Comments on: Grand Theft Childhood

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:11:39 +0000

It is a difficult call but I would be a “No”. There will be a “Grand Theft Auto V1″ and probably at least “VII”. When the boys are in college (or later) and they get to decide what comes into their house, they can buy the game and celebrate the freedom of not having to ask first.
Saying “No” now would be less an attempt to influence their tastes now but to begin the next cycle of parenting – how should our kids parent. When they are small the “I can’t wait till you have kids” refrain is funny but usually goes over their head – now they can think and project. The kids may be mad about the stances we take but we teach them about taking stances. And for “Grand Theft Auto” it is a low risk easy stance to take.
Maybe our kids will remember they can say “No” when their kids ask to buy the new “Holodeck” game and promise not to use the rape or animal cruelty options.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:37:15 +0000

Thanks for the glowing compliments. However, the game is awful. The dialogue is horrifying and it is extremely violent. The characters use the F. word in every sentence. But, I agree, we have to let go and I’d prefer to begin the process under my watch. Somehow, NPR gave this game rave reviews. You may want to preview this game. Ben absolutely loves this game. We have to limit his time playing it.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 12:35:47 +0000

Last summer, while staying on a very quiet island with no police presence, I drove to pick up Malcolm at the ferry. It was sunset, and I had left a cocktail party to fetch my kid, who was 15 at the time. Because he had practiced driving the day before with his dad, and because I was feeling tipsy, I suggested he take the wheel and steer us safely back to the house. As he expertly carried out this request, I said “Wow, how did you learn to be such a good driver?” His comforting answer: “Grand Theft Auto, Mom.”