Kids, Games and Age Ratings

[SarzWix]

I was brought up in a very strict religion, where just about everything was forbidden! Music was vetted, TV was vetted - we weren't allowed to watch TotP if Boy George was going to be on it (or anything else considered risque!), we weren't allowed to watch Grange Hill either, we weren't allowed to wear 'fashionable' clothes... And practically the only reasons we were given were 'because I say so' or 'it's not suitable'

Whatever I decide in the end will be clearly explained, with the reasoning behind it. They may be young, but I still think they deserve the respect of having things explained to them, even if they don't agree

[HotStuff]

Whatever I decide in the end will be clearly explained, with the reasoning behind it. They may be young, but I still think they deserve the respect of having things explained to them, even if they don't agree

I've never been a parent and at my age never will be now, but I think that is great, treat them with respect and hopefully they will learn the lesson and respect others. I hope it all works out for you.

[di]

There were many things I wasn't allowed as a kid and many I was, I firmly believe that was right and I appreciated the ones I got all the more. The little ones should learn that they can't have everything and so need to feel that sometimes.

Alison,I agree with you and there's things that mine have been denied because I don't see them as suitable...at this age the peer pressure probably isn't as great but I've been an evil mum for not letting mine have things that I see as totally inapprpriate,but it is hard...you remember that sinking feeling as a kid when (it seemed) ALL your friends had the latest something(or watched ITV!!!)and it's just so tough to inflict that on your own!

I guess Sarah you've got to decide exactly how you feel about this game.If you decide that actually you don't want it in your home,sit down & explain to them as adults why!You never know,they may actually agree with you & be the ones going to school boasting that they haven't got it because it's totally sick!......and pigs may well fly!

[Incy]

I was brought up in a very strict religion, where just about everything was forbidden! Music was vetted, TV was vetted - we weren't allowed to watch TotP if Boy George was going to be on it (or anything else considered risque!), we weren't allowed to watch Grange Hill either, we weren't allowed to wear 'fashionable' clothes... And practically the only reasons we were given were 'because I say so' or 'it's not suitable'

Whatever I decide in the end will be clearly explained, with the reasoning behind it. They may be young, but I still think they deserve the respect of having things explained to them, even if they don't agree

Sounds like you had a similar upbringing to me Sarz except my parents did explain why usually.
I also believe in explaining to my son why he can't have certain things he wants. It sometimes ends up going in circles but at least he knows there is a reason and I'm not just being mean for the sake of it.
It sounds to me like you are a great Mum so trust your instincts and do whatever you feel is best. Don't be bullied into a compromise you're unhappy with as it won't help future battles.
Every time we go to gamestation my boy tries to get me to agree to him having CoD and I always sick by my decision. I have compromised on things I didn't feel as strongly about but have often regretted that as it then gave him an argument for other compromises I wasn't happy making.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[carlseawolf]

I had this problem last year with my son aged 10 who wanted GTA ( cert 18) and i first of al said no way as he was to young.
I'm divorced and know have a new partner who also was in agreement , but he still sees his real mother on a regular visits and there was a posibility that he may ask here instead .
This was the compromise we came up with.
He was allowed the game to be played in his room but alone . his room is just off the front room so he can be monitored.

If he was caught using foul language or trying to act out violent sceens from the game it would be taken of him the first time, then a hammer would be taken to it on the second time.

The conclusion was we made the game uncool and he no longer plays it.
I also noticed you said he talks to his friends online as he plays the game, maybe that sould be part of the deal that he stays offline while playing it and no friends aloud in the room while it's on.

[FionaH]

Hi Sarz, Nathan here

Im 16 and ijust god COD6 and i have played the mission that everyone is talking about and i dont think its very suitable :P to be honest i was actually quite shocked. However you can block it and if your son already has the other Call of Duties, it isnt bad at all

[SarzWix]

Thanks Nathan

At the moment, it's academic, cos we're brassic! No way we can afford any games before Christmas at £40 - £50 a go Plus, because we didn't pre-order it, it's sold out everywhere...

[zazen999]

Plus, because we didn't pre-order it, it's sold out everywhere...

Oh dear, what a shame

[FionaH]

Plus, because we didn't pre-order it, it's sold out everywhere...

Sorted! Well it buys you a bit of time any way.

[janeyo]

I have been watching this thread with interest.. and I am DREADING my 5 year old getting any older at all. In fact I am off to research if there any any unlicenced drugs I can buy to keep him and his 2 year old brother stuck in time forever! lol. I do not want them to grow up!!!!!!

He already wants to watch 12' films cos all his friends with older brothers have watched them... and we only allow 'U' films and some PG' with supervision. He just doesn't understand the plots of anything older.

And the littlun thinks he is 5 already

AARRGGHHHHHHHHHH

[FionaH]

I have been watching this thread with interest.. and I am DREADING my 5 year old getting any older at all. In fact I am off to research if there any any unlicenced drugs I can buy to keep him and his 2 year old brother stuck in time forever! lol. I do not want them to grow up!!!!!!

He already wants to watch 12' films cos all his friends with older brothers have watched them... and we only allow 'U' films and some PG' with supervision. He just doesn't understand the plots of anything older.

And the littlun thinks he is 5 already

AARRGGHHHHHHHHHH

You wait till they want to have girlfriends stay over !!!

[janeyo]

You wait till they want to have girlfriends stay over !!!

*faints

That is SO not going to happen. They can go round the other half's house like I had to

The 5 year old was watching his daddy shaving and asked if he would have to do it when he was a daddy - I can't imagine these kind of things, he has such smooth baby skin!!!!!!!

[Incy]

You wait till they want to have girlfriends stay over !!!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OverWyreGrower]

The 5 year old was watching his daddy shaving and asked if he would have to do it when he was a daddy - I can't imagine these kind of things, he has such smooth baby skin!!!!!!!

Our nephew was asked what he wants to be when he grows up "Uncle Mark" (Mr OWG) was the answer. Why? Apparantly he wants Uncle Marks car, and Uncle Marks XBox, and Uncle Marks chickens....

He is nearly 3!!!

[Hilary B]

There were many things I wasn't allowed as a kid and many I was, I firmly believe that was right and I appreciated the ones I got all the more. The little ones should learn that they can't have everything and so need to feel that sometimes.

I'm totally with you there. There is nothing wrong with ''because I say so" as long as that isn't the reason EVERY time. "Because I'm not having it in this house" might be a version that would be more... credible.