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

RoxieW

Their grandparents do give them money as well as presents - they're very generous. But oH would object to it being spent on a ds. The only way around it would be if they bought them one and i had 'no idea' they were going. Other wise he'll just get moody about having no say etc etc.

I'd like them to have one but for some reason (which he wont give - he just 'doesnt think its a good idea') - he wont go for it. I dont think its a money thing and he normally loves every gadget going so i had no idea he would object. In fact, just a few weeks ago he made the worst purchase ever - a really irrating, LARGE, surround sound system - he's that kind of man hmmmph!
I might buy one 'for me' and let the kids play on it

robpw2

win one win one win one lol theirs always competitons on here to win ds he cant moan if you didnt pay for it

maybe hes just jealous as he wants one for chirstmas

Idiophreak

mrcow wrote: »

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.

...You asked me why I thought those things were more worthwhile, so I responded...? That'll be why I "spouted" it... I don't believe all things a kid does have to be educational, add value etc - but as it happens, I believe the ones you stated *are* more worthwhile than playing on a DS, so I said so...

Perhaps if I had been one of your parents you'd see that...or maybe if I made a DVD of it, or a videogame, you'd understand? I could spray paint myself blue, play some frantic music and talk down to you til got it...

Video games *are* fun, there's no disputing that...I love them more than anyone...but that doesn't mean to say they're good for kids...

I think the highlighted part is pretty much spot on actually - I just don't agree that small children need to be exposed to TV, video games and computers more than is necessary...They have plenty of time to be spoon fed information and gaze blankly at a screen when their minds are fully developed...If that makes me such a kill-joy, fine, whatever.

The idea that you'd have hated your parents if they hadn't let you play computers is, really, quite telling...

mrcow

Idiophreak wrote: »

Perhaps if I had been one of your parents you'd see that...or maybe if I made a DVD of it, or a videogame, you'd understand? I could spray paint myself blue, play some frantic music and talk down to you til got it...

I think the highlighted part is pretty much spot on actually - I just don't agree that small children need to be exposed to TV, video games and computers more than is necessary...They have plenty of time to be spoon fed information and gaze blankly at a screen when their minds are fully developed...If that makes me such a kill-joy, fine, whatever.

The idea that you'd have hated your parents if they hadn't let you play computers is, really, quite telling...

lol Where does it say that I'd have hated my parents if they hadn't let me play computers? I was born in 1973 so we didn't even get a computer until I was 16 (unless you count our BBC micro which played Frogga) and never had a games consol until my brother got his Master System (don't know what year that was, but it nust have been around the same time or after) and I never got a look in as the games were too babyish for me. So go figure.

It's your simplistic way of looking at things that I'm finding so funny though. Kids have been watching & loving telly since the fifties. Just because some children play computer games or shock horror watch tv, it doesn't mean that they are doing it to excess or being spoon fed anything or that it prevents them from reading, or going outside as you mentioned earlier.

It's quite funny to think that you actually believe that that may be the case. I'm kind of guessing from your comments that you are quite young (mid 20s or younger?)? Forgive me for being personal, but tell me if I'm wrong?

Idiophreak

mrcow wrote: »

I'm kind of guessing from your comments that you are quite young (mid 20s or younger?)? Forgive me for being personal, but tell me if I'm wrong?

No, you're not wrong at all...

I do, however, have a mother that teaches pre-school and a gf that teaches year 5 - both of whom report exactly the same problems - *plenty* of kids that are incapable of concentrating on anything that doesn't have flashing lights or loud noises...Plenty of kids playing up because they don't want to play with the stuff provided, they want to play on the computer. Plenty of kids that *are* sat in front of the TV for hours in the morning while their parents get a lie in, plonked in front of the PS2 for the evening while their parents do other things...Oh...and, of course, plenty of FAT kids that never leave the house to do exercise...

Now, you can convince yourself all you want that these kids don't exist - that all parents are perfect and TV is a godsend...if it makes you feel happy...

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

To be honest - your children aren't going to come to any harm if they don't get a DS for Christmas, so I would give in to your OH on this one if it will cause problems otherwise. Additionally, if the children receive lots for Christmas, I don't really see any harm in doing their room up for Xmas either; I would make it very 'fun' with lots of cool bits (character duvets, some funky furniture from Ikea) though, so that it's extra-special. You could make the bunk-beds special by putting little intercom phones on each (if you can still get them!).

I don't think your other half is being "stingy" because I doubt bunk beds and paint etc will be cheap. You just have different ideas.

I am actually a bit shocked that so many young children have personal gaming consoles, although that's me, hehe.

mrcow

Idiophreak wrote: »

I do, however, have a mother that teaches pre-school and a gf that teaches year 5 - both of whom report exactly the same problems - *plenty* of kids that are incapable of concentrating on anything that doesn't have flashing lights or loud noises...Plenty of kids playing up because they don't want to play with the stuff provided, they want to play on the computer. Plenty of kids that *are* sat in front of the TV for hours in the morning while their parents get a lie in, plonked in front of the PS2 for the evening while their parents do other things...Oh...and, of course, plenty of FAT kids that never leave the house to do exercise...

Now, you can convince yourself all you want that these kids don't exist - that all parents are perfect and TV is a godsend...if it makes you feel happy...

lol where did I say that TV is a "Godsend"? I just said it's fun!

I've no doubt that this country is full of fat daft kids whose parents would rather pluck out their own eyes rather than take responsibility for them. But I don't see why you are linking playing computer games with this phenomenom. You get lazy people in all walks of life. You also get very hard working people. Having a high concentration span and owning a computer are not mutually exclusive lol

To imply that kids who play on computers have bad concentrations and parents who don't give a stuff about their eating habits is such a laughable generalisation.

It's like me saying that you must be a fat, lazy nerd with no friends, poor personal hygiene and no social life because you earlier said that you like playing on games consoles.

To pick up on an earlier point that I missed too:

As someone said above, I'm sure there's *some* value to them, if you can be strict about the amount they're used etc - but this just causes hissy fits etc when it's time to hand back the games and do some "boring" reading, painting etc instead...

It's also funny that you seem to think that if someone likes a computer, then they must think that reading or painting is "boring" :rotfl: My son is 6 and is more than likely a better reader than you were at his age whether you played on computers or not (he's reading books such as Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, The Hobbit etc). I have to prise the books off him half the time as he's always got his face stuck in one. He can still whip the pants off me at Lego Indiana Jones though......;)

He's just a normal kid like most boys his age.......he doesn't have a weight problem, likes most "boys" stuff, is doing well at school, has loads of friends and I don't have any cause for complaint about anything in particular that he does. He also like computer games.....again like most boys his age and I, as his mother don't have a problem with it.

Scarlett1

RoxieW wrote: »

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!

Roxie if you want yor children to have a DS then get them one, why is it your husband is making the decision ? is he very controlling or is it that you are not working so feel that you cant demand what he spends his wages on ?

I bought my DD a DS when she was 5 and it is one of the best things I have bought her, she doesn't spend hours on it and uses it wisely, she takes it out in the car and on the train, one of her best games is a fashion designer one and I often have a go cutting the cloth for an outfit

RoxieW

Hi Scarlett - no its not that at all. I twisted his arm for the center parcs countdown to christmas trip when he'd rather stay home, go for a walk in the woods (free) and take the kids to the local grotto! We also recently had a very kidcentric holiday in spain (he hates the sun) as I wanted it for the kids. The reason I'm relenting on this is because he seems to have a very strong opinion on it and if I had a very strong opinion on why the kids shouldnt have something I'd expect him to respect that. And I'm running with the bedroom idea because its very rare he gets involved in very much to do with the kids and would normally let me decide bedroom schemes, xmas pressies etc. I'm happy for him to do it if its something to involve him more with the kids.


Think about it - if you had thought your dd too young for a console - and felt strongly that she shouldnt have one, but your OH went and bought her one anyway you'd be a bit miffed would you not? I know I would.

FZwanab

This might be a solution: Get your husband a DS for Christmas, then he can limit the time the children spend on it, he can share it between the children and you can justify the cost, as I think it is expensive for a child, or if there are a number of children in the family. I did this last year and it worked a treat, the games he loves most are 42 all time classic games, brain training and Fifa 08. I have found the brain training very beneficial for my maths, I love the chess on the classic games, but my oh prefers other ones. The children are only allowed use it at weekends or when there is no school 30 mins in the morning and 30 in the evening, they cannot wait for Friday evening. They also love the above games and more brain training.

We also have the Wii which was OH's birthday present, I think last large one for a number of years, and even my youngest 4 loves it and is great at the bowling and boxing, he also loves making up people called miis putting noses and hair on people etc. Same rules as DS applies. This is great for the whole family to play. My children love sports and playing outside with their friends, but the wii is great especially with the weather we have.

Hope this helps