Video games

I just got home last night from visiting my family for Thanksgiving. As always, it was a good time for all. One thing that does surprise me is how addictive video games are for my children and for my brothers kids. My mom put the Wii in the basement and I truly didn't see some of the children for the three days we were there.

Let me be the first to say that I completely understand the addiction. I was first in line when it came to playing my Nintendo as a kid. I was really good at it and could sit for hours. The problem that I have with it now is all of the conflict it causes with my kids and my extended family. My eldest son will dominate the play and only a few of the other kids will try and get in and play. Then, when the day is done, at least one of the kids is upset by the fact he only played for 5 minutes. (By the way, 5 minutes is code speak for 1/2 and hour.)

On Saturday, we finally made the kids stop playing and we had a pleasant time playing board games and cards with the who family.

The main thing I don't like about the video games is how it separates the generations. I have little interest in Pokemon, but I can at least fake it. My parents don't even know where to begin. A good board game, or, in my family's case, card game is great in that it brings my 7 seven-year-old into social interaction with his cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents alike. That is how I got to know my grandparents and aunts and uncles. My grandmother could not have cared less about Super Mario Brothers.