During the school week, we try to limit the time that the kids are able to use electronics: iPods, computers, Game Boys, etc. In fact, we generally don’t permit them to use their electronic games during the week; I guess in order to torture ourselves with the battery of whining and complaints that ensue when said rule goes into effect.
But weekends are another matter… like this one.
They’re bored. I’m tired.
They whined. I was desperate.
The Wii closet was unlocked, remotes distributed, & the games began.
Unlocked, you say? Yep. First of all, The Captain and I try to run a tight ship in terms of toy/game distribution. We keep many items under lock and key, especially those that are costly to replace, or tiny little toys that HURT when you step on them. And remotes are locked away, too, because #5 once chewed the corner off of one, resulting in an ER trip (she was fine; the TV remote was not).
Secondly, the Wii has always been a controversial toy in our home. It has been the source of countless hours of entertainment, but it’s also been the bane of my parental existence at times. Mainly because…
They’d fight over who got more playing time. They fight over who won. They’d fight over who wasn’t winning. They’d fight if they didn’t get to go first. They’d fight if someone ELSE wanted to go first.
The arguments droned on until the day we realized one day that one child -who shall remain numberless to protect the guilty- was actually neglecting to go to the bathroom in the midst of heated games, opting to urinate in his/her clothing and change at a more convenient time. Or not at all.
So the Wii system had been tucked away for a long time. But this weekend, in an act of sheer desperation, I broke it out again.
And the angels sang.
The children danced in delight.
(They really did dance. We have one of those Wii dance games.)
The kids played for hours; all six kids. And I got lots of laundry done.
Here are some observations from our Wii weekend; the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” how to help Wii time run smoothly. Because I’m here to help.
DO:
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clean the discs before handing them to children. Because exactly one minute after handing one over, you will hear, “Mom! It’s not working! Can you clean it?” And you’ll have to come back over and wipe the disc with your shirt. Then you’ll return it and walk away, only to hear, “Mom… still no…” And then you’ll need to break out the glass spray. Again. And again.
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put the disc into the Wii yourself. Kids’ hands are grubby and gross. Even glass cleaner can’t cut the grime of a few seconds of kid handling from box to machine.
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make sure you have lots of AA batteries. Because the instant that a kid chooses to play Wii, the remotes will be dead. One remote will be, anyway. And once you replace the batteries and walk away, the next remote will die, also.
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make sure children have a bathroom break prior to playing. And during (see above). They will say they don’t need to go. They LIE.
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keep extra, unplugged remotes handy for younger children. #5 played over an hour of Super Mario Brothers. Or so she thought.
If only the Wii came with an automatic on/off switch… oh, wait- NAILED IT.
DON’T:
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let your bossiest child have the “main” (controlling) remote. The power goes to his or her head, and a dictatorship is established, resulting in angry muttering from the powerless.
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let the “oil and water” pairs of children play together. Because when #1 and #3 do ANYTHING together, someone ends up crying. And any buried resentments flare up in a nasty way over a game of laser swords. It’s quite ugly.
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don’t let the quitter play with the competitive one. Because the competitive one will talk trash. Then the quitter will get frustrated and quit, and the competitive one will be shocked and horrified that such a thing happened. And both will cry.
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leave your windows open. Because the games are intense. And children will shriek with joy. They will shriek in anger. Then you will be mad, and will shriek at them, telling them to stop shrieking. And then the neighbors will judge you.
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let young siblings wander through the gaming area. If they happen to block the screen in any way, shape, or form, they are subject to verbal harassment. Which will make them want to do it again. And again. And again.
And the most important rule of thumb: play with them. At least one game, because the Wii is really, really fun. And nothing shuts them down just before dinnertime like their mom nailing the world record in Wii Sports wakeboarding. Yeah, that’s right…
Oh, and if you have small children, please put the remotes back in the closet. I learned this… again. You’ve been warned….
Extra batteries are a must! As are bathroom breaks! Although my son hasn’t resorted to peeing his pants to keep playing (yet), I do have to remind him to pause the game and go when I notice he is wiggling just a tad too much. I get roped into playing far too often, which I suppose is a great bonding moment…but I would really like to be able to use that precious time a little more wisely 😉 Great post!
Haha… I’ll admit now that the “bathroom break” child was my son, too! He’d play all day if I let him. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I’m such a mean mother that we’ve never purchased a video game system. This made me laugh and I could relate to it because most of it applies to plenty of other areas of parenting lots of little people! Oh, and I once had a child who was discovered to have been urinating INTO A FLOOR VENT rather than moving away from the t.v.
No, you’re not a mean mother, but a sensible one. I don’t like the influx of technology- it’s harder for me to get the kids into board/card games.
You are so right about locking up game systems and discs. My kids have destroyed all their Wii games. My youngest son thought it would be cool to put a disc under each foot and glide across the living room. There’s 80 bucks down the drain. I agree with all your points, Very sound advice!
Oh, we’ve lost a few that way, too. Or found them months later, under the carpet. :/
What an adorable picture! Love it!
Yes, playing with them is so much fun. I loved playing the dancing game with mines. This is some great advice. My youngest learn early on about not getting in front of television when his siblings were playing the game but I can remember when I was younger, my baby sister would stay in front of the television while we were playing until we gave her a game controller that did not work. She thought she was playing along with us so everyone was happy. She know longer stayed in the front while we were playing.
Wii didn’t exist when mine were growing up. However, I can so relate to the oil & vinegar! My two hands down! Kudos to you & your hubby for limiting their electronic play. There are so many other wonderful ways for children to enjoy downtime. It’s wonderful you get that.
Thanks, Jane! We’re trying. It’s hard to battle back against their desire to be on iPods all the time.
The rules you talk about are spot on. We try to have a family game night now and then, and a family movie night. Very fun!
Elaine; if you can recommend some good family games, fill me in! We have Sorry, Apples To Apples, Trouble, and just got Beat The Parents, but I’m always looking for a game that we can play well as a family. Thanks.
Card games are a big hit with our family. We also love Just Dance Wii. The kids love that mommy and daddy are dancing with them and we get a kick out of it, too (and exercise:).
This is awesome. I remember this from when we played Nintendo as kids!
I cannot tell you the endless DVD’s that have been ruined because of my son’s sorting hobby 🙂 Now the remote is out of sight for good. It’s so interesting how overstimulated they get by the televiosn /electronics in general at such a young age.
NAILED IT!!!!!! you are correct DO Not let your bossiest child have the main remote. Bloodbath. Now I have to get off the computer…I have laundry to do.
Hilarious! We had similar issues this week. I rarely let my kids play either, but when they do it gets crazy!
There is no way I can play with my little ones. Their bickering drive me nuts. I do love it when they play games though. I get at least 15-20 minutes of peace.
(Oh, I’m with you. I last about 15 minutes, then I’m DONE!)
I leave my husband in charge and go and hide somewhere. 😉
Loved this story. Tell me more!!!
absolutely adorable. what a busy household you run. hang in there. glad you started to blog