'What's a necessity in modern living?' poll discussion

k.o.d

toontron wrote: »

It is interesting that so many people believe that the fact that a child actually has a games console somehow stops them from doing other pursuits such as reading or creative play. Surely it is up to the parents to ensure there is a balance between gaming and other activities? If you are the type of parent (and I used "you" as a generic term here), who is incapable to policing your childrens activities then, yes, it is probably correct in your own case that games consoles are the work of the devil. If however, you take a balanced approach and view them as another form of entertainment, then there is little harm in them.

Now that part I can agree with, kids do have a Wii, but their time on it is limited and they are not allowed on it until their homework and chores are done, most of the time this summer they have either been on their bikes or on the trampoline.
Where I have the problem is where the console is used as a surrogate nanny to keep them occupied

toontron

k.o.d wrote: »

Now that part I can agree with, kids do have a Wii, but their time on it is limited and they are not allowed on it until their homework and chores are done, most of the time this summer they have either been on their bikes or on the trampoline.
Where I have the problem is where the console is used as a surrogate nanny to keep them occupied

Exactly. It is the parents that allow the console to be used as a surrogate nanny - game consoles do not make children antisocial! In some cases they can be a godsend. For instance, if my DD is filming, and needs to be quiet between takes (she is only 7 and quite exciteable), then a DSi is perfect - she links up with her friends DSi's and silence reigns! My children have just about every games console known to man between them, I agree, they are NOT one of lifes necessities, nobody suffered for NOT having a games console, but neither are they these evil boxes that produce morons when used correctly.

jeanmd

niku2 wrote: »

we've been in our modest mid-terraced home for nearly four years now, and the cost to install central heating is exorbitant. we simply can't afford to do it. we have a two-year-old and another on the way in november and, as any parent knows, kids are expensive. we aren't able to save enough to put in central heating. with both of us working, we're just above the threshhold to qualify for any assistance with heating.

we have a gas fire in the front room which does a relatively good job of warming most of the house, except for especially frigid days.

i feel guilty about the fact that we haven't been able to get central heating, but i also know we're doing the best we can for our wee ones at the moment. :embarasse

Don't feel guilty! Very few people apart from the under 20's have grown up with central heating. As long as you have heat in one room it's enough. It isn't what you have, it's how you manage what you have. You work to provide the basic, that I understand.

Ahh, ice on the inside of window, I remeber it well. Funnily enough, there didn't seem to be as much asthma about then.

jeanmd

I agree games consoles and pc are not evil, used right they are very good. Where I don't agree is that they are a neccessity and that a child is deprived without them.

LadyGooGoo_2

At a family event yesterday my father asked my little cousin how he was holding up since the poor little chap was injured a while ago and has been unable to participate in any boyish rough and tumble as well as his usual raft of team sports for months.

He said (and I quote) "It's just as well I'm good at XBox or I wouldn't have any friends left". He's 10. :eek:

My father was so shocked he spoke to the boys parents at length about it. They confirmed that he had only seen his XBox friends this summer holiday since he can't go for a kickabout, play cricket, swim or go to camp or football training. It made me think about disabled kids and what a games console might mean to them.

Jacks_xxx

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

Am i depriving my child? I feel a bit angry at the moment. There is a poll going on at the moment on MSE about basic necessities for children.

In the discussion a poster has said i am depriving my child as dont have a games console for her

I'm not sure if they are a WUM or are being serious

Thread here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...3#post36304773

I apologise unreservedly for whatever part of me expressing my opinion you interpreted as me stating that you are depriving your child because you don't have a games console for her.

I am shocked and saddened that you got so upset.

I didn't think that was what I said, and it certainly wasn't what I meant so if you could quote the part where I said it I will rephrase it or delete it.

My opinion remains that if a child yearns and longs for a games console, if they feel left out because all their friends have one, and they go through their entire childhood without ever getting one then yes I believe they have been deprived of a normal part of childhood life in our society.

I agree with you that at 6 years old your daughter is a little young. My daughter got her Wii Fit at age 14 after waiting two years for us to save up for it.

Jacks_xxx

LadyGooGoo wrote: »

At a family event yesterday my father asked my little cousin how he was holding up since the poor little chap was injured a while ago and has been unable to participate in any boyish rough and tumble as well as his usual raft of team sports for months.

He said (and I quote) "It's just as well I'm good at XBox or I wouldn't have any friends left". He's 10. :eek:

My father was so shocked he spoke to the boys parents at length about it. They confirmed that he had only seen his XBox friends this summer holiday since he can't go for a kickabout, play cricket, swim or go to camp or football training. It made me think about disabled kids and what a games console might mean to them.

Absolutely. Between 4% and 10% of children under 17 are living with a disability, depending on what criteria for disability you use. I imagine that for lots of disabled children a games console might be a very important for peer bonding and for their self esteem as somewhere they can play and compete with other children on a more level playing field.

I hope your little cousin gets well soon.

jackieblack

MSE_Martin wrote: »

I must admit I'm surprised by "washing machine" appearing so highly - after all many people use launderettes

Presumably most of these people live in large towns/cities.
There is no launderette (that I know of) within many miles of where I live.

jbrockwell5081

879 people think a dishwasher is a necessity? Perhaps these people earn too much.

KimYeovil

The primary question is why does anyone think that a family with children can not afford all of these? (Excluding the satellite tv package.) Levels of benefits are such it is simply not possible that a family with children under the age of 17 can not afford to participate fully in society. That some parents may not manage their incomes judiciously is a separate issue.