Monday, June 16, 2008

The World's Best Gamer

Jay saw the trophy "World's Best Gamer" and begged me to buy it for Father's day.

"Daddy doesn't have a trophy. Let's buy it." He explained. Jay earned his first trophy last summer for T-ball and ever since has been obsessed with trophies. He is in awe over Uncle's Mike collection of random trophies. Each trophy tells a story. In his eyes, Uncle Mike, is a world class Olympic athlete.

There was no need to explain that daddy is not the "world's best gamer" or has never really had much interest in gaming, Jay was already sold on the fact that daddy needed a trophy for Father's Day. A trophy for daddy.

"Look Mama. Look there is a controller thingy in the trophy. I know what that is. You plug it into the TV and you can play games on the TV." Jay held the trophy in his hands. I smiled at his innocence.

"My friend Connor has a controller like this at his house. He plugs it in and plays games RIGHT ON THE TV!!!" Jay looked up at me while explaining.

"Can you BELIEVE it? It is awesome. You can play games on TV. So awesome, right Mama?" He smiled.

"Yes, handsome. That is really awesome." I looked into his excited eyes and allowed him to carry it all the way to the register where we paid for it.

For Father's day, my husband, received a trophy for the "World's Best Gamer." Jay watched proudly as daddy opened up his gift and placed it on our kitchen buffet where it can be admired by all. I walked past it all day long and smiled.

Each trophy tells a story. This is Daddy's trophy.

The "World's Best Gamer" trophy is not very appropriate; nevertheless, perhaps we can live up to that title.

Perhaps, it is time to invest in a gaming system. Jay will be turning 6 at the end of July and we could use something to motivate him, a special privilege. There are many changes he will be experiencing this Fall: school bus, new elementary school, full day school, new friends. I am worried how he will cope with these changes and perhaps a new video system to play with daddy will keep him motivated. I have babied him long enough and I am positive that kindergarten play dates will include some sort of gaming. I think it is time to give in.

Any recommendations on systems? Game on.

69classy comments:

L. Lemanski said...

I can't wait to hear what people suggest.

I would say a Wii. Over this past weekend I watched a grown man play with his 6 and 8 year old. It was so interactive! The kids had a blast and they were able to play together as a family. Mom, grandpa, and the rest of all were all rooting them on. It was fun just watching!

Happy Father's Day to OHdaddy!

the mama bird diaries said...

Hope your world's best gamer had a great father's day!

C and C Mommy said...

Definately a Wii-our friends have one and we have bowling and golfing tournaments...the 4 yr olds can play with the adults. It is so much fun!! Plus, I want the Wii Fit!! We have a Xbox and it is just like a regular video game system, but according to my husband it has awesome graphics...

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

Go with the Wii!

The best thing about these things... oh so easy to ground them from it...

I am known to take these things away for WEEKS... sometimes months at a time. Just because READING and actually PLAYING is so much more important!

Mr Lady said...

Everyone is going to say Wii. I will say it, too. The sports games are fabulous.

Honestly, though, for a 6 year old's first system, go GameCube. The price is right (you won't DIE when Fifi shoves a PB&J in it) and they make the games for the kids. ALL THE GAMES for the kids.

The paddles are simple to use, you don't have to understand the concept of remote control, there are loads of used games for about $10 each, and the best thing? When you're ready for a Wii, the games and the paddles are compatable. Just pop your gamecube games into the Wii, and plug in the paddles.

I can email you more info if you want. :)

Buttermouth said...

Ya, there's no doubt the Wii is the way to go.

He's even had experience with it at Babcia's house.

As a added bonus, he can play all GameCube games on the Wii so he can learn to "game" in the more traditional way too.

Kellan said...

What a sweet story of your darling little Jay and his love and appreciation for his Daddy! I hope his Daddy had a wonderful Father's Day.

Take care and I'll see you soon - Kellan

Lindsey said...

Definitely the Wii. It rocks our socks.
It's so stinkin' fun! There are a lot of cool games that are geared towards kids, too.
It's really awesome.

Go with the Wii!!! :D

Kelly said...

Definitely the Wii!! We have many games that the whole family can play together and a lot of them involve quite a workout. My boys still only get a limited amount of time on it and when they are in trouble, that's the first thing they lose, along with the TV. But I like that they are at least up and moving when they play and it's good hand/eye coordination.

Sarah said...

I have to agree with everyone who said 'Wii'! I have never wanted to see my kids vegged out playing video games, and my husband and I swore we would never cave in and buy them a gaming system. OUR children would read books, not play video games. But as they got older, we realized that by restricting them from video games, we only made the appeal so much stronger! We decided to get a Wii at Christmastime, after hearing great reviews. I stood outside for 3 hours in 20 degree weather to wait in line to buy the Wii, and it was worth every bit of frostbite! The kids love it, and it's interactive enough that they can't just sit in one spot and 'veg'. It's also, as you said, a great motivator. I use it as an incentive to do well at school, to behave nicely at functions, and as a reward for good behavior, etc. It also makes for great playdates, and even my husband and I have been known to sneak downstairs at night for a bowling or golf tournament! Oh, our kiddos were 6 and 10 when we purchased, and even the 6 year old had no problem using the controlers. Good luck with your choice and Happy Father's Day to the 'Best Gamer!'

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

We don't have a Wii yet but will be getting one when the budget allows. I've heard great things about it and I like that it's interactive family fun.

Lacey said...

Def get him a Wii, that way he can actively play games.

Unknown said...

I have played the Wii, and I have to concur with everyone else that there is nothing like it out there... very cool system. But it sure does cost a pretty penny! You may want to try and get a bundle on eBay - that's how I got mine.

Unknown said...

For $20 you can get one of those joysticks that actually plugs into the TV and works. Nothing more. It's just a simple run and jump type game (think old style Mario Bros), but it's CHEAP and EASY entertainment.

The Mom Jen said...

I've heard fabulous things about the Wii but we don't have one, nor will we get one. The kids *9.5 and 7* have the Nintendo DS Lites. These are great for car trips, baseball games and dance events. I just got them both in the last 3 months so it took us a while to decide to do this step.

krissy said...

The Wii....hands down. You can actually be active while playing tennis that usually wears you down a bit and there are lots of kid friendly games like Shrek, Mario Bros. etc.

My husband should own that trophy. He bought "me" a Wii for mothers day and the only time I play is when I am doing tennis. I'm pretty sure the Wii was not meant to be mine. But the shopping I did afterwards with no complaints from hubby made up for it!

Tiffany said...

We haven't given in to this yet but decided for Christmas which is just after our oldest's sixth birthday, we will do a Wii. I have played it and was amazed by how fun it was - I'm not even into video games - like at all, and I loved it and wanted to keep playing! I am intrigued by the Wii Fit game bundle that just came out as well- for myself!

It is hard to think about giving in on this one because then life has a new set of challenges in monitoring and balancing time, but there are some redeeming qualities and I think it is going to come to pass whether we like it or not!

Unknown said...

As a Baby Momma to a Baby Daddy who works for the biggest video game developer in the word, I am telling you, the Wii is technically the worst system/investment out there.

That said, it's the best for family/fun and that's what you want right now and it's very trendy. Any of the other consoles (PlayStation 3 and XBox360) are for a far more advanced gamer.

Wii, hands down for Jay and the OHmommy clan.

Indy said...

We have the Playstation 3 for Mike. Ry's grandma just bought a Wii for their condo this weekend. Wow. Honestly, it is amazing and so much fun. I even played it. The kids have to get up and move when they play. It is worth the price and it is amazing!

Anonymous said...

He will be fine in Kindergarten. My daughter just finished up kindergarten in May. She just turned 6 a month ago and will be going into first grade. I was nervous for her too with all the changes and the longer day but after a few weeks she was fine. I am not sure about the gaming system as we just stick to educational computer games but I hear the Wii is cool.

Lisa said...

I'm no gamer, but I've heard good things about the Wii. That Jay is so sweet & thoughtful. Can he please marry one of my daughters some day? Lulu loves brushing her teeth - she'd make a great wife to a dentist!

Katie Ryan said...

Ok. I definitely have opinions on this. I am going to regret admitting this, but my 13-year-old son has every game system. EVERY GAME SYSTEM, I TELL YA. Although, I can also proudly admit that he only plays maybe an hour a week. Sitting in the house is not his thing. Anyway, my daughter, who is 7 next month can only figure out how to play the Wii out of all those games. The others are just too difficult for her. She has so much fun with the Wii, and it keeps them moving, not just sitting in a chair. Actually, my whole family is in love with the Wii. I love the bowling and tennis myself. On the other hand, if you're looking for something less costly, my daughter has the V*Smile and loves it. She's had it for years now and is still playing it. It's very educational, but still has the "gaming" attitude. My daughter is always having fun on those games.
Hope this helps.

Jennifer said...

glad to see Jay was so passonate about the gift that he wanted for his daddy!! and a good idea too! everyone does need some sort of trophy... makes you feel even more proud of yourself. :)

i would suggest the Wii... we have one and allow my 4.5 yr old to play it, only under supervision or when we play too, and it is awesome... it isn't just a sit on your duff kind of game... i mean there are ones like that you can buy to play on it... but the best ones, in my opinion, are the sporting ones... bowling, swimming, baseball etc... you are up off the couch and moving around. and most times you are having such a ball that you are laughing the entire time. :)

also if you were looking for some educational and maybe something he could do more on his own we have the V-Smile game console. I love this for my son... does letters, numbers, and other age appropriate learning material, all while they think they are just playing a game. :) this i let him play on his own, while I'm doing things in and out of the room.

and also we have for him the hand help Leapster L-Max... this little baby is AMAZING too... all learning stuff even though it is a great game that they have tons of fun with. :) Totally recommend this also!!!

Glad you had a Happy Father's day w/ your husband and your family!!

xoxoxo's

VerWaynia said...

For kids, def the Wii - it has by far the most amount of kid friendly games!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I have heard fabulous things about the Wii, but I know they are hard to get a hold of.

Rhea said...

Ok, my kids wanted to get the same trophy, but my hubby is NO WAY NEAR a good gamer. lol It was a cute trophy though.

The best all around good solid system is Play Station 3, but Wii is a LOT of fun. So, either one is good for little kids.

We have every system possible (thanks to my overindulgant mother-in-law) and XBox is definitely more older kid/teen adult oriented with like games.

The nice thing about the Play Station 3 is that you can watch DVDs on it too. And it has so many games...but, the Wii is very unique and a little more interactive...either one is great!

Crystal D said...

I got a Wii for my birthday. I am not quite a "gamer" but I do enjoy a funny game of bowling with others. And once I boxed my mother-in-law and knocked her out so that was pretty funny too. But I haven't let the girls do it yet. I will soon though, it is more a matter of finding the time to fit it in and teach them how. Plus now they have Wii fit, I don't have it yet, but after this baby maybe I'll pick that up.

Crystal D said...

Oh and how did the stats look from your Cleveland viewers after the show?

McMommy said...

Wii--hands down!!!!!!

So much fun! We play as a family and HAVE.A.BLAST!

Unknown said...

I agree with Mr lady. The Gamecube is fun for kids. The Wii, on the other hand, is fun for the whole family. Including Mom.

Quarantine Hobby said...

Mr lady is somewhat right, in my opinion. The games made for the wii would be a little difficult for a young kid. BUT, here is my suggestion:

You buy the wii, so that you can get fun games that he will grow into and that YOU can enjoy. You also buy gamecube games, which you can play on the wii! You can buy game cube controllers to play them on. So, it's a win win! You can play two systems games on one system :)

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

If you get the Wii, also get the "Carnival" game. Very cute, fun and easy, plus 4 people can play at one time.

Laura said...

That is the cutest story! I love how kids think. My son Anderson bought my mother a candle for Christmas - with an A on it! To remember him when she uses it!

We just purchased the Wii - I had been against it - but now, I am so happy with it. We play lots of games as a family. Our 3 year old loves the driving games and my 4 year old is some kind of idiot-savant in bowling! Friday nights we order pizza and challenge each other to games...it is a blast. We are all jumping up and down and cheering and having so much fun. I am very happy with the Wii! Wii have lots of family fun with it!

Stephanie said...

That's so sweet of Jay to think his Daddy needed a trophy.

My husband is in love with his XBOX 360. He can play for hours (until I have to make him stop).

However, I prefer PlayStation and I think there are more kid-friendly games on the PS3 than on the XBOX. But that's just me. Good Luck!

lattemommy said...

I think it's absolutely adorable that you bought the "best gamer" trophy for Father's Day. A lot of Moms (myself included, probably) would have steered their child away and helped them choose "something Dad would like". But, Jay chose something that had meaning to him, and you supported his choice, thereby reinforcing his self-esteem. You deserve a "best gamer" trophy yourself, OHMommy!

As for a gaming console, I'm afraid I have no suggestions. We have an XBox360 (hubby's) that would be entirely inappropriate for a child Jay's age. I think Wii sounds cool, and we'll probably be getting one ourselves in the future. (Maybe just to get me up off my ass!) Good luck finding a gaming system!

Ali said...

wii.
hands down.

Burgh Baby said...

shhh . . . don't tell anybody (namely my husband) I said this, but the wii is pretty dang cool. And doesn't involve sitting on your butt.

Don Mills Diva said...

I know nothing about gaming but I love how Jay wanted to make his dad feel special...

Eve Grey said...

This is somthing I struggle with too. I baby & shelter my kids because I know once that next step is taken, there is no turning back. Six months ago, my boys loved The Backyardigans & Land Before Time. I finally gave in to what their friends are watching & let them watch Transformers & X-Men cartoons. They love it. Sadly (to momma), no more Backyardigans or Land Before Time. ):
We'll probably get a game system for Christmas.

Eve Grey said...

Oh, my 8 year old has a Nintendo DS which has educational games & it portable. Good system for long trips.

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

My hubby has all of them & actually would love that trophy, because he is a huge gamer. I suggest the Wii or the XBOX

Valreegrl said...

Playstation complete with Rock Band!
Oh wait...that's me.

For the wee ones, I would say the Wii. We are actually looking into it for Christmas, but from what I hear it is perfect for the little ones to use.

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

I am trying to justify buying a Wii for no reason right now. I love the Wii, and I hate video games. The hard part is justifying $400 for the systems plus an extra controller and an extra game when it is so FAR from Christmas and my kids are only 5 nad 6.

KEEP BELIEVING

Marla said...

we love our wii too, and it works when you are trying to get them to do something :)

Kat said...

I feel like I am 90 years old whenever someone brings up video games ("what is that contraption?") so I'll be interested in the comments.
I know Wii's are pretty freaking popular, but I don't know what they do. HA! Lame-o!

Anti-Supermom said...

My son and husband play the hand-held PS. (Man, I'm such a gamer loser, I can't remember what it's actually called.) Anyway, they take turns, cuddle up to watch the small screen and it will not cost you hours in line or tons of cash.

Miss Lisa said...

I agree with others you need a Wii. I am total anti-video game mommy and I WANT a Wii--lol!

Skiplovey said...

I feel terribly old and out of it because I have no idea what the current gaming systems are but I can totally rule on an old Sega system. A tad dated? Ok well I've heard super fabu things about the Wii.

Get ready to start talking to the back of a head though, those game systems are addictive! Speaking as a former enthusiast...

Miss said...

Go with the Wii. Its the most kid friendly out there in my opinion. And my opinion counts! ;-) We have all the systems.

Melissa said...

too cute. And if you are going to get one... I wouldonly recommend the Wii. very family friendly. As doesn't really have the bloody specificly made shoot-em-up games like xbox and Play Station.

They are more Harry Potter, tennis, bowling, even an olympic game. They are fun and have brain teaser games and all kinds of stuff.

Plus the wii will let you track what and how much time your kids played... so they can't sneak it or lie about it. And the game system will even suggest sometimes to take a break and go outside and play... no joke! We have one and love it. Adults and kids.

AutoSysGene said...

Hands down, get a Wii if you can get ahold of one. There are A LOT of great kids games.

Mathis Family said...

I vote for the Wii as well. It's a great way for Jay to be active and not be sedentary while still playing games (a major issue of mine). My 3 year old plays some of the games with my dad, who has one. He thinks it's a blast!

MarĂ­a said...

Yes the Wii!

just jamie said...

"I smiled at his innocence."

Perfectly said.

Cecily R said...

That Jay. So sweet. Perfectly written post. As always.

Sounds like the year Gracie got me a string of chili pepper lights for Mother's Day. Jon said she was thrilled the second she saw them and knew they were right for me. I couldn't agree more. I NEEDED those chili lights!!

Oh, and I'd go with the Wii. Most certainly.

The 5 Bickies said...

Our first and only gaming system is the Wii the children got for Christmas. Big kids (aka DAD) like it as much as the real kids.

Good Luck with your decision.

Flea said...

If you HAVE to, get a Wii. Personally, I saw run away. Run very far away. The gaming systems took over our lives. But that's probably partly because my husband could win that trophy.

Nintendo systems will always have more kid friendly games. We had only Nintendo for years for that reason alone. Wii has the added bonus of physical activity, even in the winter.

Unknown said...

I have mixed feelings on gaming systems. The boy doesn't have one of his own but he does play the husband's Nintendo DS, it's like GameBoy. He also likes to play the Wii. I would say either of those are good...the Wii is probably the best! I even love the Wii!!

Tara R. said...

Jay has to be the sweetest little boy! So thoughtful.

I'd have to vote for the Wii too. So many different games, and easily customized for various ages.

Danielle said...

I caved when my stepson was 12 and they got the Wii for Christmas.

Generally, no one around here is interested much, but when Trevor is here, he gets real excited and wants to play it alot, then loses interest pretty quickly.

But it also entertains him and his friends.

I NEVER thought I would succumb, but the Wii isn't bad. AND! He is ALWAYS sore afterwards!!!

(And I don't think the Wii even makes violent games....)

Wendi said...

I am sure this has already been said, but just in case it hasn't:

The best gaming system is Playstation 3.
Hands down.
Just be sure to buy the "E" (e is for everyone) games.
Very important!

The most fun for younger kids and family would be the Wii.
It keeps you active while gaming. It is probably more age appropriate.

There are also tons of educational gaming systems by V-tech.

Good luck in your quest.
Fabulous story and trophy.
That trophy will probably be talked about and remembered longer than any of the others he will get.

Blessings From Above said...

Sorry, no advice on a gaming system.

But, can I just say Jay is such a sweetie!

Amy said...

Yep, I love the Wii. And sometimes I even let the girls play...
Seriously the three year old can play, it is a great system for the whole family!

Karen MEG said...

Oh boy, did we ever try to resist the gaming thing, but it was inevitable when you've got a boy.
So now we have a Playstation 2 and the Wii. And handhelds, the Nintendo DS and the Gameboy. All his friends have these and more. Xbox 360 and PS2/3 seem to have games meant for the older set.

The Wii is a lot of fun, and physical; and even better, there's the Wii Fit, which I have to get my hands on (for mommy and daddy of course).

Sounds like Jay made his Daddy's father day extra special with that trophy (so cute!)

Kim said...

Err.. I can't help out here.. we don't do the gaming yet (mama is a big gaming person.. but gave it up to become mama.. LOL) I would say Wii would be the way to go!! :)
Kimmylyn

Unknown said...

no question - wii. it's fun, active and great for all ages. it's not a game where they just sit on the couch looking all zombied out. get wii fit - the hula one is quite the workout.
sidenote - if you have a plasma, it is actually kind of bad for the tv in the longrun (any gaming system is). that static pictures burn out the bulbs faster, so it's best to play them on an LCD or old tube tv.

3 Peanuts said...

Will is 11 this week and Harry is 7 and we just got a Wii for Christmas. It is active and not violent and we can all play. Then...my Mom thought they were allowed gaming systems and sent an Xbox 360---but don't get me started on that!

The trophy story is So cute!

Robin said...

We held out not getting a game system for my oldest boy, however the next two grew up with one in the house- go figure.

A used Game Cube would work, if your kids are rough with controllers etc.

I have to echo the praise for the Wii though. I got American Idol for Mother's Day and it rocks.

Kendra said...

My oldest has a game cube ... I don't think they make them anymore. He also has a Nintendo DS which he loves. I think we are going to purchase a Wii next month for his birthday.

 

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