BJ Got a DS for X-Mas, Now what????

I struggled with this decision for weeks before deciding to make the purchase.  BJ (Bacchus Junior) had a Gameboy for two years and at times he struggled with some of the games because he couldn't read many of the directions (BJ is 6) that would pop up during the game.  It didn't make sense to spend that kind of money for something he may not be able to play with, but while visiting a friends house during the Thanksgiving holiday I changed my mind. 

We stopped by a friends house who had invited us over the Thanksgiving desert (Everything was fantastic, I probably gained 5 pounds that evening).  BJ started playing with an older boy who is 12 and his PSP portable device. Although the older boy did a lot of explaining to BJ he was really having a blast and enjoyed it.  So the decision was made and the hunt began.  I searched many of the ads and talked to co-workers, and finally decided to visit Gamestop and see what packages they had.  I Was delighted to know that they had an exchange program if you bring in a used Gameboy you could get a new DS for only $99, plus 20% off two used games. This sold me on the purchase but I couldn't find any used games I thought he would like.  An added plus to the purchase was that he can use any of his Gameboy cartridges in the new DS device.  I purchased the Nintendo accessory pack and got new Mario and Pokemon cartridges to complete the purchase.  

Just before Christmas he mentioned several times that he hoped he would get a DS, and I was silently happy that I made the decision.  Christmas came and he was pleasantly surprised.  He has thoroughly enjoyed his new games and happy to use some of his old gameboy cartridges as well.  The only tricky part to this whole transaction was telling him that the Gameboy had to go to the shop for repair, and Santa couldn't fix it so he replaced it with a DS device.  So now what???

My initial fear of his lack of reading ability came to light, but after walking him thru some of the menus he was able to pick up what the device was asking him to do.  He does get frustrated from time to time, but it is more about him figuring out how to get to the next level of a certain game than anything.  I did notice something that I never dreamed of happening.

As a parent, it is easy for us to forget that our kids need time with us on a regular basis.  The DS purchase has forced me to spend quality interaction time with BJ that I need to do more of.  When he does have trouble with some aspect of the game, it gives us an opportunity to work together and practice problem solving.  Although I thought this purchase was more trivial and commercial, I am using this also as a vehicle for quality interaction between father and son. So if your going to spend that kind of money on a device for your kids, don't just leave them in a room to entertain themselves.  You as a parent, have a wonderful opportunity to get more from the purchase than you ever realized……