Wii, iPad, iPhone and e-games

This post is slightly different as I don't want to particular share any e-games here. There are so many of them. Rather, I would like to write down my reasoning for promoting e-games to my kids.

In fact, I choose to expose both my child to eGames at young age. I think it's easier to teach younger kids than older kids. Both my kids love iPad and iPhone games. Sometimes, I play a game together with them. From time to time, I also listen to my son's about how he scores in a game, how his friend did in those games... but I always make it clear that e-game is something that they can put aside any time! I allow them to play with my iPhone while waiting for foods to be served in restaurant. However, this is on the condition that when the food is served, they must stop and eat. Thanks to my wife's help, both of us now seldom do texting, chat etc at meal time.

There's another one rule that I strictly enforce. They can only play games after they have completed certain tasks or homework. I call this "Empower Kids" concept. If they want to decide what they like to do, i.e. play computer games, they have to earn it. It's not easy to enforce this simple concept... My children find all ways to persuade me to break the rules. I rarely did and they gave up. They know that they are better off doing something in order to earn the time to play.

Many parents do not even buy iPad, iPhone, and not to mention Wii, because they do not want their kids to be addicted to the e-Games. A friend of mine even sold her Wii console because the daughter is too addicted to the games. I respect these opinions. However, I have a different view.

Like it or now, I am sure our children will know what's "Angry Bird" when they interact with other kids. When I was in Form 2, the top boy in my class dropped from the top spot merely because he started playing computer games. I had a friend in University who always sat in front row, and always get good results. He did not turn up for classes suddenly for 2 months. I asked him about it. His answer was that he was playing with computer games day and night. He was so indulged and addicted that it took 2 additional years to get the degree. At one point of time, I was addicted to games too. I played "Command and Conquer" day and night too. I really understand how fun the game can be. But can young children resist the temptation? Or can we shunt the e-games from our kids forever?

Back to the question of whether e-games are good or bad. I think there's no answer to this. For me, I chose to use my "Empower Kids" concept, and I choose to expose my children to those games. I also persuade them to play those games that have educational value. With that, I hope that I can educate them and make them see those e-games the way I want them to see. I know that if I don't do this, I will be leaving them to the exposure at much later stage by their friends who may be a bad kid. Also, much later stage means more difficult to teach, isn't it?

So, which league do you belong? Non e-game gang or e-game gang?