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Kids meet console gaming!

1:28 PM by Alyssa6 comments Kids today are all about the game. They seem to be wired knowing how to control technology. Ours have been raised with gadgets like ipods and tablets. Touch screens were just much easier for them. They've had access to learning games and fun games, videos and more but they never had a gaming console before. No Wii, No PlayStation but Daddy has always had an Xbox. In fact hubby and I used to game together once upon a time, we each had a console but three kids later and my Xbox 360 was sitting on a shelf in my room collecting dust.

Now that the kids are a bit older they are asking about different games. Games that are only available on gaming consoles, the mobile versions aren't the same. They both started asking for new ipods for Christmas. That's around $500 for two kids and we do not have that kind of money to spend anyway.

Instead of new iPods we decided to make use of what we had and regift the old xbox360 to the kids. The only thing we bought was an extra controller, a new HDMI cable and a couple of kids games. Honestly the kids games aren't that expensive for 360 anymore with the new consoles out now and you can get previously played ones from places like GameStop (EBgames) for next to nothing.

Our toddler isn't of age to play video games obviously, and we have rules for the older two that go with it. They have parent controlled accounts and no Xbox live.  They have to have all chores and/or homework done and ask before they are allowed to play. Even then, they aren't allowed to play every single day. Also, no fighting during gaming. That will result in losing game time for that day. We can deny play for any reason including having had too much screen time already. It's a privilege, not an obligation.

We aren't trying to raise zombies but they were asking and hinting, I think it's time we gave them something different to do on "too cold to play outside" days like we had this week!

The kids agreed with the rules we talked about and found them fair game. So far they've played several times and each time there was little to no fighting which is always nice.

They don't have many games yet but they have Skylanders Giants, Mickey Mouse Epic Adventure and Lego Marvel Super Heroes to start. What do you think about kids and console gaming? Would you set rules like us or let the kids figure it out? Do your kids enjoy gaming? What games would you recommend for kids aged 6-10? Let's chat in the comments below!

Personal post by AME. Not sponsored by mentioned brands. Opinions and comments are those of the author.

Tagged: family life, Gaming, Motherhood, Parenthood, Xbox 360




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