Children Vs Computer Games

I recently commented on a friends blog and immediately felt the need to blog this topic!
Yes, I have a young child and yes, he is allowed to play computer games. Daddy is a Computer Guru (yes, insert Geek here) and due to the company that he works for we tend to end up with a few Freebies (so far this has included 1 Xbox, 1 Playstation2 and most recent, a Nintendo DS with Super Mario Bros!). So our house is a little game console heavy, we now have one of everything except the new Xbox (Daddy is a little disappointed, the new Playstation is being launched later this year in Sydney and he won't be able to attend, I am due with #2 around then!!). Anyways back to topic, our house is a Gamer's dream come true. When my son was smaller, we did the thing of limiting what he was exposed to in the way of games, he only played age appropriate games, all the more violent games were saved until he went to bed. Unfortuntly, game designers (with the exception on this brilliant group based here in Brisbane!!) don't keep up with the kids these days. My son learnt the puzzles, did the missions, and grew bored, it all began to get too easy for him. He didn't want to play the "Baby" games anymore. So, after much Mommy/ Daddy debate, and much explaination to these are just games, he has moved onto more "Adult" games such as Halo (BTW he is quite deadly with a shotgun!). We balance what he plays with outdoor play. He understands that not everyone is as lucky as he is with being able to play these games. His hand eye co-ordination is thru the roof, and it has also extended his concentration span too. I am not saying this is for every child out there, but for this little boy, I am going to allow him to continue with his love of gaming. Who knows, maybe one day he'll be one of those new up and coming Gaming athletes ( yes they do now exsist! See here) and the money these guys are making!! Mommy could retire comfortably in a few years maybe?!?!?
Like they say, also everything is okay, IN MODERATION!


PS. Am hooked on this game myself!! If you decide to play, tell them Meleena sent you!!

Virtual human development game



www.human-age.com