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Out of context: Reply #74231
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- spl33nidoru0
Parents of QBN,
My 7 year old niece wants a switch for Xmas.
If I was her, I'd want a switch too.
But I can't help but think that it's a bit early for her, especially since she's a bit hyper and has a hard time focusing on something for too long, unless it's a screen, which tbh scares me.My sister (her mom) is a bit lax, so I gently push reading, curiosity and time away from a screen whenever possible.
Just don't want her to be a passive dummy.How do you see it affecting your own kids ?
I can see how games like Mario or Zelda (prob above her age) have redeeming qualities for a kid, requiring some reading and problem-solving that would certainly make for a less passive activity than cartoons.
Obviously not against games, just as afraid for her as I am in the subway when I see people glued to their phones.
- My rule has been screens on weekends only. Theoretically unlimited time, in practice we do more activities outside on weekends.palimpsest
- the screen time problem will not go away soon, so teaching them early to manage it with a console is the way to go.uan
- Zelda is great for kids. you can explore in a save environment.
Also you learn by playing (which is beneficial to real world).uan - We've had Switch for about 4 years. My method has worked well for us.palimpsest
- Do get yourself involved in whatever activity they're doing, Switch included.palimpsest
- she'll expect similar learning experiences from her teachers. you'll need to address this. protect her from internet and manage screen time -> she'll be fine.uan
- later on, when she goes smartphone msg and social media...it's good to start with cousins/family and real friends as online friends. a safety net around her.uan
- it's a balance act between screens and cool stuff to do irl in my experience.uan
- Thank you pal and uan, very sound input, reassuring too. I live far away so do look forward to being able to more easily and directly connect with her.spl33nidoru
- But I try from a distance to sway things without interfering, subscribing her to magazines her age, sending books, gifting activities rather than toys etc.spl33nidoru
- The weekend angle sounds great, I think I'll make this deal with my sister (and pray she honours it!)spl33nidoru
- Nintendo Switch is great, just don't let her play Doom Eternal. I fucking love Mario Kart********