Why do people think it's ok to let young children play video games instead of reading or going outside?

Question

what I mean by this is, not if it's too cold or whatever, but when parents just let their kids play video games all the time. not encourage them to play outside or read at all. I have seen this happen at it hurts me. I understand if it's too cold or hot or raining...stuff like that. But when they just let their kids sit in front of the TV all day and veg out. Where's the imagination in that. I play video games too when I'm exhausted and need to get away, but I have always loved books. It saddens me when parents don't encourage the imagination in their children. again I realize that games are good and fun. And I am not attacking all parents. I am not attacking anyone. I just want to know why some just don't care anymore. like one lady said...balance.

Answer 1

Because it is easier. Many parents use tv and video games to babysit them. It is easier than taking them to the library or the park or anything.

I don't get it either. When I was kid I was always outside or reading. I did school age child care and these kids did not know how to interact with one another. Unless I had them doing specific activities they were fighting anytime I tried to give them free play. They are losing out socially as well as physically and mentally. Now playing video games helps hand and eye coordination. But I think how much a child plays should be limited.

Answer 2

Well, if all they do is play video games, it's not OK. We live in Texas, so I don't let them play outside for too long because it's hot as h*ll from May to September. It's really all about balance. My kids are allowed to play outside, watch TV and/or play video games after homework and before dinner. After dinner, the TV is off and it's reading and quiet play time until baths and bedtime. I'm sure there are parents out there that allow their kids to sit for hours in front of the TV, but that isn't true for all. People can't make the assumption that because something is allowed it means the parents are lazy or looking for an easy way out. Remember, you don't live in their house so you can't possibly know what's going on there.

By the way ~ my husband and I play video games with our kids. Some of our best family time has been spent that way! They love getting to play with us ~ especially if they win!

Answer 3

I have no idea, but it bugs the heck out of me. All the houses I drive by and VERY rarely do I see kids playing outside. I see lots of play equipment in the yard, but never anyone using it. I think it's much easier for parents to sit their kids in front of a tv. Then they're quiet and out of the way.
When we lived in an apartment, my kids didn't go outside very often, because of where we lived, there really wasn't anywhere to play besides the parking lot. But now that we live in a house, we don't even have cable tv anymore. They don't need to be in front of the tv, they can go play outside! I do keep a very close eye on my kids, though, because I am still a paranoid mom and I never know if some weirdo pervert is going to be walking through the neighborhood.
My kids also love books. My 3 year old loves to look at the pictures, and she especially loves to look at the catalogs that come in the mail. My 6 year old just finished kindergarten and has been able to read for about the last 6 months. He loves to read books about Batman, Superman and all those superheroes. He will be in the advanced literacy program next year!

Answer 4

Peer pressure is the first reason (other people's young children). Technology has advanced. Reading and going outside is something you did for fun in your time, why do you think we all use and talk on cell phones now. Some children get very addicted to those video games, and it is usually because they have few friends to connect with on the outside, and well I mean let's face it, I would rather be playing doom all afternoon than working given the choice. I guess discipline would be another reason, I mean if someone were to let their kids play all day long, things would start to fall apart around them, and they would not even know the difference until they are older in their late teens and twenties.

Answer 5

There should be equal balance. My kids have to read or do some type of work. I also allow them no more than two hours per day to play their games. My own children have seen their own cousins play days at end when they go visiting. Some people say I'm strict. Balance is more like it.

Answer 6

I' love to know too. My 3 boys are limited to 15-20 minutes each for a video game per day. The rest of their time is spent reading, board games, riding bikes, digging in the dirt, playing in the creek, etc. I like for them to get mental stimulation on other ways than a video game.

Answer 7

My kids only get 45 minutes a day of video games, and only in the winter or if it is raining. If it is nice enough to be outside, that is where they are. I think too much time in front of the TV is a waste of time.

Answer 8

I hate to say it but a lot of parents are lazy and make excuses they do not want to take the time with them. And we wonder why our children are like they are. It starts at home. Parents need to take the time not only to interact with their children, but also help them read and take them to the library and outside to see what they are missing. The video games that I see a lot of young children play no wonder they take guns and other things to school.

Answer 9

Because the living room is a much safer place to have your children, and parents are too busy to want to chase them around the neighborhood.

As for reading.....I've tried that...but good luck getting a kid to read when his choices are to go outside and play, or play video games.

Answer 10

Sometimes video games are okay, if its a learning video game, but a game that is like violence, i dont see what the point is.
Kids these days are so lazy any more, because of all the technology, and how their parents let them live.
Sometimes parents think its okay, because it will get the kid out of their hair. and they know they will be distracted for hours upon hours.
My cousin hes addicted to Play Station 2. and hes 8, and everytime he stays the night somewhere, he has to bring his game console(stupid!!).