Kids, Games and Age Ratings

[SarzWix]

And the littlun thinks he is 5 already

This is one problem that probably won't go away #2 child always expects to be allowed to do everything that #1 child is allowed to do, regardless of reasoned explanations about age difference... It's caused (and will continue to cause) World War III in our house, many times. "But it's not faaaaaaiiiiirrrrrr".... Fi will tell you the same, I'm sure (eh Nathan?!)

[FionaH]

This is one problem that probably won't go away #2 child always expects to be allowed to do everything that #1 child is allowed to do, regardless of reasoned explanations about age difference... It's caused (and will continue to cause) World War III in our house, many times. "But it's not faaaaaaiiiiirrrrrr".... Fi will tell you the same, I'm sure (eh Nathan?!)

Lmao yep. Sometimes I give up on the reasoned approach, at this point I yell "cos I said so" really loudly and add "when you have your own house/pay rent you can do what you like" for good measure.
At this point I sound like my mother and have to go lie down

ps dont think Nathan will be posting again, he is sulking in his room cos I asked him to stop playing THAT game and do some revision

[SarzWix]

Have you resorted to "You treat this house like a hotel!" yet?! I must admit to "I'm not your flippin' slave!" a few times just recently... PMSL

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi Sarz. I have refrained from responding to this but since there is a five year age gap perhaps the method I employed for a while might be of interest and relevance.

Younger son is able to throw the tantrum of hell when he doesn't get his way - he has always been a bit overactive and has been diagnosed with mild Tourette's.

Older son was born aged about 40 (if you follow me).

We used the judgement that if they were fighting aliens or zombies (anything far fetched really) then the game was allowed. If it was age rated because of gore, language etc (no worries about sexual content as our family is quite open on that one), we found out what we could about the game as you are - then decided.

Games were usually allowed with a 3 year leeway. At 12 they could play a 15 rated game and at 15 an 18 game. However, if any attitude changes were noted after play, the game was taken away until such time as the boys were ready to cope with it.

This was obviously easier with the elder son, but when we explained the situation to the younger one when he started asking to play the same games his brother did, he understood our worries and complied. He was sometimes as a reward, allowed to play bits of the game judged to be less violent.

I am quite sure you have brought your son up to understand your views and appreciate that you are concerned for him on more levels than his desire to play a game.

[HeyWayne]

Dude at work (aged 37) explained what I think is "the scene" and said it's quite shocking (I have to agree). Made him feel quite uncomfortable.

[FionaH]

Have you resorted to "You treat this house like a hotel!" yet?! I must admit to "I'm not your flippin' slave!" a few times just recently... PMSL

Regularly !!

[jackie j]

I am so glad my boys are now over 21 and I didnt have the worry of such games when they were younger, computers at the time were only for the well off and we were not, now they are an everyday object. I have the saying and used a lot, MY HOUSE MY RULES. It worked most of the time, my 17 yr old and the eldest was grounded for his behaviour for a month, college and work only, wages given to me in full when he got paid and put in the bank for him. As a single parent at the time it was quite hard as they were bigger than me.
My daughter is completly different, but can say things in a tone I dont like, she doesnt get away with it even if her friends are here, she is told ' talk to me like that again ' and you wont be going/ doing whatever she has arranged. She and the boys know I mean it and stick to my guns.
My niece who lost her mum and is living with my sister is allowed to stay out far later and do things even my boys were not allowed to do when they were older than she is at 14. My sister says they all do it, so what and I have to bite my tongue.
Sarz you have to do what you and your OH think is right and I agree to telling them the reason why, or taking away if alowed to have something if those rules are broken.
When I was about 6 ish my mum couldnt afford to keep the telly after dad died so she got rid of it ( rented coin box in the back), we used to go to friends and cousins to watch what limited things were on at that time, mum soon got the tv back. They will only go to friends to play or watch, at least in your own home you can monitor things.
Like you say at the price these games are they are way over pocket money price.

[TEB]

Just been speaking to one of my clients who has just come from a 2 day Call of Duty fest and I asked him whether it was worth the 18 rating and he said definitely, when I asked him why he said because it was so realistic.

[rustylady]

Sorry, have come onto this thread very late and haven't read all the post, BUT I am totally against children playing war games, which is what this appears to be. I don't even like "pretend" guns and swords.

[mr worm]

i play it and im 15

[lynda66]

i recommend only having one child ... and if you have any more shoot em ......

oh yeah and go check his mobile for porn ... much worse in my opinion .... children aren't born violent ... and with strong boundaries, they don't turn into psycho's by playing a game ... i also go with move xbox downstairs .... like pc, game systems were only allowed in bedroom for proper kid games, mario etc .... anything else was always supervised.

but he'll play it anyway, and like when they start sleeping with girls ... i'd rather it was at home and i know what they up to, than at mates/girls house and not.

and rob will tell you i'm a very strict parent, it's just one of those balancing acts ... but use it to your advantage .... if their room is kept tidy and they wash up and do other chores, then let him have it, BUT if when they have it, they stop doing the chores .... find a good hiding place

use the whole thing as a learning curve for them ... if they don't toe the line ... they get barbie and like it

[FionaH]

Sorry, have come onto this thread very late and haven't read all the post, BUT I am totally against children playing war games, which is what this appears to be. I don't even like "pretend" guns and swords.

I used to feel much the same. I was adamant that my boys would not play with violent toys and would have things that were not gender biased etc.
That lasted till I found the eldest making a gun from stickle bricks and shooting his little brother
I pretty much gave up after that

[bramble]

I do believe there is an issue wit this game because it actually DOES give the user the chance of launching a terrorist attack on civilians.
My grandson is 19 and he thinks its too extreme for a 12 year old.
My own opinion, I would stand my ground and say no.
My son (who is now 35) pushed me and the boundaries all the way when he was growing up and while it was hard to say no to him when I had to, he is now the father of a 3 year old and never stops telling me I did the right thing.
If you ave strong views Piskie hang in there and stick to your guns.

[bramble]

P.S.
Sorry that answer was posted in response to Sarawix post.

[Capsid]

Just been speaking to one of my clients who has just come from a 2 day Call of Duty fest and I asked him whether it was worth the 18 rating and he said definitely, when I asked him why he said because it was so realistic.

How does he know?