Consumption

Rean here...

I felt a bit uncomfortable when our son asked me why I didn't want him to play games like "Plants vs. Zombies". My response to him was that he still needed to develop self-control and discipline. My own personal experience have taught me that these activities can be addicting. With personality traits like mine, my son is highly vulnerable to such a condition. His query was valid, though, considering that he and his sister spend more time reading books than playing with a Nintendo DS or a PSP. Putting more thought to it, immersion into a virtual gaming world produces the complacent students I typically encounter in my university lecturing. It's sad that even our graduates are busy hunting iphone 4 accessories or the latest gaming experience rather than drafting the next great work of art. Why seek the latest and greatest game when you can create the next gamer's choice. We truly have to battle for a culture of production over that of consumption.

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Gaming Consoles for Christmas?

Some of us may still be undecided about what to give this Christmas. For older kids, (if they demonstrate discipline and self-control) you may want to consider giving a PSP, PS3 or an x-box.

While previously considered as a bane to child development, gaming can potentially deliver the opposite. If games are chosen correctly, ensuring that the right value and judgment system is upheld, a child can develop good logical and motor skills. In the current Survivor Gabon series, gamer Kenny edges out physically superior competitors with his unique strategies and tactics. I think it's because of his experience as a gamer. The way I see it he thinks 2 to 3 steps ahead in anticipation of road blocks or challenges that the ordinary person might not consider. It's a plus to the way he plays his game. I also remember sharpening my strategy skills playing Civilization and Dune way back in college.

So of you're hesitating about that gaming console - just make sure that it doesn't become a babysitter for your kids. With proper guidance and with the correct choice of games you can use it as a tool to teach your kids something useful. Hope this post helps you tick out some names in the gift list.

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