To Wii or Not To Wii

This is the time of year when, desperate for Christmas gift ideas for our family-of-way-too-much-stuff, Bill and I always kick around the idea of getting a Wii for the kids. I think Wiis are really cool, and I know my kids would have fun with one. So far, though, we've held out and resisted getting any kind of video game at all.

My rationale is simple: As I tell my kids, life is short. Each hour is precious. I feel strongly about this. I truly believe that just about anything my kids might dream up to do to fill their time--including lying out in the yard, looking at cloud-shapes or watching grass grow--is a better use of their time than staring at a screen of any sort. (Ironic, isn't it, that I'm spending my free time staring at a screen right this minute--but never mind that.) But seriously--as it is, we barely have enough hours in the day just to get everyone fed and all the homework done around here; the last thing I need is one more thing on the kids' to-do lists.

This year, though, we're closer than ever to getting a Wii. Wiis are really amazing, don't you think? So many cool games! And the interactivity sure wipes out a big part of the usual video game objection--with a Wii, the kids can exercise a lot more than just their thumbs. Besides, I kind of think that I would really like Wii Fit.

So without further ado, here's the list of pros and cons as I see them. Got any advice or anything to add? Help, really! :)

In Favor of a Wii:
- Fun
- Would make a good Christmas gift
- Good thing for the kids to do when friends come over
- Don't be so uptight, Mom!

Against a Wii:
- The kids will totally fight about whose turn it is, at all times.
- Even when they play a PC game on a CD or website, they exhibit irrational behavior, including lots of fighting and meltdowns when their turn is over.
- Video games are just a wee bit addictive. (If you're not convinced about this, just try playing Tetris for one hour--and then stopping.) I firmly believe that the behaviors just noted above result from my kids experiencing media withdrawal. Frankly, I'm scared about expanding this unpredictable drug into our household, times 5.
- One more thing to lose or break
- They should just read a book; there are more books in the world than they can read in their entire lifetime.
- There is plenty of evidence that video games are bad for kids and families.
- I'm afraid that video games will harm their imagination and creativity.
- We. Don't. Have. Any. Extra. Time.
- Life is short.

Okay, okay, I made up my own mind again, apparently. Thanks; I'm glad we had this little chat.