Someday When YOU Have CHILDREN....How will you Moderate Their GAMING Habits?

[superchunk]

I have children now.

They are 5, 7, and 8.

I have yet to buy them a portable game console, however, I will be buying the 8yr old a DSi this week as he has been saving up for it for months. Reason for this is there was already enough game systems in the house and when we leave the house I'd rather them read or play with toys in car. In long trips our van has a DVD system for movies.

They can play games on PC, PS3, and Wii. They play a lot on various kids game areas on PC, seconded by a lot on Wii. Wii is only second because it is on main TV and that competes with me playing on it or PS3 as well as TV itself.

To monitor this there are some rules.

1. No game playing machine is in their bedroom and PC is in two communal areas we always see.
2. They can only play a limited amount of time a day.
3. I have parental controls on the PCs that force them off at 7pm on school nights and 10pm on other nights.
4. I buy all the games and don't buy stuff they are not appropriate to play.

Kids need to understand that everything should be done in moderation. While games do add value and help with various traits, everyone needs to run, play, and read as well.