Unwanted WII

Its up to you. The wii does have some fun family games -- like bowling like someone mentioned. It is great to get everyone involved in something out of the ordinary and it doesn't cost anything past the initial game cost (like paying for bowling, etc). They could have friends over and play it on a rainy day, it could be used as a reward for doing their chores, etc. There are many educational games for it, and as someone already said, parents can learn to like it too. Plus the exercise game is great.

We're a video gaming family, and my baby is 3 months. I know at some point we will let her play video games. Probably something like the wii would be my choice when she get older...because of the interactivity. Plus, children learn things from video games -- it isn't all mindless (like many parents may think), it is interactive and can be a good learning tool.

http://www.phunzone.com/Quadro%20Residential/smallkits.htm

This is a building set, basically PVC pipe, with connecting pieces so the kids can build anything from a house to a desk to a slide to a car... It's solid, and pretty ingenius design. Sets are anywhere from $120-$300.

The children don't HAVE to get wrapped up in the WII. You could set limits on when they play and they could ask for games for birthdays and Christmas. It comes with WII sports which is the only game we started out with. It has bowling, tennis, baseball, and all sorts of other fitness things on it. Personally I would just say "Thank you".

If she wants to buy it.. let her.. but set ground rules for the kids. Like only on Wed. after school for 1 hour and if they play together nicely. Also you can use it as a reward.. wow you got a 100 on a test.. you can play for 20 minutes. Also besides Wed.. how about Sat. afternoon... after you help mommy out with some things.. but keep to the schedule.. this way you won't have them playing all the time. Good luck.. Also you could suggest mom in law sends a check for the kids.. and you could buy them a few things that you think they need with her name attached and even put a few dollars in a bank acct. for them.. or suggest she put the money away for them in bonds to save for college and get them something small like a new soccer ball ...

Hi L.,
I don't blame you. My kids are 13 and 9, we dont' have any kind of gaming system and don't want one. We just don't want our kids spending that much time in front of a screen and they aren't interested anyway. Your MIL is probably like mine, hears the buzz words and trends and wants to take part. Let her know your reasons for not wanting a gaming system and that many parents feel the same way. Is there any sporting equipment that your kids need? That could be a good gift, or else a membership or extra curricular activity for something like ski club, the science center, swim lessons, etc.

DONT DO IT!!! ok, first of all, they are your children and if you feel uncomfortable about that particular gift, say so. you are right in the fact that technology is everywhere. eventually, you will probaly hint to grandma that it would be appropriate and desired, but at their young age, you are going to be setting them up for the future. if you add this device now, what will be next year? they will end up focusing on similar toys instead of more imaginative toys they currently have. the games are expensive, and they constantly come out with new systems you must buy as the old ones become outdated.

yes games can be educational, but so can flash cards, books, walks outside, ect. the list goes on and on. a video game teaching your child cannot compare. and the term "exercise" when speaking of video games is an oxymoran. its a good ploy for the video game manufactures to try and tap into the people who feel video games have children sitting on the couch all day. yes, you may get up, but they are in no way a equivalent of exercise.

children are young for such short time. continue to embrace that, encourage play outside and family interaction. search for art, crafts, sports, hobbies, ect that continue to engage them. im not saying to not get them video games ever, but wait until they are asking, wait until they have experienced more real life, wait until you have had a chance to expose them to all you want before adding something that once it starts, there is no going back.

for your MIL gift, what about something building on their current interests. i know there are very good bats and gloves that are very much wanted by those very into baseball, so maybe high end baseball equipment. i know its too late now but tickets to a real baseball game? i got a 12 foot trampoline and enclosure for $300. new bikes, scooters. you know your children, so im sure there are things you can come up with. if not, just ask them. they can articulate things, and its so far away, you can ask now and they will forget about it. im sure you will figure out a wonderful gift for your kids.

It's not exactly the same question, but Mommy Advice Column addressed something similar that still might give you some tips on how to handle this situation: http://www.mommyadvicecolumn.com/2010/11/mom-tired-of-unw... - good luck!

L.,
You are NOT crazy. :) Don't belittle all you have and all you have given your children!

Informing her sooner is better than later - at least in the respect of giving her time to recuperate from your not wanting her generosity. :)

You are blessed that your children have the interests they do, and also that your MIL asked before she gave.

I think if you explain that you don't want your children to change their lifestyle to one that is sedentary (or however you would like to explain it), that their being active is what is keeping them healthy and helping them acquire lessons much faster and effectively, that she will likely understand.

Suggestions on different gifts would be: outings to Nature centers - a longer trip maybe? There are places that have butterfly gardens, or other areas of academic and natural beauty interest that would fit the bill much more creatively.

Good Luck!
M.

hmmm, that's tricky.. on one hand I agree whole heartedly with you. On the other mayyybe if she gets that game, then thats her ticket when she does buy them things, she just gets a different game each year/occasion so you don't have to buy them. As long as it's one that involves exercise it may not be so bad, and it's definately good this day and age to have a leg up on technology. Mayyybe with the ground rules set from the beginning... only 2 days / week for 30 minutes or only on weekends ,so it wouldn't disrupt your life too much, and they learn moderation ? just thinking out loud.. if another gift doesn't come to mind, maybe there's a way to make it not so bad and make your MIL happy too.. Good luck.

How about just a regular computer? Or if you already have one, a couple of neat educational games? As a former elementary school teacher, I know there are a ton of great games for typing, math, reading, spelling, science, etc.

Also, how about a cool science kit? You can get ones that have software that accompanies them, and they are really fun!

I say LUCKY YOU! I wish someone wanted to buy my kids a WII. Just b/c it comes from grandma, doesnt mean the kids get free reign to play as they please.
You are the parent and you can put stipulations on game time, and use the WII as a reward for doing school work, or chores.

And you can always let the kids asks for WII games for Christmas and Birthdays when relatives/friends inquire about what to get them.

L.,

First and most importantly. You are NOT CRAZY for wanting a WII. Many people have looked at me like I'm from outer space when I tell them I don't allow video games in my house (or confirm my daughters' thought that I'm the worst mom in the world). We just have some educational cd's that they can play on the computer. Now that they're a little older, I occassionally let them go on-line and play the mindless games.

Depending on your relationship with MIL...Maybe you could recommend some sport equipment your children may need. Maybe an annual pass to a science museum. Maybe offer to to do the shopping for her.

College Fund! Gift Cards! Bicycles!

I waited to get the Wii until my son was 9 (just a month ago) and it is very hard to pull him away. I don't see the benefit in it just yet.

Just an opinion, but I say wait as long as you can!

Tell her all the reasons you just put in your post - I agree with YOU. Thats an expensive gift and if you don't want them to have something "tech" related just yet, then tell her - what about two new bikes? Or some sort of outside playground item?

Hi. How about a foosball table or ping pong table? That will keep them active.

L., you're not crazy. I think you should have your hubby have a chat with his mom, that while you all appreciate the sentiment you are trying to limit tv time for your kids. It should come from him, though, in order to preserve family harmony.

Maybe your MIL can buy them bikes? Otherwise there are always some nice Leap Frog games that might be appropriate.

Good luck!

You could suggest a yearly membership to a zoo or museum where you live. I'm not sure where you are, but plenty of cities have botanical gardens, zoos, museums, etc. That way, you could take your kids someplace interesting and fun all year round.

We have a Wii, and we love it...but my husband grew up playing video games. It IS possible to play it and not be "sucked in".

However, I completely understand your stance - I don't want my daughter (2) playing games until she's much older, and I'm going to keep a TIGHT leash on what she plays, and for how long.

Alternate gift ideas could include new bikes and helmets, "coupons" for their various sports teams and/or gear (she'll pay for a season, etc.), passes to the local zoo (we hae passes to the Bridgeport Zoo and really like it. It's small, but you can finish it in a morning without rushing!), or...things like that. Did anything strike a chord? Even paying for music lessons, or music camps. (I wouldn't recommend starting piano until they can read and sit still - around 8 years old - but there are lots of other options out there. Oh, I was a music teacher in a past life, before I moved out here with a toddler.)

Dear L.,

You're not crazy; you're a wonderful mom! I have a very similar parenting philosophy (and a gizmo-giving MIL, LOL) and hope to follow your lead.

I like the suggestion of new bikes. Another thing that might fit your MIL's budget would be a family trip to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. It's wonderful (and a little cheaper) in the very beginning of summer, which would also give your kids a chance to see baby bison.

Best of luck!

Of course you're not crazy! They're your kids, and if it's something you don't want them to have, then they shouldn't have it. My son is only 16 mos but you can bet he won't be stuck on those gadgets all the time either. Nothing gets under my skin more, than kids who are stuck in front of the TV all day!
Lynsey

You are not crazy. I wouldn't want my kids to have that either..and don't. I could think of other things more important to spend that kind of money on.

Just tell her that you appreciate the thought BUT you would rather have your children doing something productive outside of the computer world. I'm sure you can think of something eles they need instead. Be strong in your decision and don't back down out of guilt.

Nanc

We have a wii, and at first I had the same concerns as you. For the first couple of weeks, the kid played with it every day, but the novelty wore off. Now it comes out about once every week or two...usually at night or on rainy days. I actually enjoy it! We have family bowling tournaments in my living room. Even Daddy gets involved! ...so there are some positives!

WEll think of it on the flip side. They are going to eventually in todays world be exposed to it. You don't want them to be those kids that have never been exposed to it so when the finally do see it (friends house etccc) they just go over board about it. I have the WII for my 7 year old and believe it or not he isn't nuts about it like I thought he would. ALL kids love games and out of all the systems that are out there, the WII is the best. It challenges them, makes them excercise etc.. It's not so bad. Why don't you go online to see the games that are available and see if there are some you would be ok with.

Flip side tell Grandma that this is going to be the gift the keeps on giving and she is going to have to provide games and such for special occasions because $50 games are not in your budget. Maybe she will think twice about it!

Hi L.
I don't think you are crazy. In fact I think it is wise to keep children actively involved in the real world especially at such a young age and you appear to be doing that. Good job!!!
Bright minds come from being actively involved not passively entertained so WII is a good option against TV, video games and text messaging. Skating and skiing outside this winter is better in my opinion than pretending you are with WII. However, my girls had a great time with WII when they went to their brother's to see their new nephew. It was better than everyone staring at each other, waiting to hold the baby for 3 days.
My mom took care of our household at 70, when those girls, our twins were born. That year she sent them money, and of course they didn't know the difference. But at 71 she was diagnosed with Alzheimers, no more gifts were received. I think I would have rather had some momentoes, or been able to say "your grandmother bought that for you, it was her idea and she loved doing it." Likely you would have a WII for a long time, especially with the kind of controls you would put on it. Is it possible for her to give it to the household so the kids don't feel they have control? They can't use the age old line "but grandma gave it to me" "us" Just a thought!!!
Think it through from alot of directions. My dad went home to be with the Lord at 66, never holding his twin granddaughters never mind being able to get them a gift.
Just thoughts to ponder.
Old enough to be your mom, so listen to the stories and enjoy the time together in harmony. You will be glad you did.
God bless you and all you do
K. SAHM married 38 years with 4 adult children 37, 32, he made us grandparents in July, and the twin girls are now 18 and in college. Yup I am an empty nester after 37 years of parenting, including homeschooling.

Hi L.,
As a single mom, I found that asking my son's grandmother (my mother) to pay for music classes for example turns out to be a great gift. Are there any art classes, Gymboree etc that you think they'd be interested in taking (that you agree with of course!)?

Good luck,
S.

Good for you. Too much technology in the homes today.
I certainly understand your MIL wanting to get one big
gift. Actually, that's what I am doing for my grandchildren this year. We live close to NYC so I have a
big surprise for all of them. Won't say just in case my
DILs go on this site.

I am sure your MIL will understand. How about tickets to
a show. Sometimes towns have a theater production group
that does childrens shows. This would be something you
could all do together and then maybe pizza or something
afterwards. It would be something they would remember.
\Usually tix are not very expensive. Hope this helps.

Good luck on this one, I go through this all of the time & it's isn't like our children don't deserve things, but my honest question is whether or not they appreciate them. I'm sure they'll love the WII but if it's not something you would want for them then it should end there. Should being the operative word! I know my mother-in-law & I will be having a moment over $179 boots my oldest daughter wants (she's 10)! I'll say a prayer for you if you say one for me!

A little crazy, but hey who am I to judge--my husband is a computer video game developer, and so of course we have every system under the sun. Also there have been many studies done that show that people who play video games on occasion have better hand to eye cordination and better concentration for multi talking, then people who don't. We have a 4 year old daughter, and she is in gymnastics, ballet, yoga, and preschool, and she loves to be outside riding her bike ect, but she never has more fun then when we bowl together as a family(the wii comes with a disk free that has bowling, baseball, tennis, and boxing on it) and that was the only game we had for the wii for about a year. It is such a good active way to get the family involved in the fun. You would only need one more remote and you guys could switch back and forth between the 4 of you, and just put it on thier xmas list from your MIL or someone else. And now for bdays and holidays they have something they can ask for(games) But they won't need many games. It is also a great adult fun thing to do when the kids are in bed. Or when you have friends over. You sound like you are very good at keeping your kids active, so just set very strict guide lines, and for the love of God, let your MIL buy this, because it is such a joy to have, and it's not so easy to get, so get it while you can. Good luck, and have fun.

Your kids are probably old enough to understand the concept of a gift card, and for $300 you could fill up your CAR (or at least the back seat!) with books from Barnes and Noble. Tell your mother in law that your children really love books and you want to encourage that right now. Nothing could be easier for her to buy than two gift cards.

It really is up to you what kind of actiities you want your children to be involved in. I personally think that kids these days should find other ways to entertain themselves other than sitting in front of a tv playing games for hours.
I would suggest Leapsters. They cost $50 and the games run at about $25. They are hand held and come in differnet colors. The games are all educational and include all of their favorite charachters. They are great for in the car or in waiting rooms. My nieces 5 & 7 absolutely love them, and I also bought one for my 3 year old. and it's great becasue the games range from Pre-k and up.

The batteries are rechargeable and I believe they come with the remote, however you will only get one remote and they run about 25. bucks for each additional you buy seperate. I would let her do it, before you know it you may join in on the fun and it may start a whole new kind of family fun night!!

And yes!! I say you may be just a bit crazy..but hey, were all entitled!!(afterall you have children!) ;)

Hi L.,

I'm not such a technology fan either, and when I'm looking at things to spend either my money or someone else's (someone who asks what to get my 3 year old daughter for a gift), I look at active classes. Dance, music, karate, swimming - all those can be pretty pricey, and since your children are already physically active, they will probably enjoy something along those lines.

Good luck, K. T

Dear L.,

My husband convinced me to get a WII for our 9 yr old this summer. We had about 2-3 weeks of interest from her (she is a very active, outdoorsy kind of kid), and then she got bored with it. I tried it out too...it is NOT all that it's cracked up to be, esp. for younger kids. I'm sure older kids/young adults and even adults can benefit from the pure exercise type of activities, but for young kids, I found no value in them playing the Carnival etc. games.
Ask your MIL to get them a Trampoline...much more fun and better exercise...or even a Basketball Board and Hoop. Both these items can be obtained within a $150 -500 price range, depending on size.

K.

You're not crazy at all. My husband loves video games and because of that refuses to have them in the house-- he knows that he'll spend too much time "playing". That is a mature decision that an adult must make; one that you're making for your children. Good for you. At some point you may change your mind or perhaps they'll game over at their friends' homes, but for now you're doing what you think is right and I applaud you for that.

You are NOT crazy for not wanting that gift. Go with your gut and stand your ground while offering other suggestions for your mother-in-law. I have done this before and know I will have to continue doing this forever. So you are not alone in this!!

You are not crazy. I for one agree with you.

Sit your mother in law down and explain how you feel about this....thank her for wanting to make the investment but say NO and ask her not to buy this for the children.

If you want to make it easier for your mother in law to shop....offer to go shopping with her to pick out things the children need.
Ages 5 and 7 can use so many things...Winter coats, boots, gloves, board games, school clothes, play clothes, books of interest, tickets to a childrens xmas show, swimming lessons, music lessons, dancing lessons, an exercise class, an art class, membership to the "Y".

My brother is a technology junkie and has every game system ever made, and plays all the available games at least once. I wanted a Wii and he convinced me it wasn't a good idea because it's not that great of a system and really doesn't hold interest of kids for very long. Also there are some safety issues like controllers going through windows/tv sets, etc. He would say, even if you ARE a technology person and what that for your kids, that the Wii isn't the right system to get!

$300...memberships/passes for educational places (museums, zoos, parks, art places for classes). Lots of people want the Wii so you could always sell it on eBay or Craigslist if she gets it for you anyway, and then pick something out later.

YOu are not crazy but let me fill you in on a little secret- I have 5 kids , 3 of which have game systems( ages 12, 10, 9 )- in total we have 4 systems- xbox, play station, paystation 2 and WII. My kids are not addicted and use them very seldom. All 3 are involved in sports ( one a season). play outside everyday after school until it is time to do homework, and are active all weekend long. It is the ground rules that you set, and the limitations you put on it. Yes, games are pricey but you can buy used ones. My kids are not allowed to have any games that have violence , etc in them. Every game they buy or receive needs my approval as does the time they spend on it. So as for it totally ecompassing their lives, it will not as lond as you over see it. The rules you put in place on day one, will be the rules that need to stay put. I must admit, it is nice to have on those gleemy days, sick days, and times when they need a break form the world that we live in. My opinion let kids be kids. They need acttivity but at the same time need down time just to be a kid. There is nothinmg wrong with having these gaming systems. Don't get so caught up in it, and think that they are bad for them and that they need to be doing other things to keep them busy. All to many times, we try and keep our kid away form these things, and keep them involved in too many other things, and forget that they are just kids. Trust me, I grew up with out these games and didi just fine. I see no problem with having them, they aren't going to ruin them as long as you take control.

No, you are not crazy. On the other hand have you tried playing games on a WII? You will not find the kids sitting in front of the tv zoning out and bored. They have to be physically active to play most of the games. And I bet you find yourself (and your husband) joining the kids in playing the games. My son has one and once a week his whole family have special nights they all get together and play the games. It's great. The kids (ages 5 & 7) look forward to the "special family time together"! They especially like the sports games. Baseball, bowling, etc. And believe it or not the kids have learned a lot from playing the games. One thing they learned is sharing. Taking turns. And, they do not always win! Sometimes you win, and sometimes someone else wins, but playing the game is fun anyway.

Just because it's a video game doesn't mean it has to be a "babysitter" for the kids. It can be fun for the whole family and a great learning tool as well.

Before you make your final decision maybe you could go to a store that has a WII on display that will let you play demo games. Some stores will have several different games you can try out.

Hi L.,

Kindly decline MIL's request and make alternative suggestions. I see other moms made great suggestions like leapfrog and bicycles, etc. The Wii is just an expensive fad. My kids got one for Christmas, and they haven't touched it in months. The games are very expensive, as are each additional remote, which most people will need. Also, it takes one little scratch on the CD to get you back into the store to spend another $50+ on another one. They get bored with the games, and will want more. This is not a one-time purchase. Although the leapfrog isn't a one-time purchase either, it's more educational and less expensive. Like you said, additional games are not a priority in these hard economic times. If the Wii is still a hot item in a few years and it fits in your budget, give it a try. It's fun.
Be easy on MIL. She means well. Good luck!

Well if you don't want it, you don't want it. End of story.

I have heard that Vtech learning system (about $80, cart. extra of course!) is pretty good but I think it's for younger kids.

I was part of the "Atari generation" and my parents did not get me/my brother one, but after a year of us going to the neighbors house from afterschool to bed time, they relented. They limited our use and I think we turned out OK.

I was same way with TV for my toddler (only sesame street) until EVERYONE in his playgroups knew the words to "Diego and Dora" theme songs and would pretend to be different Backyardagains charachters. Poor little guy was so confused. Now he gets 2 hours a day (I DVR noggin and mix it up), which I think is fine, and still enjoys outdoor play and playtime in the apt. w/me/my husband.

If your kids are'nt pressuring you/don't know about WII from friends, perhaps you can suggest contributions towards soccer gear or books?

Remeber whatever decesion you make, it's the right one because you are doign it in the best interest of your kids.

I know that my sister-in-law feels as you do...and she places strong rules on when her sons can play their video games. DUring the school year, they're only allowed to play them on weekends. THe boys don't argue with this because she's consistent. On the other hand, is there an outside sports-oriented toy that the boys may like instead?

How about a microscope, digital or otherwise? We have one from digiblue and love it, but there are all kinds on the market that your kids could use to explore their world.

As to the WII, we have one, and I was worried about the same issues. I have to say though it has never been an issue. The kids are allowed to use it on rainy weekends for an hour, after which they have had enough and turn it off with no encouragement from me. Still, if you don't want it, you should find a kind way to state that fact.

Hi,

I've read your responses and have one thought to add. I bought a Wii for my husband last Christmas (which sadly we have used once). My 5-year-old son tried playing it for the first time this year when some older cousins visited and we fired it up. He was completely frustrated because he did not have the coordination yet to enjoy it. I would not classify it with other video games. It requires movement and coordination, and my little guy just is not there yet. Maybe someday. In the meantime, I agree with many of the other posts about not wanting video games to become pervasive in the home...my own mother keeps trying to give my kids Webkins and other toys that will have them sitting stationary at my laptop, and I have resisted. But this Wii is a bit of a different animal and your kids may still be a bit young for it. Good luck.

I don't think you're crazy at all :) but I do agree with some of the moms that, in extreme moderation, it may not be a horrible thing to have. As long as you have rules about its use, they will learn some technological skills which i think are important to have nowadays.
Out of all the gaming systems, I think Wii is the best, because it keeps them a bit more active than the others and there are a lot of games made for exercise and learning.
Its only expensive if you want it to be... if they have tons of games, thats when they'll want to play it most, but if you have your mother-in-law buy them one or 2 games a year at Christmas or birthdays, you won't have to spend any money on upkeep.
That's just my opinion, but if you feel strongly about not having it in the home at all, then i would make that blatantly clear to your mother in law (maybe with the help of your husband, depending on your relationship with her) and i like some of the suggestions you've gotten - tickets to somewhere fun, or lessons of some sort, or a a week away at camp, or maybe just ask them if there's anything big they've been wanting!

If you don't want it, that is fine.

If you do accept it you can always use it as rainy day entertainment instead of movie time, or after dark entertainment instead of tv shows. I don't know what you do, or how your house is set up (can they safely go outside unsupervised?) but you could use it when you are cooking dinner only. Instead of using it as a reward just make it a part of every day life so they aren't always asking for it, make it not seem special.
Relent a little right after they get it, and when friends are over have a little L.-way.

Just some suggestions.

Otherwise I really don't know how to turn down your MIL, but you could tell her that you really can't afford upkeep on the system. Or have your husband tell her that he doesn't want it, or she can have one at her house for them.

Good Luck

You're not crazy. If you did get a Wii, you'd still have to limit the kids' playing on it since they really wouldn't get enough good quality exercise playing the thing. I know they say about the kids having to stand to play it and it has wii fit...yada, yada. It still isn't the same intensity level of exercise that you get actually playing real tennis or kick ball outside. We are holding off on getting one too, so we still have the older systems.

Suggestions as to what to get....How about science kits or robot kits. You can get some really good robot kits, that the children have to build, for the same price as a Wii. This way they learn about electricity.

hello, my children have the Wii and totally enjoy it. We have very busy lifes too but it is just alot of fun and I think kids should be kids and have fun. I would accept the gift if I was you. It has games in it already and then whatever holidays come (birthday) family can buy a game here and there.
hope this helped

As an objective outsider, the real question for me is this: if you suggest an alternative, will she honor your request or go ahead and get the Wii anyway? My parents would, and have. So instead of causing a rift in our relationship, I negotiated. Last year my son got a Leapster with a nice case and several educational games. He loves it, and we have taught him that he can play for a bit, but must do other things also, like play in the yard, go to karate, etc.

I understand not wanting a game system in the house. However, I also like to have the opportunity to teach my son how to use push button entertainment (TV, DVD, video games) responsibly through setting limits, setting priorities, etc. We are thinking about getting a Wii in our house because it is a much more active video game, not a sit on your butt one, he could use some work on his eye-hand coordination, and we can teach him about responsible use that does not take over your whole world.

As far as games, you can always ask for games for birthdays and next Christmas, and the kids could save their own money to buy used games down the road.

If you live in a snowy region, kick sleds are great. Check out the Vermont Kicksled Company (there are others too). My kids use it all the time all winter. It basically is a little chair on skis. One runs and pushes and then rides on the back runners while the other sits. They take turns. It is terrific! Good luck-
L.

I too am not a fan of electronics and video games. I have 2 boys ages 4 & 6 and I gave up trying to compete with my mother-in-law. They mean well and they do love the kids. But you have to choose your battles. Just think when their birthdays come along they'll want to buy them the huge hot wheels jeep! Then what do you say! As long as you limit their time on the WII, it'll be fine.

I would suggest that you just briefly explain that you prefer them not to have a WII at this point and then suggest that she pay for a class or activity for them both. For example, my mother-in-law got my daughter gymnastic classes for Christmas and then for her birthday paid for soccer for the Fall. In both cases she wanted to "give" her something so she gave her a little floor mat and hair clips for gymnastics practice at home and got her the socks and shin guards for soccer.

Hi L. ... You're not "crazy" for not wanting a WII for your children. Let's face it ... you are the parent and you get to say what "goes" in your house. Of course, this could be a touchy situation with your mother-in-law. The way I would handle it is to tell her that the children have never expressed a desire to have this particular game system. Instead, they've been asking for ... Maybe your kids would like tickets for a show (circus, a community theatre production of something, etc.), a weekend at a camp of some sort, or anything else. Once you explain to her that the kids would get so much more enjoyment out of something else that they really want, you mother-in-law will probably agree. The important thing is to make the kids happy, as long as it's something you and your husband are comfortable with. :-)
Hope my advice helps! Good luck and God bless!
-T.

Hi L.,

I did not want my children getting hooked on games either, so for years I would not have them in my house and would not allow anyone to buy them, my sister did one time and the game just sat in the box, my children never asked to see it. I think the WII would be an excellent game for them. Your children are so active with other activities, and that game is not like some of the others with all the monsters and killing etc. It's a fun game that the whole family can enjoy.

I think every parent has the right to feel the way they do about technology, I personally am kind of the same way. My mother in law wanted to buy my kids a power wheel and I told her no she kept pushing the issue and I had to finnally put my foot down and say if you do I will through it out. I firmly believe the childhood obesity has everything to do with technology making it to easy not to move. Get them a peddle car fine but make there bodies move. That is the nice thing about the WII; however, you have your reasons, and whatever they are that is how you feel and choise to raise you kids right now.

Tell her I feel uncomforatable with thsat gift and the kids level right now, I really appriciate the gesture; however, I think they need something more there age like...

I do not know how big your house is, a play area, ball pit, bounce house, water table, swing set, sleds, winter outdoor toys, classes, activities, zoo, clubs, ect.