I am addicted to my computer. And the Wii. And my kids are becoming total gamers too.
Think I'm just exaggerating? Well, how about this for proof that I spend too much time at the computer? My wrists are tired and my hands go numb. Also, my eyes barely focus on anything that's not 24 inches away from my face, because that's how far away my screen is.
And then when I'm done working at the computer,
I love playing on the Wii. It is so much fun! And of course, it's the kids' favorite indoor activity, and it's what they want to do as soon as their chores are finished. Between the Wii, and games on the PC,
they will play for hours, if we let them.
Now before you blast me for allowing my kids to spend too much time in front of a screen, let me admit that
I know it's a problem. Isn't that the first step toward recovery? I don't know. I've never been in rehab. And it's not like we live in a broken down shack full of rubbish and filth. Our home is fairly clean, the kids are well-fed, they make honor roll at school, and we read to them every day.
We do turn off the machines and interact as human beings, but sometimes
it's difficult to tear everyone away from the games. That's where I need some help. Now you brilliant inventors out there, here is my idea. This is going to make someone very rich, and I'm giving it away for free!
I want a bank that I can attach to my gaming devices. For instance, I attach this bank to the Wii, the kids put in some coins, and it plays for however many minutes I decide each coin is worth. Then, I can open the bank, collect the coins, and recycle them into the allowance or reward system (or use as Mom's Mad Money!).
How brilliant is that?
The coin system makes the play time easier to regulate, because there's no arguing with the machine's timer. Also, I think it would be helpful in teaching the kids about work and rewards. They do chores to earn money, and then they can decide how much of the money to spend on gaming, or whether they would rather save it for something else.
So, does such a product already exist?
Anyone out there going to make one for me? Please? :-)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great idea, but while you are waiting for the inventors I have an idea for you. Buy a cheap kitchen timer that has a count down feature. Determine how much x amount of game time is worth.
Then your kids give you the amount and you start the timer, when the timer goes off - game over. That allows them to save their levels and such (I don’t know if you can do that I am not a gamer). Not only does this teach the value of the dollar but it will instill some discipline because they will have to turn the game off themselves.
Just an idea. I know there may be kinks but they should be easy to work out.
As for you on the PC, take a look at this site –> http://www.workrave.org/ and install their software. I am told it really does work. Heck I may even try it tonight.
Ben’s last blog post..White Boards - The Secret Key to my Creativity
Didn’t Mike Brady try that with the phone? I seem to recall it almost cost him a client…
Cromely’s last blog post..2 to 1
Me too!! I also addicted to my computer and the wii! But in my case, I only let the kids to play the wii when they already done with their homeworks or when there’s no exam for the next day. And I only got the chance to play while they’re gone for school.
Dunn’s last blog post..5 Plugins To Improve Comments
That’s a great gadget idea. When we were kids, we didn’t have nintendo or any gaming system (unlike nearly ALL of our friends!). However, we did get the internet way before most of our classmates (and teachers, for that matter) knew what it was.
Erica’s last blog post..And being without you is like standing at a cement-filled wall with a roll of Yugoslavian nickels and making a wish.
[...] Sometimes, when my boys are sitting quietly, looking pensive, I’ll ask what they’re thinking about. Most of the time, they’re thinking about video games. When they’re eating breakfast together, they talk about game strategies and discoveries. (Yes, I’ve already admitted we’re addicted.) [...]
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