Video Games Won't Kill Your Kid

on January 23, 2012 at 2:30 PM

toddlers video games Yawn. Did you hear the news? More toddlers are playing video games. You don't think this is news either? Then you must have a toddler and an Xbox 360 Kinect. Or an iPad, iPhone, or any handheld device that screams out for tiny hands to come and play. Got Wii? Then you've probably got a toddler who knows how to virtually ski, bowl, and skateboard.

In fact, toddler video gaming is so prevalent, an ardent anti-gamer like myself has finally given in as I sit and cheer my toddler on as he plays Kinectimals. It's totally a 180 from when I told my boyfriend that playing video games when I was at home was the same thing as telling me I wasn't as interesting as his avatar.

But there's a secret all parents (and girl- and boyfriends) should know about video gamers.

All things in moderation, my annoyed friends. All things in moderation. We limit our toddler's screen time to the weekends or in emergency situations like airplanes, restaurants that pride themselves on incredibly slow service, and any time an urgent adult conversation is needed, yet a toddler needs to be entertained.

We also read to our toddler every single day, multiple times per day, and the kid gets tons of exercise and outdoor time as well. Which is what a psychologist says is key if you allow your little ones to game. Your child needs balance, and you should watch your kid for signs that he's out of balance, and getting obsessive about his joystick.

If your toddler can't seem to let go of "game time" or completely blocks out everyone and everything while he's hyper-focused on his video game, it's time to break his screen habit. But if you use video games as part of the big picture of entertainment, and you supervise your toddler -- even playing along with her -- then you don't need to sweat it.

And you know you want to play along, because the whole reason your kid is getting into video games in the first place is because one of his parents is already there.

Do you let your toddlers play video games?

Image via kidperez/Flickr

About the author April Peveteaux

writes about anything that gets stuck in her craw. A mom of two in Los Angeles, she can't believe she practically lives in the country now after attempting to raise kids in Brooklyn.

Filed Under: apps, fun & games, gear

Comments (5)

GlowWorm889

on Jan 23, 2012 at 4:55 PM

No. There are far better things for a toddler (or child, or teenager, for that matter!) to do with their time than rot their brains with video game junk. Pick up a book, walk outside, play with blocks, play with a sibling, learn a new game...all these things do more for a toddler than playing a video game. All of those "emergency situations" you named can be fixed with more constructive activities. Drawing is a great waiting-game activity and a notepad and crayons can fit in your purse. You don't have to give your child a video game at all.

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jaydensmom1726

on Jan 23, 2012 at 5:42 PM

if mine played them it would be like his tv time somthing where he is learning somthing.

he doesnt have the cordination for them yet . but he is only 2 and has some delays

zombiemommy916

on Jan 23, 2012 at 6:46 PM

My son has been playing video games for a few years now (he's 6 now)...and I'd be lying if I didn't admit we have a Wii, a Xbox 360 with kinect and both my kids have Nintendo 3Ds'....BUT they both do excellent in school, both are accelerated readers, they get a lot of outdoor time and are both physically fit...like the author says, moderation is key...we live in the age of apple people, chill out...did you not own a Nintendo or Atari as a kid? I think we turned out pretty well..

yayheadstart

on Jan 24, 2012 at 11:11 AM

my kids have been playing video games since they were 2. You know why? Cause it's fun! They also play sports, legos, do art, read and have never made a grade less than an a. Oh yeah and they know more about technology than most adults and they're only 6 & 7. To a child even games can be an educational experience- maybe that'll loosen that stick a little for ya...

Nonmember comment from regencychess

on Feb 13, 2012 at 3:23 AM

I think sometimes a video game will be more entertaining to a toddler than a chess set, which is not even portable unlike the iPhones and other handhelds of today. While we might think it is addictive and bad, kids learn a great deal from these games they play.