Ezra's Side on the Wii
Monday, April 21, 2008
So I’m torn.
Lisa doesn’t want a video game system in the house but I’m a little more willing to try the Wii (although I have no interest in the other game systems).
I think the differences lie in how we view the system. Lisa looks at it like another mind numbing activity you play for hours on end. I view the Wii not as a video game system, but more of an activity; similar to a trampoline, pool table, or even a TV.
Her biggest concern is manageable, I think. We (including me) don’t want to become the zombies who think about beating Zelda during Sacrament meeting. The risk is manageable (again, I think) because we manage the TV very well and only turn it on for two monthly Netflix movies, Lisa’s The Office fix, and Lost.
The Advantages: The Wii looks like something I can compete with my kids on and get some activity (or wear out the kids) even when the weather outside is less than appealing. To play, the kids have to move and I won’t bet bored playing Chutes and Ladders for the thousandth time.
Things we will have to deal with:
- Brendan begging, “Can I play the Wii?” Very similar to what he does now with the computer.
- Shutting it off after the kids go to bed. I can just see myself playing until the late night hours-Just like I played Zaxxon in high school with my Dad.
- Setting limits on how much we play. We already have a limit on computer time, bed time, shower time, etc…how many more timers do we need to have? At some point these kids are going to wake up starting their stopwatch.
I guess I’m hoping for the ultimate entertainment device that Lisa can plug the kids into as she cooks dinner. The kids get all the wiggles out and sit down to a calm, peaceful dinner. Strangely, their reflexes are so much faster from the exercise that they manage to catch everything before it spills or falls on the floor. Once dinner is over, the kids exhausted from playing the Wii, complain that they are tired and want to go to bed early. We all calmly sleep the night away while the kids do math problems in their heads.
Doesn’t that sound idyllic? I don’t have any idea where the math part comes in, but if it helps me convince Lisa, I might try to justify it.
Anyone else have thoughts on the video game system vs. no video game system?
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5 comments:
Ezra, I see your point too. The Wii is different than a lot of other game systems because it's more "active". I have only played it once, but I had a blast and loved it! I would personally love to have one here IF I didn't have to deal with enforcing limits on everyone and putting out fires from all the fighting over it!
With that said, I just feel like getting our kids a Wii would be like setting them loose in an all-you-can-eat candy buffet and telling them they could only have one piece. Maybe your kids have better self-control than ours though since you've already managed to cut out TV? Good luck! I'm anxious to hear who wins this debate!!
Hey Ez
I thought it was Donkey Kong!
Allen
I'm with you Ezra. Here is why, we only let Nehemiah play the ps2 on weekends and only if his room is clean. Having said that, I don't remember the last time he played it. He also doesn't watch tv very often.
We played the Wii once and loved it and are planning on getting one in the semi near future. It was so much fun and we got exercise doing it. I think it would be a great family addition along with the trampoline. Like you said, just set limits on it and it should be okay.
I should also say Lisa has a good point but I think her concerns are managable and I'm sure it'll make the kids get better at math. They are also coming out with an exercise program!
Ezra, I am with you just because you are a guy and we have to stick together always. I know you'd do the same for me!
JED
p.s. I loved these posts
Yours and Brendan's testosterone levels will appreciate it if you go for it!
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