This is a very startling confession from an all-American mom: We don't own a Wii, nor do we plan on buying one anytime soon. I'm not anti-video games, but I do believe they are addictive. My son has a Playstation 2 (don't think they make them anymore). We purchase the games for it at GameStop and Play-n-trade because they are used and very cheap. He is only allowed to purchase sports games. The playstation is available on rainy days and sometimes on hot days for no more than 30 minutes. He also has a Nintendo DS for long trips, but usually forgets it. Recently, he has inquired about getting a Wii and I said no!
During the last year, I introduced my children to bowling. My grandparents always played church league. I have very found memories of youth group trips to the bowling alley (not politically correct these days- now it is called a center). On our recent summer vacation our family and another family competed in the first annual beach bowling tournament. They have really gotten interested in the sport.
Last night my son told me he could make a bowling game with plastic cups and a ball. This morning my two kids got out the plastic cups and started playing. They have played all day. The game is allowing them to play cooperatively, learn new vocabulary, and a little math without help from anyone.
Next time you think you have deprived your child because you didn't buy them the newest gadget- think again. My children have gotten a great deal of satisfaction from their homemade bowling game. A bored mind will become a creative mind if time is allowed.
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