What are your thoughts on a 5 almost 6 year old getting an Xbox for Christmas ? I really don’t want to but he wants it so bad and apparently has one at his dads I’m so conflicted on if I wanna get him the system or not …
My 7 year old has had one for years but his dad plays as well. He has limits and does sports 3-4 times a week all year around so he’s not sitting on it every hour he’s home. He reads, does his homework and helps tidy before he gets his xbox
A switch would be an awesome replacement. Something more family friendly. Lots of fun kids games.
We’re getting an Xbox but it’s for the whole family and it will be in my room with limited access. And we’ll play it as a family. I have a 6 year old and a 19 year old.
My 5 year old wants one. I don’t see a problem with it. My 7 year old already has one. I feel like he’s growing up too fast because thats all he wants to do tho.
Ultimately it’s your choice. If I did, I would just set a short time limit on play times. Like an hour or two a day. And gradually work up as he gets older ya know?
I think if he wants one get him one great games to play with him on them my boys love theirs and had it since they were young
My kids loved playing minecraft at that age on Xbox! If he has one already at dad’s, I say go for it. Just be mindful of hours spent on it.
My 6 year old has a PS5. He plays once in awhile. It’s in his room and he takes great care of it. Started him off on the PS4. He’s not at all addicted to it and can only play an hour a day give or take a little. Honestly he will go days without turning it on. Being 6 he has all kinds of interest. He likes to play games but it’s not his life.
My kid had bunch of systems she kinda gave up after awhile. Currently we have the switch and have kid friendly games. Some have educational things.
Start smaller and upgrade as he gets older
Yep. That’s what he wants and as long as you have your rules about it I don’t see an issue.
As long as he has rules and follows them also find appropriate games.
if you have chores or expectations make sure he meets those task before he gets to play.
if you leave it to chance you will have a hard time after the fact.
you need to have
clear rules
expectations, such as times he’s allowed to play and turn off.
and consequences of him not keeping to his agreements.
you also need to be fair and once the deal has been struck both of you need to keep to the agreement.
you can’t be shifting the goalpost or rules once the deal has been struck
the only time you can enforce the rules is when your kid breaks the rules.
that’s it.
so make sure you get your agreements in order and that you’ve thought about this
you could also bond with your kid by choosing a game you can play together
So my 10 year old nephew played on mine once, and my super expensive Xbox controller buttons are all sticky, and yes I asked him to wash hands beforehand, like lol wtf are you drooling in or something bro!? So now, just nope.
Do not do it, he will always be playing and wanting new games
I don’t think my son who is five is getting a gaming system until maybe 12. I’m probably the odd ball but I think it’s such a distraction for kids to have free access to games, phones, so much so they for get how to use their imagination. At 5 I just feel it’s too young. All the boys I know with them are obsessed with it.
You need to make this decision for yourself and your own home.
I definitely have an opinion about it. And people’s opinions may vary, especially from child to child. But this is a personal decision you’ll need to make, as you will be the one dealing with the child and the choice you make.
Just get an older Xbox that’s used, it won’t be as annoying when they inevitably break it.
My 6 almost 7 year old has a ps4 that his big brother gave him when he had a ps5. I would get an older version for him to try out
My son was around 6 I think when he got his switch. He enjoys playing games and we play together also. He has taken good care of it and never broke it. It’s up to you.
My kids both play ps5 and the switch. My son is 6 and my daughter is 9. They’ve grown up with it since their dad plays and sometimes I do too. We just don’t let them play it all the time but it’s nice having it. We all play together sometimes.
I would not. Sounds like a video game addiction in the making, among other reasons.
I got my son his at that age and there’s a lot of educational games and believe it or not Minecraft is an amazing game for kids that age thheg have to use their brains and imagination to build worlds it’s like doing legos but in a game I honestly see no problem with it just make sure the games he’s playing are age appropriate and there’s no need for him to have Xbox live at that age
My kids were playing on the PlayStation at age 3
My six and four year old girls love playing games. I don’t think it’s an issue as long as you limit the screen time. Technology is going to be a big part of their lives anyways
My opinion is 5 is too young for their own Xbox…
Our 3 yro plays on ours (BOTH parents are gamers.) BUT we have her profile locked down. Only people we know personally are on her profile. She isn’t able to talk or chat in games. We have parental controls on her profile. And we monitor EVERYTHING.
She currently only has 2 games. Paw patrol grand prix and Minecraft. Christmas she is getting Bluey the game and possibly another paw patrol game.
It’s your money. You do what you want with it.
Do it. My kids were born with a controller in their hands. I would get like a Xbox 1, not the new kind tho. Set up boundaries for him. Nothing wrong with video games if done correctly.
At that age my son had a Nintendo wii. At this age they aren’t going to be addicted to it but come 12 that’s a whole different story
The reason I’m holding of on getting my 6 nearly 7 year old any game console is because I’m worried he will become addicted to it and lose interest in everything else.
My 5 Year Old has one. However, I am a gamer myself so he has parental controls on and I change his passwords weekly so he can’t guess them.
Do your research on Parental Controls, Games that you allow your child to play and have a think about rules around the Xbox as well (for example my son can not play the Xbox at all Monday-Friday and Weekends only after lunch till 6Pm).
Lmao ur kidding right…he’s 5 not a teenager or an adult but a 5yr old child
It’s not something you should be speaking with a 5 year old about. If you dis-approve of, don’t do it. Parents should stand together, so you should be speaking with the boy’s other parent. A 5 year old can easily live without an xbox and you know it! The father shouldn’t be allowing it, when you don’t approve; end of story. BTW there are a lot of things I want, and will probably never get, and I’m 67 years old. It’s called ‘life’…we don’t get everything we want!
My kids never got one till they were 10,5 is way to young
At 5 their reckless butt is getting an original Xbox. Lol.
We are a gammer family she’s 8 now but we have been playing games w her since she could hold a controller I also had a nes, when I was 3 I started playing , super Nintendo, N64, Wii everything I also have a kick ass computer so does hubby and my DD as well we have PS5 had a PS4 also 2 switches ones mine and ones hers she has a steam account she has Minecraft and Roblox we play all this w her we play World.of warcraft and everything final fantasy 7 remake she plays that constantly loves it warms my heart really she has Cloud and Aerith dolls from squareanix and met my hubby through world of Warcraft in 2007 married 2011 her name comes from the lore of world of Warcraft… Gaming isn’t scary omg addicting bla bla bla if u treat it right… I say go for it
You’ll need to have your own acct and to set him up a child’s acct. to control his access to people and games. Def talk to dad about this so you guys can be on the same page regarding safety online. Bc an Xbox gives them access to everything and anybody and there’s lots of disgusting people out there. Also unless your kiddo understands personal security do not let them talk to others. I’ve seen kids that age give out their addresses talk about all the cool stuff I’d in their house and say if they’re parents are around. Absolutely dangerous. And def keep them off inappropriate games but that’s more the adults sake we don’t want to handle their meltdown when they lose.
I got my first game system at 4 (super nintendo) and it was the best thing ever, I say go for it.
I got one for my son when he was 5. He was glued to it for two weeks. Then lost interest. He is almost 8 now and is just starting to play it again.
We have an Xbox 360 for our girls (ages 3, 9 and 10) they love it and all the games available. I would suggest going that route but if you have grown ups who would play it as well there’s games that are age friendly for a 5 year old. It all depends on what you’re willing to spend and how they treat their electronics.
My son was 7 when he received his, gift from my brother. I was worried he would try and be on it all the time but he rarely is. I’d wait….but if you do just research the games well, and watch his time on it
Growing up my mom always got us new play stations and game systems for Christmas tho I know it was mainly for my dad lol but we still enjoyed it! 5 is when I started gaming and my daughter too! Go for it!
My son is 13, does sports and loves to be outside. As long as you implement rules and monitor games played in sure it won’t be a problem. Each parent is different.
We have an Xbox for my 16 year old and a switch for 5 year old he got last Xmas he plays that more then Xbox its nice he can take in car
My kids are 5 and 7. My husband and I have an Xbox one. He got it whenever it came out, so it’s technically his. My 5 year old has zero interest in it right now. My 7 year old loves playing minecraft! She is monitored and watched while playing and is only allowed to play for so long. She follows a YouTube channel on my phone, I believe their names are Mikey and JJ and she watches them build stuff and then goes onto her minecraft game and does it herself! It’s neat watching her play it.
My kids are 8 & 5 & play all my old school game systems like original Nintendo & sega, gameboy, they have a wii & ps4 & 5, tablets with games. This xmas we bought them each a switch. We only let them play them once in awhile for hour max. Their both in hockey & other sports, so their so active all the time that we dont mind once or twice a week letting them play games.
Nothing wrong with it if you make rules as to how long they can play per day, what they can play, learn to read as well as other not so educational games. Chores must be done, homework etc. You need to monitor it.
I’m getting me 5 yr old a switch for Christmas.
I guess I’m the only one that thinks it’s not a bad idea. My son started playing video games at the age 3 because he watched me play them, then I gave him is own Xbox when he turned 4. Now we play together, he still plays with his other toys and does other things a child should be doing but gaming is his biggest hobby has been since he was 3 and there’s nothing wrong with that imo.
I’d say no. He is too young and he already has one at his dad’s.
My child has been playing video games with us since she was 2. If it’s something that your child is really interested in, work with them & see what games to get together.
100%! Why—because if you set rules in place like with anything else it’ll be a great way to give him a future hobby and learn a lot. My son plays every system and is now reading the captions and stories at 5. He also plays Pikmin which helped him learn more math! He still prefers to play outside and with other children at any time. You’ll have to prioritize taking them to the park or playground and interacting with cousins, friends too. You need to show him that both can be important to him.
The Switch is more risky because it’s portable and can be taken in the car. Then you’ll have to control that outside of the house. Console is the way to go!
My 6 year old has a ps4 , him & my 4 yo love to play Minecraft & Roblox !
My son is 6 & we just bought him an x-box that will be given to him on Christmas & last year he got a switch.
It’s completely parents choice!
If you get an Xbox, buy kid friendly games. Don’t get live until they are older my daughter was 8 and I found someone talking to her inappropriately on games like Roblox aimed for kids.
I think it would be fine just don’t get a headset
I personally wouldn’t let my 5 year old get a Xbox. I plan on letting my kids be kids as long as possible. They will have plenty of time for phones and other electronics when they are older.
Mine waited til he was 12.
If he has one at his dad’s, why does he really need another one? If you can do it and it won’t be break the bank maybe. My son had a hard time learning to read and minecraft actually helped him so much with reading bc he had to type in all the words. If it was up to me, my kid wouldn’t have one but he loves it. So I’m kind of on the fence about these things.
It’s your child you make the decisions on if you get it and where it placed example instead of bedroom maybe a living room so he isn’t up all night playing and you can see/hear who he plays with that’s what we did
It’s not the fact of him having it or his age, it’s a question of parental responsibility.
He can use it for video games, watching movies and streaming tv, so it can be cost effective to have one device versus multiple devices to have access to all of the same features.
My personal opinion is that it CAN be appropriate at his age IF it doesn’t become a babysitter. It can absolutely become a learning tool under the right circumstances. You as the parent have to set boundaries, place parental controls, teach him time management (if you say he can play for 45 minutes, that means 45 minutes. Set a timer and do not give in to whining or rebelling) and responsibility (putting controllers and games away, etc). It can also be used as a bonding tool. If he absolutely loves race cars, for example……do you know how happy it would make him if y’all picked out a racing game and played it together?
And to add, there are games for all age ranges so it is something that can grow with him and he can use it for years to come.
So my thought is yes, it can be an appropriate gift IF you are willing to do your part to set the strict parental controls and boundaries needed for it to become a positive addition to your household.
I’m getting my just 5 year old an Xbox, right now we share mine and I hate:sparkles:it. So I’m getting him his own. Then we can game online together.
Get him toys to play out side he’s 5
My 5 year old loves playing Xbox… just make sure you’re monitoring it so they aren’t chatting with anyone. Most of the time I’m playing with him.
I think a 5 year old is too young for such an expensive gift. How about making it a gift for you from Santa, with a note to share it with your 5 year old. Get some games for you some for your kid. Make it clear if your child breaks anything related to the Xbox or TV it will not be replaced. One year I got a GameCube system for my kids, I wrapped it up, 4 times outer layer had my name, then my first born, next layer had my second born last layer had my youngest child’s name. I said I guess Santa wants us to share this but thought we should all get to open it.
If you want to raise a sarcastic rude ill mannered coach potato then go for it. Or you can be the mean mom who only allows him an hour a day use.( BEING SARCASTIC) . Be careful kids will play parents against each other, they learn early. Choose your battles carefully.
I think it’s ok as long as you monitor the time they spend on it.
My son had Xbox access at 4. He’s a gamer for sure. He’s 7.5 now and it’s taught him how to read. He’s beating games for kids aged 12+
Get the switch so many options and it’s your kid. Yall can play as a family too lots of options. Only you know your kid.
My daughter has every electronic you can think of lol but you’re the parent, set limits and you’ll be fine.
Of course. Get him one if you can. Why not? He’ll love it! My son got a switch, WI, Xbox, etc when he was younger. ( he’s 10 now). No, he’s not addicted . Yes, he still does many other things, school ( straight A’s),church, friends, family, hunting,chores, etc. No its not a distraction, NO he’s not Obsessed, yes He plays live, and plays when he wants to, I’ve never noticed him turn into a zombie , we’ve never dealt with any creepy people online. ( always a concern of course)These kids will live in an AI, computer generated, online world. ( if human population still exists in 10 years) They will work, shop, entertain, and have relationships ONLINE. It’s already happened. WAYY different than the world I lived in as a kid. ( we’ve come a long way since the days of Pong Sooo, I really don’t understand all the " ohhh he’s to young" , set time limits, they’ll get addicted, verbage. My son is growing up in a world that I ( 61, yes Im an older mother) do not understand or recognize anymore. I’m surely not going to hinder him in any way. My 3 older children ( in their 40’s now) all played ninetendo feverishly ( they fought over it all the time) They all grew up, got jobs, families, pay the government every week as required, you know, contributing members of society.
Iv got my son the ps5 for Xmas he’s 5 x
Buy a used one. Set time limits and only buy age appropriate games. He’s already playing it at dads…
It’s fine. As with anything in life - it’s about balance … and if you instal that from the start with boundaries … there’s few issues.
While people bemoan screens - people forget to point out the bonus. They can help with fine motor skills …. Help develop imagination… hell I got my youngest a iPad at 3… she was creating stories, doing maths apps … songs … dancing, learning colours, etc did any of that stop her being a child and using toys - god no. She still made camps, played with dolls … used colouring books, read books …
Get it for him! Just don’t get on-line services and buy a used one.
If you want to get it. Not many child appropriate games tho lol
My kid has all the systems and she barely plays them. But she was around them most of her life and she will play maybe a game or 2 a week if that. She’s 7 now. But if anyone gets their kid a switch, get the lite. Hubby owns a repair and we have switches coming in all the time cause their kids threw them, dropped, etc.
Honestly just tell him since there’s one at his dads, ask him what games he’d like you to buy to take over instead as a treat. But if he’s committed to having his own xbox at yours try using incentives, like with putting his toys and clothes away, the more chores he does the more screentime he gets and teach him about the importance of prioritising. Keep the xbox in the lounge where you can see each other. Get two controllers and play multiplayer with him, get him to teach you how to play it.
I play on my partners playstation from time to time
P.s remind yourself to do it all at your own pace, teaching kids the importance of things takes a lot of patience.
I do feel 5 is a little young for a game console, BUT video games have always been my release since a young child And now my kids enjoy them too and we get to play together a lot. Set boundaries and don’t put it in their room if you can help it. Honestly a switch would be a great alternative for a small child if you’re skeptical on getting the Xbox.
My boy got his first 360 for his 6th birthday this year. He also has gaming parents so it’s like a right of passage for him lol but don’t listen to that crap other people are saying about him becoming addicted or being too young. Just like any other device there’s family friendly games and apps and parental controls. My boys play their Xbox games once they get permission and it’s usually just us playing together as a family. If he seems responsible enough I think it’s a great gift and idea. Good luck momma
We got my 5 almost 6 year old an Xbox for Christmas she plays her dad’s
She only plays with family online since I can control everything through the app. She goes to school full time and is a great student that the teachers love. She likes to play Xbox but also watches movies on it.
We didn’t go out and buy a brand new one we got her a used one so if it breaks we won’t be out of money
Then what will you get him when he’s 12-13???
Please do not ! It is addictive ! Causes the child to be overstimulated, nightmares and anxiety . Biggest Mistake I ever made
If you have the money then go for it
Who is the parent?I won’t but that’s me.
I think the world is going crazy and everyone is losing their minds. Who would even think to get a 5 year old a game system get your child toys to play with outside or with someone.
Lmao that would be a no from me. Perhaps a Nintendo switch, but not an Xbox.
1 is enough… video games cause serious addiction and trigger the same response in our brains as cocaine does. Hence the meltdowns…tantrums and moodswings. Look it up. The choice is yours. Tell him Santa gives gifts that are healthy to play with… and playing is so important…helps our brains grow !
Pretty sure in 6 months ur gonna post asking why my kid is such a brat
If you aren’t sure, it’s a No. If you aren’t ready to set timers and enforce them, no. If you aren’t ready to research games before they show up in your home, no.
Never get guilted into soemthing you aren’t comfortable with bc “Dad has one”.
What’s wrong with a kid wanting an Xbox. Kids are only kids once. Better than running the streets. My family and me are gamers and I’d rather my kids addicted to games then drugs.
I don’t see a problem if you limit the time he’s allowed to play and screen the games carefully. Tell him it counts as screen time, so it may limit the time he has for shows and other things.