and you get to make these little "wii people" - what a riot! I've played tennis and golf against Hitler, against political people, etc...

You'll love it. You're the mom and can make this a great thing in your house instead of a horrible purchase.

Yeah its def a great system for the kids...maybe that why i have one.

You can buy games that help them learn as well. its not just about the shoot em up games.

Is it bad that I would rather her play those then the Barbie ones???

No...she'll be more like rambo and not superficial like barbie....lol!!

I am very choosy in regards to what the kids play and I think you will be fine with this one Lily....keep it...and enjoy the smile when it is opened

I'm sort of glad video games weren't around yet when I was that age. My best memories are playing with friends doing kid stuff, being outside and exploring the environment surrounding.

Lily, I've done the same thing on toys, stuff I'm still not comfortable with years later. Just set out ground rules from the get-go limiting time, types of games, etc. Get her only the games that are educational, promote some sort of physical activity, etc. The Wii system's great for that, from what I understand.

ok help me understand this please.....they make these games promoting activities like tennis ,golf , etc.....
why arent the parents doing like our parents did ....and actually making them get outside and do it for real!!!

~~~I seen a young kid play Van Halen's eruption
on guitar hero, he never missed a beat it was great!!!!~~~~
but I couldnt help but think if he's that good with a damn game.....imagine what he could have done if his parents would have taken him to a music store instead of walmart!!!!

well if you feel so strongly about it

keep the wii for your self

and give her coupons for time to play on it

in varying intervals 1 hour 1/2 hour

and she can redeem them for playing one at a time

Well, I can't speak for other parents of course. I try to get my son outdoors as much as possible but all those activities cost mucho dinero, that I don't have. And, not to mention, it's a dangerous place out there, much more so than when I was a kid. And, I'm a working mom so I can't shuttle him all over the place to participate in those activities. And, all of his friends are in the same predicament and they all play video, computer games, etc. So, he has no one to play with when he does go outside. But, many of them are stuck in their houses playing online games so he can "play" that way.

I try to limit his time on the games and computers. He pays for his own games as well, I don't buy them except for maybe at Christmas and his birthday and even then, I do my best not to.

Hey Lily, can I come over to your house to play?

going to the park......Free.
ball, frisbee,something to do......10-20 bucks.
spending quality time with your kids.....priceless!!!

I think we as parents need to make it happen....

It should never be viewed as a substitute, but as an activity to itself. Playing guitar hero doesn't mean that the player could use his time better learning guitarplaying. It's a form of entertainment and tought provocation, as are any forms of arts and games.

I'll agree with this wholeheartedly. Buy the kid a bike instead. That way, he has his OWN transportation to the guitar store. It's predominantly musicians who work in those stores, and they can tell if a kid has a real interest (call it a sixth sense). Many times, they'll let the kid hang out or even take them under their wing and teach them.

While his buddies are all in their houses playing video games, this kid could be learning a craft that might be very lucrative to him in the future. While they're still pushing buttons, this kid could be rocking out onstage somewhere, riling up a crowd (and believe me, I know from experience that there's NOTHING like that feeling!).

I'm so dropping my kid off at your house ALL the time now....

My 17 year old does both...doesn't want to be strictly a "vidiot" like some of his friends but likes to also hang out with them to play games. This past summer's job earnings went to a bass & amp instead of an upgraded gaming system to play with the guys - he figured it was a wiser investment, even though it cleaned out his savings completely. He's not the only one of his friends who thinks along these lines. Point is, kids aren't entirely stupid about gaming.

I think it goes back to the whole parenting thing...set limits but don't throw the whole concept out and make it the desireable "forbidden fruit" cuz either extreme is likely to backfire - not just in video gaming, but pretty much ANYTHING as you raise your kids.

BTW - Lily? Are you feeling better about the Wii yet???

I've heard the comment more than once that the time spent playing Guitar Hero could have been better spent playing a real instument. And I laughed because if you've ever tried to learn an instrument you'll understand. Some people have no talent.
My girls had plenty of music lessions, piano, violin,and guitar. They also had the opportunity to learn tradtional African dance from a master for free. Just not their thing.

Go ahead, I'm sure he'll LOVE playing "littlest pet shop" with her... Actually I'm a bit addicted to Mario Cart so I'm sure I'll have that one soon.

Just for the record the other "big" gift I thought about was a bike, and honestly where I live it just wouldn't work, I live on the second floor in a busy community, where there is no place for her to ride it unless I lug it out of my place into the car and drive it to the park....There is no where to park it outside where it won't get stolen.

This isn't 1950's America anymore where you know all of your neighbors and they watch out for your kids and you can trust them to go out at dawn and return at dusk unharmed and unschathed. I do not live in a neighborhood where all the houses look the same and you open the garage so your kids can come and go as they please. Although I do not live in a bad area of town, and actually I live in quite a nice area of town, there are no sidewalks to walk or ride a bike anywhere.

So for those of you who think this is 1950's Americana.... get your heads out of the sand huh?

Yo yo yo Lils be living in da hood.....