The iPad rules

Dear Nanay,

I have been reading about the debate on video games in your column and I must say that this is something on which parents have different opinions. I can understand why some parents would just not allow their children to play iPad, Game Boy or PSP. But I also know other parents who let their children play and there is no problem.

I for one think that it is not a big deal to let the kids play. There are even educational games that are available on the iPad that they can play with. It doesn’t have to be Angry Birds or Temple Run all the time. There are many instructional and learning games also.

The best part about these games is that it keeps the children occupied and they do not run around and get themselves into trouble all the time. You know how children can be especially in restaurants or public places. They just keep on running around. Give them an iPad and no more problem! I know it might not be ideal to a lot of people but it is a very practical solution to a problem that many parents face.

I think video games have often received a bad reputation. Many vocal parents keep saying that it is bad for our children, etc. Admittedly too much of anything is not good but even video games in moderation cannot cause harm.              — Marjorie67

Dear Nanay,

I have wanted to share something regarding the iPad or no iPad issue. For me, when my kids were in grade school, sometime in the early ‘90s, it was Playstation, since there was no iPad yet. They were clamoring for one but we said no! It might affect the grades and we had no such budget for it. However, we felt they were left out with their friends. So we connived with my sister:  we bought one and asked my sister to give it as a gift to them. That way, we still maintained the “no” policy, and so could make demands.

We came up with a playing contract, duly signed by both my husband and me and my son and daughter.  They could only play after homework was done, both should have equal playing time, but one is free to give up his time in favor of the other. Definitely, no quarreling. If there was any, the PS would be locked up for a month. Grades should be good, which is in the level of 90s and up, especially math.

 It was such a nice agreement. They delivered good grades, we were able to make them understand that we were serious with our policy, we taught them how to follow a contract and they got good grades.

 We parents always want what is right. But we also want our children to enjoy their youth and their peers. We just have to think of how best we can have both.

Thanks, Nanay, for giving me the chance to share my story. — Emma4get

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