Learning/exercise video games to play with 8 year old daughter

[Wyatt Mann 17]

So, here is the deal, folks. Back in the mid 90s, I played Atari, Nintendo, Super NES. Then one day I got major motion sickness playing Mario Kart and never played video games again. Supposedly there are "games" for helping you learn to play guitar and drums, video games for learning foreign languages and stuff. Any of you folks have experience with that? And video games involving exercise. Like a dancing game or some shit like that. Something that involves the use of more than just your thumbs. I have no idea, I am so out of the loop.

[luke duke 6413]

I think that all the kids are playing Leisure Suit Larry these days.

[horn4life 3761]

When I hear the terms Video and Exercise mentioned together I would normally want to slap you upside the head.  They simply do not mix, ESPECIALLY for an 8 year old daughter!!!

But you clearly state you have "no idea."  Exercise is simply getting outdoors and doing stuff.  It can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk. Or organized sports like soccer that provides lots of varied movements and coordination.  But video and phones are the enemy of a good parent.  Hold off on allowing texting as late as possible, like high school. The group message bullshit is an endless pinging that eliminates the development of good habits and a promotion of good values.  Teaching your daughter that watching rather than doing IMHO is a bad, bad idea.

I personally picked soccer for my girls because I was familiar with it, and it's a sport where the US Women are every bit as fun (if not more) than the US Men's team.  Even more importantly it was a way for them to understand that girls come in all shapes and sizes. So for me it was about a healthy body image,  self esteem and building friendships with other girls.  Girls that do not participate in groups sports often view other girls as rivals first, rather than friends.   There is a lot of science behind less promiscuity in girls playing sports as well. 

It's not as easy as saying watch this video, but I think the best thing you can do is gauge her interest in different sports, and let her try something out.  Go for a walk with her yourself. Kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, throw a ball, take a hike, ride bikes together or simply get outdoors! The advantage of organized group sports is there is a support network of parents that form car pools and divide labor.  The disadvantage (now) is that youth sports is now more of a profit center than at any point in our history.  

I will say once again, that suggesting your daughter turn to videos for exercise if fucking crazy in my mind.  I think you are not too bright when you buy them game boys and X boxes as well.  Get them involved in something they like that is organized and just do shit with them that is active.  Make if fun! 

** videos for learning guitar are great, but the less screen time the better for the vast majority of kids.
 

Edited September 6, 2019 by horn4life

[Wyatt Mann 17]

Shit.... I barely remember Leisure Suit Larry.

 

Horn4life, yes, its important to get outside. However, on days in which it is raining or cold(I no longer live in Texas unfortunately) we may have to resort to inside exercise. Hence exercise games. And learning games. I would do more outside stuff but her mother is an outrageously spiteful, resentful beeeyotch. I could go on and on all day about that.

[NeverMarryAStripper 21907]

Just Dance is a game my daughter loves. I think they have a version for just about every system. She lover music and gets the new version every year that has most of her favorite songs on it. I play it with her and it wears my old ass out

[woohorn 1131]

You can get a wii/wii fit at Goodwill for $20. Lots of fun stuff to do. At least you are playing vid games standing up.

[gyroprotagonist 2594]

I compromise with my 9 yo daughter.  1 hour of building in Minecraft / 1 hour of building the same thing with cinderblocks outside.

[Your Mom 4806]

Encouraging exercise on a phone is basically just encouraging more phone use and less actual exercise.  It's the antithesis of not only exercise, but also all things emotionally and academically healthy for a kid.  It's a battle to keep their screentime down but it's one worth fighting.  

[rage-a-holic 4402]

3 hours ago, woohorn said:

You can get a wii/wii fit at Goodwill for $20. Lots of fun stuff to do. At least you are playing vid games standing up.

this

[Helobious 9454]

Show me on the doll where video games & phones touched you guys. Sheesh. 

[Jkwellborn 6708]

Get an og Nintendo. Get the track game and pad. Race. Get some dancing or singing games for the Wii or PS4.