10 answers

Wii or No Wii?

We have two boys, ages 8 and almost 12. We have never owned a video gaming system. The boys have Game Boys, they share a Nintendo DS and we have computer games, but we have never owned a system like Playstation, Game Cube or Wii. I have always been kind of proud of the fact that we don't have a system, but I am starting to think the Wii looks like a lot of fun. Our older son is good about limiting his computer time and playing outside and he doesn't watch TV other than sporting events. I am concerned about our younger son because he likes TV and Game Boy and I already have to battle with him over his screen time limits. That is probably the primary reason we haven't purchased a system. I do like the fact that the Wii games sound more interactive than some of the other gaming systems. Another factor in considering a Wii at this time is that our kids often want to go to their friends' homes because they have Wii and we don't. Kids often don't want to come here because they say there "isn't anything to do." I don't want kids to be dependent on electronic entertainment, but I also want kids to come here and I don't want my kids always wanting to go to someone else's house. Here I could also control what they play and how much. I know my younger son has been allowed (without my knowledge until it was too late) to play video games at friends' homes that I would not even purchase because of their violence level or rating. I am probably opening Pandora's Box by asking this question, but what are people's thoughts on having a Wii and any recommendations for setting and enforcing limits on it? A little more information about us--both of our boys do very well in school. The older one is very active in sports and the younger one likes to read and play with Legos. We purchased bubble hockey for our basement to try to give the neighbor kids something to do here, but it hasn't been very popular. Our basement isn't finished, which makes it less appealing, and only two kids can play at a time.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

The responses so far have been overwhelmingly in favor of the Wii. I think I will look around for one--I know it could take awhile. The same afternoon I posted this request my older son played with a friend at his house. When I picked up my son he told me he had played Grand Theft Auto. My 8-year-old then told me that he watched a friend of his play GTA at his house. My husband and I would never allow that game! If they are going to play Wii or Playstation anyhow I think I would rather have them here where I can monitor their games and screen time. (Plus, I kind of want the Wii fit--a little selfishness here). Thanks for all of the responses so far and feel free to still write if anyone has recommendations!

Featured Answers

Hi C.,
We have owned a Wii for over a year and LOVE it!. I never liked to play video games before and now, I can say in the winter I am a junkie :) In the summer it waits for rainy days. But there is Wii fit and it is a lot of fun. My 5 year old girl plays a bit and my 2 1/2 tries to play and is just as content to watch. The kids I babysit come over to play it when their parents are home for something to do once in a awhile. I think that there is something for every one and you can't go wrong by getting it. If you don't like it sell it on e-bay and make some one else happy :)

More Answers

We don't have one ourselves but the grandparnets do. They love it! And my daughter likes to play it when she stays with grandparnets. Bowling and fishing games is all they have so far. But it is more active for the kids than the other game systems. We perosnaly have a playstation i would give it up in a heart beat for a wii.

If you buy it I would make the kids choose which electronic activity they will do that day and limit them to one for so many minutes. If there is a program on TV they want to watch then no computers or Wii. Follow your gut, it's usually right.

C.,

We just purchased a wii last week. Check at Game Stop (which used to be EB Games). The one at our local mall had several of them and they said they were getting more. I think you will enjoy it, I have 3 kids and 2 of them are enjoying it. The youngest is still to young to play (only 2). Good luck finding one.

IF you can find one - buy it! They are great fun and we often play ours as a family. We really like guitar hero - our two year old has a toy guitar that she rocks with while dad and I play - it's great family fun and perfect for a rainy day when you can't be outside...just set you limits and make the boys follow them.

Hi C.,
We have owned a Wii for over a year and LOVE it!. I never liked to play video games before and now, I can say in the winter I am a junkie :) In the summer it waits for rainy days. But there is Wii fit and it is a lot of fun. My 5 year old girl plays a bit and my 2 1/2 tries to play and is just as content to watch. The kids I babysit come over to play it when their parents are home for something to do once in a awhile. I think that there is something for every one and you can't go wrong by getting it. If you don't like it sell it on e-bay and make some one else happy :)

The Wii is a blast. We are not much of a video game family and have never owned anything other than a hand held Leapster. I was worried about my son not liking it. He loves it. Most of the games are very physical. The driving games are easy to sit and play. They are using their arms though to steer the cars. We also have the Wii fit and that is so fun. It has great balance games, aerobics (hula hooping, jogging, step class etc) strength training and yoga. The thing I like, if you are worried about how much time they spend on it, is it has a clock that keeps track of how long you play and how long you play each game.
They are hard to find still so if you see one grab it and then make your decision (thats what we did) You would have no problem selling it to someone else if you didnt like it.

I would say go for it... if you are thinking of getting a gaming system for the family the Wii is the one to get. Now finding one is going to taking some research/time... my hubby and I have been looking for a Wii for oh 3-4 months now but still have not had the chance to get one yet.

The various games that I have played are very G or PG but are super fun, and I have seen preteens-teens also enjoying the same games. Also more then 2 players can play most of the games which allows more people/family to get in on the fun.

Regarding the limit of time I would say 1 hr of Wii or computer each day, let them chose which one. If friends are over tell them to play outside for awhile (basketball/water fight/tag football or whatever for an hour) and that in an hour they can come in for some snacks and to play the Wii. If they ask why they have to wait just say I need to get some housework done or need a nap/reading time and then you can come in.

Best of luck in finding what works for you!

Most Toys R Us will have one available. We rent games from the local Hollywood Video to try them first. Our family LOVES it, it is close to exercise and it makes a great discipline tool. I recommend trying the Carnival Games and Mario Kart. Also, when you get the Wii, get the package deal that comes with another game, the nunchucks and another console.

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