By Myrtle | Leave A Comment
What do you do when all he wants is to follow the path that boys have galloped down for centuries?
I wish I had a camera. My son (the one who is not allowed to watch any violent shows and play with guns and swords, you know… the things boys dream of) had a play date. While moms talked children played. Every now and then my son would find a toy gun and say cheerfully “look what I found!” My friend would hold her breath and find a hiding spot for the toy guns, and I would laugh hysterically with her.
So this Christmas I am considering something that will go against everything I have said in the last 5 years.
I am not only eating my words but I am taking big gulp full’s of them. We are considering getting a Wii for our children. My son is home schooled and very active. It takes huge amounts of energy to keep him stimulated and attentive. Sometimes I can’t seem to fill our days with enough activity. Other days I find myself chasing him as we run up and down every wall in our house. My son needs a way to get out some energy while I continue to mother the other three or catch my breath.
He is surrounded by video games (even at church) and can’t understand why we don’t have them. To be honest it feels like you are being a good mom when you say “we don’t have video games at our house.” It’s like moms who say, “we only eat organic” or “we only wear organic.” Shameless I know. But it did give me a few bleeps on the good mommy meter. I need as many bleeps as I can get.
For years we have been a video gameless family. I believed that video games were going to encourage our children (and maybe one of us- I won’t say who) to be inactive. More importantly I was worried that our children would be exposed to violent and inappropriate behavior. But since I met Wii I have been making a few steps towards video games.
So now I have been questioning whether it is okay for my son to play video games that have fighting scenes. I am against any games with blood, guns, inappropriate language, and explicit scenes. But I often wonder if boys really do need an outlet for aggression. I heard that boys whose fathers wrestled with them at home didn’t get into fights at school. I often wonder if I am stifling my boys’ “boyness” and if it will come bursting out like a beach ball out of the water.
This holiday season Peace on Earth takes on a whole new meaning at our house.
What dilemma inducing toys are you considering for your boys for Christmas?
Image credit. Second photograph property of author and used with permission.
ABOUT Myrtle
Myrtle's role as a mother of 4 is fulfilling and challenging at times. Her previous life as an eleme{read more}
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We have 9 children, 8 between the ages of 19-30, and one who is 6. We did not allow video games with the older ones. However, a year ago we decided to buy a Wii, so I know how you feel! I do have to say it was a wise purchase – it gets our little guy (and us!) moving, and it has promoted physical activity as a family. We play golf, bowling, and other active games. We also incorporate Big Brain Academy and Trivial Pursuit into our schooling. No violent games, but there are certainly plenty of others to choose from. I say, go for it!
I’m in the same boat – we don’t have one, my kids want one (my husband does too frankly), but I honestly can’t find a “need” for it.
I’m reading a book right now called Boys Should Be Boys (I think that’s its name, something like that) by Dr. Meg Meeker and in it she talks about the effects of video games on kids, boys in particular. It’s an interesting read for anyone that has boys. For me, it has reinforced my feeling that it’s not something I want my children spending time doing. I want them outside creating their play worlds, not having it shown to them on TV. I do like that it can be an educational tool, but I guess I feel like the computer works just fine for that as well.
I totally understand needing to occupy time with one child while trying to care for the others though. Don’t we ALL need that. Whatever your final decision, if it’s best for your family, it can’t be wrong!
I am hoping that it will be something the whole family can enjoy together. I am totally with you on the violent games!
thanks for the book suggestion. Sounds like a good read. My main reason for getting the Wii is to keep our kids active during those cold days when we can’t venture out. I would hate for it to be something they are always on!
I completely understand why you do not have video games at home. Personally, it used to be in one of the top 3 things i would not compromise in who i would date. I had 3 rules, no drugs, no smoking & no gaming. Then i met my husband. For me he changed the stereo type, he could play, but if i wanted his help, time or attention ect he would put me first. And the same went with his responsibilities ( school work (when we were in college) or takin out the trash ect) Now, he will definitely admit he plays alot less than before we were together, but then again he wasn’t married n didn’t have a house to take care of. Just my personal opinion, but i think it could be a good outlet for your son from what it sounds like. Of course balanced out, just like everything else. I do have one suggestion, don’t get a Wii. Now don’t get me wrong, I have loved Nintendo since i was a kid over the other options. But there are much better options out there now & the Wii will be obsolete soon. I personally have played all 3 consul’s that have the motion technology, and by far the best is the Xbox 360 Kinect. It has many games that would work great for kids ( no violence or scenes they shouldn’t see) and you dont need to have controllers to use it , like you do with the PS3 or the Wii. It just recognizes your body. They have adventure games, obstacle courses, dance games, work out games and pet animal games. I mean the Kinect is a lil bit more but you can get it bundled & it will outlast the Wii.
Thanks for the tips! I never thought of other gaming systems! I will have to look into them!