Korean Job Discussion Forums

[otis]

Do you let your kids play naughty video games?

My five-year-old son is addicted to Playstation's Godfather. Think I should take that crap from him, or do you think it's pretty harmless.

[cosmicgirlie]

Ohhh two words for you young man two words--Vicarious Trauma

[laogaiguk]

Give him some lego or get his ass outside before it gets fatter than a pig's. His entire body, including his mind (hence the lego, or anything to get imagination going) is developing now.

[Demophobe]

There is room for video games in a child's life, but first, the time has to be restricted and second, choose non-violent games.

The Godfather is a terrible game for kids. There are many choices that can stimulate their imagination and are very creative. I guess they aren't all "games", but they are really fun.

I see no difference between playing with lego and using a painting or drawing program as far as a child's development. In both cases they are being creative and must think in a similar way, and in both cases they are sitting on their butt.

Computers are a big part of life now, and the faster a child becomes comfortable on one, the better. Again, the choice of software is paramount.

Personally, I will never have a console in my house with a small child. It's too much to expect them not to want to play games. After all, that's all a console is for. A computer however, has many applications which are fun, educational and interesting. Kids just need to be taught that a computer is not only a game machine, but a tool for many purposes.

Right now, my son is hooked on Photoshop. He takes my camera, goes walking and takes "cool" pictures, uploads them and manipulates them with photoshop. I think that's great! He has limited time for it, and he has no problem with that. He uses the computer for added school studies and Bible study as well; he has a good understanding of what a flexible tool a computer is and prefers many things to gaming (though he does have set times for that, if he chooses). We don't watch TV in my house (except the National Geographic channel), as we try to keep the 'addictive garbage' levels to a minimum.

[Skaborough]

Console games are harmless, if you have the sence of prespective in life to realize the difference in virtual vs. real violence. Young children should have little or no access to these games. These games are designed for grade 12 + ages. I agree with the above. Kids should have lego, skateboards, waterguns and a dog.

I blame me being fat as a younger kid on not being out side. My friends who are into healthy living now were kids who never had video games, or parents who wouldn't let them watch TV.

Payce

[Bulsajo]

If they ever make an Oedipus video game, I'd want your son to have it, Otis.
Seriously, you're letting a 5 year old play a videogame based on the godfather?
And you need Dave's members' advice on what to do?
Must be your latest trolling effort, I can't believe you're being serious here.

[SuperHero]

My daughter is 4.5 and she doesn't play video games. She has just started getting interested in the computer and I'm thinking about getting some educational games such as the reader rabbit series.

No console systems in my house until the kids are at least 12 years old and all computer games will be vetted by dad first.

[captain planet]

i think it's harmful to teach your children the bible unless you expose them to other religious texts as well

[canuckistan]

Get him away from screens and get him outside to play where he can develop an imagination instead of growing his brain on mindless trash.

[laogaiguk]

[Hapkido-In]

I think video games are good for kids.

They improve hand-eye co-ordination.

They improve reflexes.

They develop intuition.

They develop a sense of comptetition.

They lower congnitive processing time.

They develop strategic planning.

And they are fun.

However, Godfather might be a little too violent for a 5 year old. A change of games might be better for the little dude. Something like Bust-a-Move or SSX (snowboarding).

Encourage the kid to play video games.

[laogaiguk]

[Demophobe]

[laogaiguk]

[Ya-ta Boy]

Having read a few of the OP's posts, I'd be far more concerned about his influence on the child than anything a computer programmer dreamed up.