Nintendo DS - too young?? OH objecting and being tight!

sunday_girl

Haven't had the chance to read all of this thread but my 3 year old son is a whizz on the DS - it's quite amazing what they pick up - so I would say no, def not too young.

Idiophreak

mrcow wrote: »

Not everything has to be obviously educational to be worthwhile as a past time....sheesh.....you'll be confiscating their copies of The Beano next! :rolleyes:

I don't really think I said it did...?

The beano would, however, build characterisation and reading skills in a (accessible) way most DS games won't (even the educational ones)...It would also (along with kerplunk and cards) be less of an assault on their senses than the DS is...cards will hone reflexes and memory in a way many DS games won't, but in a less obvious manner than brain training et al - and kerplunk will most often see them interacting with other people...

I've no problem with kids doing non-educational stuff, quite the opposite, I just refuse to believe they need video games at the age of 4 to have fun...

skylight

Shut my kids up?? Thats what the TV is for, isn't it????


Reading the OPs replies about getting lots of other pressies too, I still think that a bedroom is not priority for a 4 or 6yo. They are not going to careless come Xmas morning about their room if they have pressies under the tree.... Besides, you need to get them to sleep the night before and keep them asleep in a room thats not their own. And get all the work done - as if you don't have enough to do in the run up to Christmas.

If you are going to do it anyway, get it done in January. Use the sales, which in the current financial climate is likely to be a good one, plus they can get involved too - pick what they want and "help" (lol!!) with the painting.


Still also on the no to DS's!!! But each to their own. I could not afford a DS each and the 4yo is likely to break it anyway (well, mine would...) but each of us know our own children and how they are. Doesn't sound like you are going to get it past OH though.....

*Louise*

pulliptears wrote: »

Its annoying when all parents are tarred with the same brush. Most parents dont buy their children DS's so they sit in a corner prone for hours on end, most buy them to keep their children entertained for short periods of time whilst enforcing sensible limits on their game play.

As for being too young, again I dont think its something any of us posting here can say. You know your children and you know if they could use and enjoy a DS. There are some very educational games out there that can stimulate young minds and be used as an educational tool to aid their learning.

The attitude that "oooh its a computer game therefore it must be feared/banned until a child is older" is long outdated.

Totally agree, not everyone lets their kids sit with them for hours on end.

And best thing about the DS, is that there's so many educational games availiable for it. The brain training ones are particularly good and have really helped my DS1 (8) with his mental arithmetic.

Idiophreak

sunday_girl wrote: »

my 3 year old son is a whizz on the DS - it's quite amazing what they pick up - so I would say no, def not too young.

Just because they *can* do it doesn't automatically follow that they *should* do it, though?

pulliptears

*Louise* wrote: »

Totally agree, not everyone lets their kids sit with them for hours on end.

And best thing about the DS, is that there's so many educational games availiable for it. The brain training ones are particularly good and have really helped my DS1 (8) with his mental arithmetic.

Brain training helped my 10 yr DD as well, she was quite behind with her mental maths so the quick fire sums on this were brilliant.

I am appallingly bad at math (Im the arty one lol) so I do try and play that myself occasionally just to try and improve a little.

RoxieW

Well he's putting his foot down and saying a catagoric NO to the DS May try and get round it by getting the oldest to save up his b day money for one - if he wants too. Its his b day in Oct. I wouldnt buy him one for birthday as he'll be having a lazer party at £200 so pressie budget wont cover the cost of a DS. I'd love grandparents to get them one then he couldnt do much about it butt although they normally spend a fortune on them, I wouldnt ever suggest such an expensive gift when they ask.

I agree with the comments about hassle running up to xmas. I've raised them with OH but he's adamant he wants to do it and its rare that he gets so involved so think I'm just going to leave him to it. He may be a bit miffed about the elves stealing his glory though!

I'm just quite depressed looking at the toys r us elc websites etc as so much is similar to what they already have and dont play with often. I dread the thought of adding up the value of power rangers toys (£100's), planet protectors (again £100's) and Transformers (you get the point!) They've also got box after box of cars/train track/lego. They've got globes and bikes and scooters and games. I'm at a loss. I cant bear the thought of spending £100's on what just seems like more of the same again. I also never know what to say when people ask what they should buy for them
I think I've lost this battle and OH will do their bedroom - but any suggestions for other bits and bobs would be most appreciated!

*Louise*

RoxieW wrote: »

I'd love grandparents to get them one then he couldnt do much about it butt although they normally spend a fortune on them, I wouldnt ever suggest such an expensive gift when they ask.

Is there any way you could suggest that their grandparents give them some money each for christmas? Maybe with a small gift as well so they have something to unwrap.

It's just that you say they buy loads of gifts - and I bet most of it doesn't get played with. That way a) you don't feel bad asking for a particular expensive present b) They can still spend what they want on the kids c) The kids can then put the money towards a DS if they still want one and d) Your OH can't really object then, can he?

aitch-aitch

Good suggestion Louise:T

My kids are 11,9 and 5 and the older 2 have had DS's for about 2 years (both birthday presents).

I bought the youngest one this year before we went on holiday. It has been a godsend when we are sat waiting for food in a restaurant as well as on the plane. Lots of kids had them on the plane and many of them "chatted" to each other using the chat option which actually ended up with my daughter making friends with a girl sat 2 seats in front of her.

I agree with some other thoughts on this about responsibile parenting and limiting the time the kids spend on computers. Mine also have a wii and play on my husbands PS3 but they also play football and tennis and ride their bikes etc. My view is as long as they are happy and fit and healthly that's what matters.

Years ago my husband tried to persuade me we "needed" a DVD player by buying me my favourite films on DVD - it worked!!! Perhaps you could try the same thing with a quality DS game your hubby would enjoy playing;)

mrcow

Idiophreak wrote: »

I don't really think I said it did...?

The beano would, however, build characterisation and reading skills in a (accessible) way most DS games won't (even the educational ones)...It would also (along with kerplunk and cards) be less of an assault on their senses than the DS is...cards will hone reflexes and memory in a way many DS games won't, but in a less obvious manner than brain training et al - and kerplunk will most often see them interacting with other people...

I've no problem with kids doing non-educational stuff, quite the opposite, I just refuse to believe they need video games at the age of 4 to have fun...

Then why have you you just spouted loads of gumpf about characterisation, reading skills, memory and reflexes? What's the relevence of any of it? Why can't something just be fun for the sake of itself. Digging in the sand or mud isn't educational, is that going to banned too......or not because it's not done on a computer probably according to your logic. Good grief I'm glad you weren't one of my parents.

No one said that children need video games to have fun. It's just that video games are fun for most people of most ages and people like to play them.