Video Games a Good Thing?

[Sasha at Parenting.com]

We always hear about how bad video games are for kids, but has anyone out there had one be GOOD for their kid? Like a Wii that gets them up off the couch, or a program that helped them learn to read? Let us know; we’re looking for families for a possible story in the magazine.

[KFairchild]

Yes, my son learned how to use the computer at 2 years old thanks to The Wiggles online, nickjr.com and playhouse disney online. And at age three he was a master on Playstation 2 and learned a lot about problem solving by playing games derived from children's movies like The Bee Movie, Cars, and Ratatouille!

He is 4 now and is much more focused and alert than other 4 year-olds.

Thanks,
Kisty Fairchild
kisty.fairchild@gmail.com

[DMCope424]

My son has really enjoyed learning with the Leapster 2. At three he knows the planets in the solar system thanks to the Leapster 2. He is also reading and writing, and while the Leapster can't take full credit for that, with the games focusing on letters, numbers and phonics, it certainly has helped. He even wrote his own blog about it: http://www.storytimewithnic.blogspot.com/ If you want to know exactly what he thinks about it!

[freckles]

We have the V-Smile. It is brilliant, combining learning and fun.

We own a Wii and have coined the term "Wii Wednesday." We play it sparingly, on Wednesday of course, because I want it to be viewed by my children as a privilege.

My husband and I carry the lead as far as teaching. My husband reads to the kids and I taught my daugter how to read. Video games are simply a tool and plain old fashion F-U-N.

[Eyler6]

My 2 year old daughter and 4 year old twins are learning the alphabet and their numbers using the Fisher Price Cool Skool. I did not realize how much they were learning until one day when one of my children was misbehaving and I started the 1-2-3 count for timeout warning. I counted 1....2....and then my 2 year old, said "3" with so much excitement in her voice! I could hardly believe it so I counted again and she repeated. The child in trouble got lucky...her sister was being so cute that I totally forgot what I had started counting for anyway!

[charliesmommy]

I have no problem with video games.

The rule in my house will be that for every hour of reading Charlie can play an hour of video games.

[lou]

I think it largely depends on the game. yes I think they can be good in certain aspects for developing hand eye coordination, or teaching strategy, or helping develop math skills etc if it's an educational game. However, I think all games no matter how educational should be used in moderation as they impede a child's ability to use their imagination and entertain themselves, which is an important part of their development.
for instance, my steps sons are 8 and 10 and they watch tv and play video games all the time at their mothers uninhibited. so when they come to our house they get an hour of tv or video games on weekends (1/2 hour on a weekday) and then they go off and they have to find something else to do. this is like torture to them. last week the 10 year old came to me in tears saying he didn't feel good can he call his mom. I told him no, gave him some tylenol for his "headache", and told him to lay down. literally five minutes later he was up running through the house. he was just being manipulative thinking if he called his mom she would rescue him from the boredom and he could go home and watch tv and play video games for the rest of the day.
these boys really don't know how to play. they want constant entertainment. I will play board games with them from time to time but I also expect them to entertain themselves which they don't know how to do with out the use of electronics. Now when they come to me and say they're bored I tell them they better find something to do or I'll find something for them (i.e. chores).

[BellsInMyBatfry]

Video games can bring the family together. I come from a family of singers and we love a round of Sing Star or American Idol Karaoke. The Wii Fit is a favorite of my best friend's family. As long as you keep it age appropriate and don't over do it, I see no harm.

I've also read that playing video games helps surgeons have greater accuracy: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070220012341.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4685909/

[mommyche3]

My oldest son started playing video games when he was three. Not only did he learn about patience, but he also gained a longer attention span was able to concentrate longer than before. Another huge plus is that the video games taught him hand-eye coordination and helped to improve his small motor skills.

[atippit]

i have no problem with video games. they help with eye-hand coordination and helped my younger brother get rid of his dyslexia.

oh and "The rule in my house will be that for every hour of reading Charlie can play an hour of video games."

that is a great idea! i wish i could magically start from scratch and impose that on my tween.