The resolution of the Nintendo issue....and a bit of a life lesson

I blogged a few weeks ago about how my Kallie has discovered the Nintendo DS. A game that Christina has had for over a year but only played with in bits and spurts. She has never been a big video game person (which is absolutely FINE by me!).

But we had a few easy games and, once Kallie figured them out, she fell in love with them. And then the problems started. Suddenly, Christina is in LOVE with the Nintendo...and the fighting ensued.

Thanks to a few suggestions from you all, I decided that if they both want to play, I will set a timer. Amazingly, once the timer goes off, they easily give up the game. I can't believe that works SO well. Wow.

Since, prior to now, no one really played the game, we didn't own a lot of games. But now that Kallie has been playing her Princess and Dora game to death, she is starting to get a bit bored. She plays every day, but is getting tired of only switching between the two (and she really never liked the Dora game anyway).

So, yes, I bought some new games (games, NOT a DS). One new one for Christina and one new one for Kallie. And they are so thrilled. I got two semi-educational games. So when they do play, they are at least learning a thing or two.

Then I started, again, debating whether we should just eventually get a second DS, maybe at the Kallie's birthday.

And then I was hit with a huge realization (one I already knew, but definitely need daily reminders of). Part of the allure of this game is that neither girl can use the game as much as they want. And you know that when you want something, and can't have it, it is OH-SO-MUCH MORE ENTICING!!!

Sadly, I truly believe that kids today have way too much. They honestly want for nothing, but still feel they need more and more and more. Because you think if you finally get everything you want - materially, that is - your life is going to be blissful.

And that NEVER EVER happens.

Before you know it, there is something else, something better, something bigger that you HAVE to have. Something that you know will finally complete your life. It is foolish, but it is so often true. My Christina is definitely evidence of that!

So I decided my kiddos are going to share the DS for now. And they will have so much more fun playing their games and appreciate their time with the game WAY more this way.

And you know what? Even with the timer and the occasional fighting, they are also just so much happier this way.

BEEP!