How To Choose The Perfect Video Game For Your Child

I realize I should have had this wonderful brainchild of an idea before the Christmas shopping season, but better late than never.

I have a 6 year old (almost 7) that loves to play video games. The problem is, many video games are too advanced for him. I don't understand why they can't put a recommended age on them or skill level on them. They have the rating system, which is good, but what developmental skills do they need to play the game? Do they need to be able to read? Are puzzles incorporated in the game? What degree of coordination do they need to play the game? I have so many games that get no play because he is incapable of playing them. Many afternoons I have been coerced into playing a game with him. Usually because it is too hard for him to play by himself. Within 10 minutes he bails on me, and before I know it I have spent all afternoon playing Super Mario Bros on the Wii!

I have bought games that I thought he would like. Nada. I have bought games that have gotten great reviews. Nope. It is really all up to your child; what they like, and whether or not their skill level is equal to the requirements of the game.

I also noticed that just because he can play one game in a genre does not mean he can play them all. For example, we have Lego Batman for Xbox. He LOVES that game, so we got Lego Star Wars. He HATES that game. Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is okay, but Lego Harry Potter for the DS requires so much reading, that he can't play a single level without constantly asking me what it says. (That was last summer, his reading level has improved and he may be able to read well enough to play it now, but he has lost the game. But I must say, during this same time, he had no problem, what so ever playing the Lego Batman game.)

My idea was born...
This idea actually needs to be credited to my 6 year old son. He got a tablet for Christmas and has been playing with it non-stop. He has also been talking non-stop about this new video game that he is wanting for his birthday (which is 3 days after Christmas). When I asked him where he heard of this video game, he told me "YouTube, Mom!" He has been watching some guy on YouTube play this video game for hours and hours!

Then it hit me! I can watch this guy play this game too, see just what this game is about, and determine if this is a game that he can play.

Here is the recipe for choosing the perfect video game that your kiddo will actually play!

1. Become familiar with game titles that you think your child would like, and you approve of.

• go to stores and jot down titles 
• check out online stores
• you can search hundreds of titles quickly

2. Search for the walk-through on youtube.com

• For the most part you should be able to just type in the title of the game in the search bar. If not add "walk-through" to the end. Just about everything is on the internet, it is very likely that whatever game you are curious about has been YouTubed!
• I suggest you watch the walkthough first to make sure there is no bad language.
• If you don't approve of the language, but the walk-through is a good representation of how the game will play, turn the volume down.
• You should also be looking for skills required to play the game. Will your child be able to play the game? 

3. Have your kiddo watch the walk-through

• If you have watched it, approve of the content, and think you child is capable of playing the game, Have your child watch it to see if he likes it.

I have tried this with several games for my kiddo. There were a few that were on a "kids game list" that I knew he would not be able to play without my help, and some that he could, but was not interested in. I can't tell you the money it ha,s and will save ey in un-played video games. We all know what the buy-back value is on those things!

More Wire Hangers Please!

 Holiday Ribbon Organization in a Pinch!

I just had an OMG I am a frigging genius moment, and I just had to post this. I am a pinterest junkie and I have never seen this on there. (Now that does not mean that it's not there...) I have seen lots of ribbon organization situations, but most are for a permanent craft room. I do not have a permanent craft room. My craft room is what ever room I am in.

Last Christmas my ribbon storage was a plastic Walmart bag, so am super excited to be moving up in the crafting organization world! Thank goodness my boyfriend dry cleans his work clothes, or I would not have had this hanger handy.