Would you buy video games for kids BEFORE they pester u?
My elementary school age kids are active, like to read books, just play in the backyard, do art stuff, bikes, toys, watch TV.
Nearly all their friends have the latest video games(incl WII..), my kids know of these, have played with them at playdates, but have never questioned for them.
My husband and I are tempted to buy these when we see them at a excellent price or just plain "hey here’s a hard to find game system, so let’s buy it".
Our friends tell us how hard it is to keep kids away from them, and that if our kids are pleased with books, toys, backyard play,then delight in it till it lasts.
There’s Xmas, and some birthdays coming up. We’d like to buy the WII. All kids but ours seem to have in our/their circle of friends.
Would you buy video games for your kid ? or wait till they question and question ? is it really hard to restrict how long they play?
our kids are reasonably well-behaved and very excellent at school.
Would appreciate all responses, but am specifically looking for a response on "buying a video game BEFORE kids pester you". Not, general parenting advice about too many toys, over indulging kids, spend time not money…etc.
Should have used the term ‘kids QUESTION for a game’ rather than ‘pester’. 
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Tags: bikes, birthdays, circle of friends, elementary school age, game system, love, money, parenting advice, playdates, school age kids, toys, video game, video games, wii, xmas
I have video games for my kids, particularly my son who has asperger’s. I thought that it would help him socially.
It helped somewhat because he could talk to other kids about playing the game.
We researched really carefully what we wanted to buy. We wanted to buy something rated E for everyone.
That’s why we went with Nintendo, Game Cube; they are the only ones that carry Mario. They also have a Dance Dance Revolution featuring Mario; that’s fantastic in the winter or on rainy days.
Do your homework and set your limits carefully. They can only play it on the weekends or if by chance a friend wants to come over during the week. Once a week, IF all their homework is done.
I’m not really against it but I’m not sure I’d recommend it either. Do your homework and make decisions about your time restraints beforehand.
And question around to other parents.