videogames

[pippin_999]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "grey_wolf_c" <greywolf1 at j...> 
wrote:
> Pippin wrote (stress mine):
> > Oh, poor Goat...that happened to a friend of mine. She got 
> > stranded in a Los Angeles hotel room with  four-year-old 
twins. 
> > That was when she broke down and bought them the *video 
> > game system she'd sworn they'd never have*. She says it 
saved 
> > her sanity.
> >
> > Pippin
> 
> (going off a tangent)
> I've always wandered about this: what is this thing with parents 
and  videogames? 
> <snip> 
> Grey Wolf, who hopes no-one takes this as a personal attack, 
since it's  tone is maybe a little too strong

No offense taken :-) This was, first of all, about fourteen years 
ago. I just got a high school graduation announcement for the 
twins, so apparently the video games didn't hurt them. I think, 
though, parents feel a little guilty any time the kids are parked in 
front of the TV. Some electronic baby sitting is okay, but I know 
from experience that kids who watch too much or play games all 
day can get really withdrawn and cranky. That's part of it, plus the 
sound effects can really get on your nerves.<g>

I agree with what you said about the positive side of gaming. The 
games are fun. They are so much fun that it can be hard to set 
limits, which is a lot of what parents do.   Little ones really do 
need to get outside, run around, experience conflict and 
friendship with real people and deal with problems that can't be 
solved by beating the Boss and getting to the next level.  As long 
as kids don't get shortchanged of that, I've got no problem with 
games.


Pippin