, op, you did the right thing imo.

SOV - the fact the bloody thing is on in front of the child is pretty fucked up, IMO.

Thanks devilsadvocaat.

I dont know if he is actually playing it but just having him sat in front of it with the controller, thinking he is playing it is enough for me. And if they dont stop it now, soon he will know how to play it.

There are loads of things that i disagree with in the way my siblings bring up their children but they are their children and it's upto them how they do so. I would snap someones head off if i was told how to bring up my children as it is none of their business. I have never said a thing to either my brother or sister about raising their children and wouldn't dream of it. I concentrate on bringing my own up.

Unless they are in physical danger then leave your sister t it. You nephewis her child not yours. I agree with thediaryofanobody - cocentrate on your own life.

lovingmy2 - thanks for your post. I'm not planning on saying anything else. Everyone I know said they would say something if it was their sister. It's a hard one.

it is hard but just be careful that saying something on this doesn't turn into saying something about other things. I am sure if your sister is irresponsible enough to allow you nephew even see images of a game certified an 18 then she will be doing other parenting things that you find unacceptable.

I learnt to bite my tongue a long time ago with regards my nephews.

I won't say anything else, I will bite my tongue. I just hated hearing her talking about it to me on the phone like she was proud, saying things like 'oh he played till 3am last night'.

I guess the other thing is she's not exactly backwards in coming forwards so I felt that if it was me doing this she would say something.

The conversation did start with concern for her. I said I was concerned she would have problems with him in the future and to get him out of the habit of it now. But I guess I shouldn?t have speculated.

Now meiyifoo you never said he was up til 3am and she was actually bragging and appearing proud of this. I too would have reacted similar to you and giving her a piece of my mind. Your sister is a complete idiot imo.