The best thing that can be said about the DS is its unassailable position as the best bargaining chip ever.
Most of our conversations now go like this:
Me: If you don't [insert chore or arduous activity of choice] right now, I will put that DS in a high cupboard for [insert one/two/three days]
Him: NOOOOOO!
Chore/arduous activity is completed.
Alternatively, it might go like this:
Me: "If you don't STOP doing [insert incredibly irritating seven-year-old behaviour] right now, I will put that DS in a high cupboard for [insert forever].
Him: [mutter, mutter] Okay.
Said irritating behaviour stops.
I'm not proud. But it works. I've searched for seven years for a child-wrangling tool this effective. The only downside is that there doesn't seem to be a credible DS-alternative for Mr4. Just three more years to wait.
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I'm guest posting today over at Cupcakes, Frocks and Pink with the gorgeous Mrs Kypo. Pop over and visit as I rediscover an old love...
You might be surprised! Mine (who's not 3 until April) has some serious DS love and all it took were some Dora and Diego games ;-) Although now she's quite competent at Sonic too. Scary!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm sure Mr4 would love one - but we invoked the 'not before 7' rule for Mr7, so technically, he has to wait.
ReplyDeleteAl, have you ever looked the Leapster for Mr 4? Or a Tag reader? (Charlie was given both whilst in hospital at age 4. It still has huge "bribability" appeal...for both Charlie aged 5.5 and Lexie aged 4...)
ReplyDeleteAh Lucy, you know I'm a Luddite. My sole goal has been to keep them away from the electronic screen world for as long as possible. I just had no idea how useful it could be...
ReplyDeleteMr4 still has a few good years of Time Outs in him before I have to bring in the big guns.
I used to be able to bribe my first two year old into toilet training with Smarties...I guess when you've got a seven year old you really need to up the ante!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there. We really have to limit the time Luca spends on his DS and giving him a choice of what he wants to choose that day - tv, computer, ds, wii - for max 1.5 hours. And so right thats its a great bargaining tool. I have to say that I've been very thankful for it sometimes too - longhaul fights, needing a quiet time for myself etc. So I can't knock it all the time!
ReplyDeleteI know! Aren't they great?
ReplyDeleteI was a "no DS before you're 10!" kind of mum, but eventually caved in when all his friends began getting one. Initially I lent him mine and later he bought himself his own one with money he received from relatives. He was 7.
It not only has excellent bargaining power, but is great for achieving peace....
Now my 4yo wants to get his hands on mine, but can't quite handle the games we have. Might have to investigage Diego...
I can only hope that my boys will love something so much that I can use it as leverage; it's logic they understand. Love it. :)
ReplyDeleteadventuresinestrogen.blogspot.com
Not a thing wrong with some good parental bargaining, it is a requirement!! Jen
ReplyDeleteI think we all have a bargaining chip! Hold onto this one, it sounds plenty powerful!
ReplyDeleteWe started with no1: 'no DS until you're 8'. Then no2 and 3 got them for Christmas last year at 7 and 5. Then, shamingly, we realised that the silence that the Peppa Pig game bought would make our 17 hour drive to France bearable. So no4 (4) got one, too. And to think once upon a time my children didn't even watch television. Sigh. Haha.
ReplyDeleteand they need recharging *all* the time, so there's another chip - if you don't go straight to sleep I can't go and put your DS on the charger (not that I've ever used that one!!)
ReplyDeletexxxCate
They're brilliant bargaining tools. Just brilliant. Good on you for holding out. I think we lasted until about 7 too. Wait 'til they lose the stylus on a long flight.
ReplyDeleteSo Mr 6 has become Mr 7 and Mr 3 is Mr 4. There must have been lots of celebrating recently.
Mine are now 11 and 3. Christmasish babies.
They are lots of fun. But I agree, boundaries on screen time are important for everyone in the family. We have had a lot of screen addiction around here lately.
ReplyDeleteNo. Not for us, not yet. I will hold out as long as I can. Max does play some little games on the computer (Ben 10 has a "build your own game" section that is the biz!). But really, gaming like this brings a whole new meaning to the word "mindless". I can't bear them. x
ReplyDeleteSuper Mario in 3D, I am so getting this. I hope the 3D will not cause headaches
ReplyDeleteYeah, Nintendo DS, Wii, TV, Computers... They're like crack. Toss 'em in the dumpster. I'll back you up. :P
ReplyDeleteI pretended to throw Master 9's DS in the pool when he was being particularly yukko one afternoon. I actually threw an old broken mobile phone. The look of horror on his face was priceless and enforcing rules on screen time and chores haven't been an issue since. xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds all too familiar to me Alison! Unfortunately - if I may say - things won't improve with age! On the contrary the negotiations will become far too exhausting!!! Enjoy your little ones while they're still sooo cute and harmless!
ReplyDeleteBTW found your blog and enjoying it :))
oops! sorry spelt yr name wrong above :))
ReplyDeleteAs Dr Phil would say, find their currency & you've found Mr 7's ... now, for Mr 4's ... ???
ReplyDeleteMy daughter got her Leapster for Christmas and is already a pro. On the rare occasions when she needs my help, I have no idea how to play the games. None. (So it's a good thing she inherited the gaming gene from Daddy and can consult him.)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear I am not alone. I got my 4 year old a Leapster Explorer for Christmas, I mean Santa did, and he absolutely loves it. He likes TV and the computer, but was never obsessed like he is with this thing. So yeah, I use it as leverage a lot too.
ReplyDelete