In defense of video games

I have to confess: our kids received a Wii, an Xbox 360 and a Leapster this year for Christmas. I know, we're crazy, but there was a method to the madness. To be fair, we did try to get the three of them to decide that one system would fit all (to no avail). I fretted over the decision to buy all of these electronics. Let's face it, while we are bombarded with technology ever minute of every day, we're equally bombarded with reports that our children are not creative enough, spend too much time on tv, have too many material things and can no longer entertain themselves. Perhaps I should say mea culpa for being a less than steller parent.

When I worked full time, I know I gave into extravagent requests for gifts because I felt guilty about spending so much time away from my kids. But now that I am home, shouldn't I be so happy to spend time crafting, coloring, reading, baking cookies and playing make believe - all of those things I thought I was missing when I worked a million hours a week? Well, sure . . .

But I have one child whose hand-eye coordination has never been strong. Years of occupational therapy helped a bit, but those therapy-style games are no longer cool when you are thirteen. I have another who needs to keep moving all of the time - kind of hard to do inside for the protracted Chicago winter. And I have a four year old who needs be distracted from bugging his big brothers and their friends and occupied while he tags along to myriad events for which he is merely a spectator.

So we purchased an Xbox 360 so that our 13 year old can further develop his hand-eye coordination, but still look "cool." The complexity of the games requires quick thinking and equally quick finger moves. Repeat to self: the studies have shown that our best surgeons were devout gamers.

And we purchased a Wii for the physical activity it provides. No sedentary games for this family - Wii Sports and Outdoor Challenge have us jumping and running and testing our balance (watching mom and dad try to lift the correct leg to move left or right is quite entertaining for the boys - CAUTION- no video cameras allowed. I refuse to end up on YouTube!).

And we purchased a Leapster for the little guy. He's a trooper, getting dragged along to his older brothers games, tagging along in the car. Oh sure, I bring a bag of crayons or cars or Legos most of the time. But, honestly, I'm tired of crawling around gym floors or grassy fields looking for that lost Lego guy or the blue crayon, with the zeal of someone looking for a missing diamond. At least the Leapster is a fairly good size - kind of hard to loose at the football game. Not to mention the bonus of being educational. He's practicing numbers and letters and having fun.

So call me crazy and excessive. Tell me I spoil my kids. Tell me they would be much better off without all of that technology. I won't listen to any of it. Like I said, to me, there was a perfectly logical, practical, method to my madness. So if you are thinking of buying one, two, three or even four new electronic toys for your kids, come see me. I'll be behind you all the way!