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Gaming

Note: This topic is for discussing games and gaming.

Ages and consoles for kids

3 replies

Maxorias · 13/01/2025 19:54

So, I really enjoy gaming though since my eldest was born six years ago I haven't had a lot of free time to indulge. I particularly enjoy rpg's and puzzle games and always thought I'd love playing with my kids once they're old enough.

They're now 6, 4 and almost 1. I was thinking about getting a game console in a few years maybe when they're 10, 8 and 5. But when I looked it up Dr. Google seems to say that from 6 onwards is old enough ? I'm curious to hear what people think. Or is it best to wait til the kids actually ask for a console ? Mine haven't so far.

For the record my DS2 is a bit too drawn to screens for my liking. I used to not allow any screentime at all (didn't even own a tv) but eventually let it go when they were 3 and 4. They do have a tablet (initially purchased because we do regular longhaul flights) but the screentime is allowed on an adhoc basis and not everyday. So whileI really want to share something that I really enjoy with them, I'm very wary about introducing something that I may struggle to control later on. I would not consider any console until they're 8, 6 and 3 at the absolute earliest. But I'm still interested in what other people think, especially if you have a child who is very drawn to screens. When did you introduce video games, how did it work out, what rules did you set ? Did you get them individual consoles (like a nintendo switch) or family consoles (like a ps5 or whatever )?

OP posts:
Maxorias · 13/01/2025 20:03

Just to add : I have really fond memories of playing super metroid on super Nintendo, king's quest and Myst on PC with my father, and these are the things I'd want to do with the kids. If I could I'd just get them a console asap ! But I also really want to be a responsible parent as I have a sibling with serious game addiction issues, so I don't want to rush into this. Frankly I think my eldest would be fine, but my ds2 would struggle at this stage in his life so I'd rather wait til he can (hopefully) handle it with some guidance from me. And obviously have to see how stuff works out for DD.

OP posts:
DoAWheelie · 16/01/2025 01:08

I think it's best for consoles to be "family" consoles that everyone plays, adults included rather than being bought for one child after they beg for it. I'd wait for the Switch 2 to come out before getting anything as nintendo consoles are much better family consoles vs the PS5 and Xbox which don't have as many family friendly games and have nowhere near as many couch co-op games. There is little point buying a console right as support is about to be dropped for it (no new games) so wait for the new one.

Treat it much more like a TV set in the living room, an activity we sometimes do together and sometimes alone but we need to be considerate of other people around us and share fairly. Having an adult model healthy playtime will help them learn to enjoy it in moderation.

DoAWheelie · 16/01/2025 15:38

The official switch two announcement was a few hours ago - coming out later this year.

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