kids n xmas ideas

valk_scot

Lego, comic subscription, non-fiction books on any subjects that interest him (space, animals, history), fiction books with good pictures (Star Wars?), lots of reading time with you, craft stuff and time with you, roleplaying toys like Playmobil (knights, cowboys, space, firemen etc)...anything other than yet another electronic gizmo tbh.

iammarmite

korky69 wrote: »

hi,
my youngest son will be 8 in jan,
he gets all i can afford, own telly and xbox, footy etc.
he struggles with school, he's not slow or anything, reads ok and ok with maths, just the attention span.
i don't want to waste my hard earned on loads of crap and more xbox games and thought of that new kindle?
its in my price range but are they suitable for kids of his age?
i know nothing about them, just stuck for a gift he'll like in the £150 mark that is educational without him really knowing and doesn't involve shouting at the telly!

Only young myself but not a big fan of younger kids having all these latest gadgets- whats wrong with a normal book? Roald Dahl will be great at that age, maybe even Harry Potter if you read to him. Take a look at the Book People website.

Maybe get him some board games etc- you need to pull him away from that Xbox, not completely but restrict access. I am purely talking from my own experience- I was a gaming addict a few years ago and when I finished school for study leave and all I did was play computer games- like wise when I was still at school. You can become addicted all to easily and buying him more of the same things certainly won't help.

I certainly don't mean to sound condescending I would just dislike to see another child go through what I did.

korky69

iammarmite wrote: »

Only young myself but not a big fan of younger kids having all these latest gadgets- whats wrong with a normal book? Roald Dahl will be great at that age, maybe even Harry Potter if you read to him. Take a look at the Book People website.

Maybe get him some board games etc- you need to pull him away from that Xbox, not completely but restrict access. I am purely talking from my own experience- I was a gaming addict a few years ago and when I finished school for study leave and all I did was play computer games- like wise when I was still at school. You can become addicted all to easily and buying him more of the same things certainly won't help.

I certainly don't mean to sound condescending I would just dislike to see another child go through what I did.

i wouldn't say he's an addict, he does spend some time on it, but much prefers a kick about no matter what weather!
he did spend ages reading his football programs, especially after a match but that drifted (bit like our team!)
just think the gadget thing could be helpful and he may prefer to read a few kids books and not feel like I'm pushing him to do it, reverse psychology i guess?

iammarmite

Just found on Amazon- complete Roald Dahl for £15. Bargain.

iammarmite

korky69 wrote: »

i wouldn't say he's an addict, he does spend some time on it, but much prefers a kick about no matter what weather!
he did spend ages reading his football programs, especially after a match but that drifted (bit like our team!)
just think the gadget thing could be helpful and he may prefer to read a few kids books and not feel like I'm pushing him to do it, reverse psychology i guess?

He is only 8 years old- there is plenty of time believe me. I had them at that age and although I played on them I did prefer playing with my friends. I can only talk from experience- and I am telling you all these latest gadgets are a bad idea for someone his age.

Kefi

See what is on in your area. I bought my nephew (who had everything and was always on xbox etc ) ice skating lessons, and he has gone bonkers for it. He was a little apprehensive, but has totally gotten into the rink and a new gang of friends. That was 2 years ago and now at 10 he is into ice hockey.Not to mention the thrill of whizzing around the ice.
The lessons didn't break the bank either, and the local rink had
lots of advice, and really made him feel important and grown up.
Anything to do with sport is great as all sports involve concentration,discipline and responsibility.
This generation of kids don't need any more electronic gadgets as it will always be part of their life. They need to socialise and learn the skills associated with it. Being able to 'do' something will increase his confidence and this will rub off in school...He will also bounce around like Tigger, and you will have someone to hang on to next time you skate!