Are we giving them too much?

Question

Me and my husband are kind of lost here.We want to give our children lots of things where they won't be bored but we don't want them to start thinking they can get whatever they want whenever they want.My hubby just got a new job,which is why we moved.It has a heck of a lot better pay and we can get our children the things we always wanted.We have a basement type thing which we are going to use as a play room.Things like the computers and a television are already down there.But we want to have things down there so when friends come over or its a rainy day they will have things to do.What are some good things children ages 3-10 would like?I've tried asking them but they all just say I don't know except Conner who says ping pong table!

oh we have bikes for all of them plus 2 extras that don't fit any of them.I want other things other than a ping pong table.My daughter hates ping pong.I'm still thinking about getting it though.Its a hugs room.and I don't want to buy video games,I hate those,my children are very active.I want things that we can put in the basement that are active things

Answer 1

Let common sense rule. We made a conscious decision not to overwhelm our children with STUFF, but over the years--and thanks to their grandparents and a lot of hand-me-downs from cousins, they've still acquired quite a lot. Once a year, usually some night in December, we go through all of their stuff and get rid of everything broken on the way towards asking them to pick out a certain volume of their toys (usually a large Rubbermaid container) and things in anticipation of what they're likely to get for Christmas. We then take that stuff to donate to a local charity. They're nine now, and they've learned to recognize and abandon what no longer interests them--which is really cool--but they've also learned that giving is part of the whole getting dynamic. Last year, without our encouragement, our girls each picked out a toy they really liked to put in with their donations. "If we like it so much then it's really going to make some other kid happy." Wow! Sometimes I look at my kids and realize just how much better than me they are as basic human beings.

When the kids were younger we selected toys that had as many of the qualities as possible: 1) Well made and safe. 2) Likely to hold their interest for more than a day or two. 3) Focused on either stimulating imagination, curiosity, or creativity. 4) Doesn't make obnoxious noises or require batteries. That doesn't mean that we didn't them some stuff just because it seemed fun and cool--we just tried to not be swayed by the trend of the season. Incidentally, a ping pong table is an awesome start--not only can the kids mess with it on their own, but it's a great thing for a parent and kid to do together, and no one gets bored with ping pong if mom or dad says "who's up for a game." The best gift you can give your kids is the willingness to sit down and spend time with them doing this stuff.

Answer 2

1] an active game table like air hockey, ping pong, etc. [ or onr that converts! ]
2] vintage board games - Monopoly, Operation, Life, chechers, chess, chinese checkers, Candyland, Battleship,
[ you and hubby should each pick three favorites, then can add as children request them. ]
3] classic movies - musicals, comedies, etc.
4] books!
5] music system
Furnishings:
a] be sure all upholstered furniture is stain resistant. Include grown up size couch, chairs; and well as smaller table and chairs for younger ones. Use plexiglass topped end or side tables. Coffee table is good for playing board games.
b] install shelving with color coded bins for toys. Put DVDs, books on upper shelves by title.
c] use trunk or foot locker [ check not lockable or air proof ] for large things like dress up clothes, large Fisher Price, etc.
d] install access protection on the computers [ child safe sites ] that only you/hubby can over-ride.

Answer 3

a ping pong table's actually not a bad idea since you have the whole basement as a rec space. they can play with it as kids and still enjoy it when they're older.

as with anything you give your children, try to give them things that challenge them to think, grow, and be active, rather than sedentary things like video games or movies.

Answer 4

I would say maybe a baby-foot table....
I would say don't give them too much because my mom gives my little brother too much and now he is a real brat!
So I think u should try to make them archieve some goals to earn more stuff in their basement!
Good Luck