I have something much better than a game system in my house. I have friends with game systems. In truth, I’m still fighting the fight against getting one for most of the reasons expressed here. Additionally, with the exception of Wii Fit and similar programs. these systems promote more of the sedentary lifestyle that is killing us all. There is no safe outdoor equipment I would ever refuse to buy my children. Anything that encourages them to play and run around more is absolutely welcome in my home. To that end, we have a big swing set and a trampoline. All of my kids have bikes and scooters. Every summer we buy some sort of outdoor water contraption like a slip and slide. Next summer I’ll probably buy a basketball hoop if my oldest doesn’t go to camp. I’ll buy my kids most any book that is age appropriate, and doesn’t contain anything too blatantly contradictory of Orthodox Judaism. Same thing for board games, barbie dolls (for my daughter),Lego, Thomas the Train, Krazy Bones, action figures and even toy guns and all kinds of other chazerai that may serve to stimulate their imaginations. But I draw the line at game systems that add nothing constructive to their lives or intellects. I did however compromise and get my older kids Nintendo DS’s. They are a godsend on long car trips.
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