Stay Cool Dad

Well … we have a new games console. A Nintendo Wii.

Here’s what I hope it does for us.

In recent weeks I have been pleased that the kids have, by and large, been getting positive things out of media.

Sure the  super hero stuff sets up some play based on conflict, but I do not see it as influencing their behaviour other than in a few villainous roars. They are not always great, but there is not actual violence, just posturing that can come from the goodies AND the baddies.

A lot of the time, however, they have learned new things and encountered material that has challenged them. Not always. But as we learn to steer clear of the more brainless stuff out there, the kids seem to do alright on their diet of Pixar and UK-produced drama. (Although I am dirty that they are both too young for The Roman Mysteries) And even newspapers have come in handy lately. It is astounding how much dinosaur news makes the papers, while a piece about Tasmanian Aboriginals eating Wombat brains went down a treat.

Which brings  us to the Wii.

The boy has, of late, been playing a simple game called Miner Max that is more about resource allocation than violence. He’s fascinated by the possibilities even if he cares little for the outcome.

For me, that’s the trick with how we set up their expectations for Wii. It’s got to be about exploration, not domination.

It will be interesting to see how we go.