I equate this to the same thing as video games in our house. We do not currently own a video game player of any sort. I have refused to buy a video game playing device until my child is the one requesting the item. (even though I had a Nintendo--the OLD one--and adored Mario Brothers, 
)
I did break down on this briefly for a DS that quickly broke. and at first DS was a bit upset, but he got over it quickly and did not ask for a replacement.
Until recently. His best bud got a Wii for his b-day. And his other good buddy has one too...
With two younger kids in the house currently and one baby on the way, I said no Wii, but a definite possibility of a DS.
Why? Partly so he doesn't feel left out. Partly because I have no objection to it in moderation, as long as the games are appropriate for his age.
AND...because the DS is much easier to keep away from little ones. AND...he is getting to the age where music CD's on long road trips just don't quite cut it the way they did before...it would be a good distraction device in that situation.
BUT...I am not buying it until summer is over, unless we decide we're road-tripping at some point. Why? Because I want him OUTSIDE RUNNING AND PLAYING not just breathing outdoor air and pushing buttons. In the winter, we *need* distractions.
(this from the mama who won't reduce her cable package because it's no savings anyway unless I also lose the DVR....which I NEVER WILL AGAIN unless I just don't have a TV or something because I *love* being able to record stuff and put it on to relax and watch after bedtime, or at a random point in my day/time. I seriously think my ability to DVR has actually made me a more attentive, better parent because I can and will "pause it' or record it and focus on my kids and needs until bedtime. and dh will probably not ever get rid of a tv as long as there are stupid 24 hour news channels, so I might as well get some benefit out of the thing.)
)I did break down on this briefly for a DS that quickly broke. and at first DS was a bit upset, but he got over it quickly and did not ask for a replacement.
Until recently. His best bud got a Wii for his b-day. And his other good buddy has one too...
With two younger kids in the house currently and one baby on the way, I said no Wii, but a definite possibility of a DS.
Why? Partly so he doesn't feel left out. Partly because I have no objection to it in moderation, as long as the games are appropriate for his age.
AND...because the DS is much easier to keep away from little ones. AND...he is getting to the age where music CD's on long road trips just don't quite cut it the way they did before...it would be a good distraction device in that situation.
BUT...I am not buying it until summer is over, unless we decide we're road-tripping at some point. Why? Because I want him OUTSIDE RUNNING AND PLAYING not just breathing outdoor air and pushing buttons. In the winter, we *need* distractions.
(this from the mama who won't reduce her cable package because it's no savings anyway unless I also lose the DVR....which I NEVER WILL AGAIN unless I just don't have a TV or something because I *love* being able to record stuff and put it on to relax and watch after bedtime, or at a random point in my day/time. I seriously think my ability to DVR has actually made me a more attentive, better parent because I can and will "pause it' or record it and focus on my kids and needs until bedtime. and dh will probably not ever get rid of a tv as long as there are stupid 24 hour news channels, so I might as well get some benefit out of the thing.)
