Do I trust an 8-yr. old with a Nintendo DS?

Pariza - posted on 05/10/2013

I had a leapster for my son, and now that he's 8, he has outgrown all the games. They only go up to age 8! at least the ones that I have seen in store, and online. I myself am going to be buying him a Nintendo 3DS for his birthday tomorrow :) he has a blackberry playbook (bought by his uncle) but the games suck, and he's bored of his leapster....soooo DS it is! I agree with buying it from the store so that I can get the product service plan in case anything goes wrong.

The frustration I have with these games is that you really have to limit your child's time on them and make sure to use the parental controls...don't let your child out of your sight while using the DS. a maximum of one hour a day is most recommended by optometrists, as well, I find my son slouches over in order to play on his leapster, so I'm worried about his posture...ahhh kids! The technology is so hard to keep up with!

Cheryl - posted on 10/18/2009

I was thinking of getting one for my 7 year old son for Christmas. What we were going to do is go on Ebay or Amazon.com and get a used one in good working order at a cheaper price. That way if he broke it, we hadn't just shelled out $200. There are some decently priced ones on both sites in lots of different colors. Good luck!

Christina - posted on 10/18/2009

I have a 6 year old that has one and she takes very good care of it. I recommend getting a case for the DS so that she knows where it should be when she is not using it. If you would like some good game ideas that is both fun and educational I can give you some.

Andrea - posted on 10/18/2009

I gave my son a DS for his 6th birthday in March and he really takes good care of it. I think that if it is something they really want then they know how important it is.

I also found that it is a great way of teaching them about the value of money and how to save and budget for things as when my son wants a new game etc then he has to save his pocket money and do chores around the house to raise the money. Has gone down really well and he appreciates it even more knowing that he has worked hard to buy the games.

Tiffany - posted on 10/18/2009

We have 3 boys, 8, 6 , and 2 years old.....they all have a DS of their own, the 2 year old has one because he always played with the other 2 boys DS's, so we got him his own with the leapfrog learning games....we bought a shell covering from walmart (for $7.96)...for dropping proof!!! The cover works great and the boys all do great with them including my 2 year old....

Laurie - posted on 10/18/2009

Definitely purchase the store insurance policy. The contacts sometimes get damaged from the games going in and out. Our 8 year old and our 5 year old both have one. We didn't buy the coverage on the first ds and it doesn't work so well anymore. We have to mess with it to get it to play the games. We bought the second one with the coverage and have already replaced it once (it is less than one year old). The insurance is well worth it.

Allison - posted on 10/18/2009

My sister bought one for my son when he was 7 or 8 and it lasted a couple of months before the hinge broke. But he did take it outside to play with his friends. My 10 year old niece has one she got when she was 8 and it is still in excellent condition. Her favorite game to play on it right now is one where she has a virtual baby to take care of. Before that it was a virtual puppy. So I guess it how long the ds lasts depends on the child.

Mandie - posted on 10/18/2009

My daughter will be 5 in dec. That is what she is getting. My Niece and Nephew's all have them. They range in age's 2-9. I think he will be Just fine!

Tracy - posted on 10/18/2009

My 8 year old also has a DS. We bought his for him when he was 6. You just have to show them how to take care of it. He has now moved up to a PSP.

Cheryl - posted on 10/18/2009

my daughter was 5 years old when father christmas brought one..she loves to play mario carts and drawing games, she is very sensible for her age and she has looked after it so far, she takes it on holiday with her just incase its a rainy day i think your daughter would be okay 8 yrs old.

Nichole - posted on 10/18/2009

I have a 9yr old and a 4yr old they both got their ds's last yr for christmas and its been such a good thing for the. my 4 yr old was 3 at the time and he hasnt lost the ds or any of the games yet and knows how to plug it in when it needs to be charged. i think she would be great with it u just need to set some guidelines with her after she gets it like finding a special place to put it along with the games, and charge it in the same place everynite

Amy - posted on 10/18/2009

Yes!!

Irena - posted on 10/17/2009

Quoting Mindy:

I have a 5 and a 4 yr old both have their own DS. We bought a nerf cover ( $15 at Walmart) for it to help break the fall if it is dropped. We also bought a case to keep all the games in. We bought the DS's at Toys r us and bought the waranty with it. It was well worth the $25. They replace it if anything happens to it. They both have a special place to put theier DS in their room so they dont loose them.

When we are driving for a while they take their DS's with them and it keeps them occupied. I think it is well worth the money. They do have some educational games available.

 

I agree with Mindy,my daughter got started on the cousin's DS when she was 3 yrs old,she is 4.5 yrs now and has her own DS.We as well got the silicone cover for the console and put  screen protector so it doesn't get damaged,but I explained to her if she wants to have it she needs to look after it very good,coz if she doesn't I'm gonna take it away from her ,and she really does look after it,so far so good. Your daughter is more than old enough to be able to understand that these things aren't cheap and will look after it if she really wants to.

Lauren - posted on 10/17/2009

Why not look into the didj, Leapster 2 or the L-max? My 5-yr old loves her leapster and with the new leapster 2 I can track how she her progress online.

Janet - posted on 10/17/2009

Yep. Just got them for my 7-year old and 8 year-old daughters. They take pretty good care of them, but buy a case for it just in case. They love the games, and some are even educational.

Karen - posted on 10/17/2009

We compromised...we got the 5 & 7 yr olds Leapsters instead. Less money, good learning experience on how to care for things. They still want to get a DS, but we're waiting

Jennifer - posted on 10/17/2009

My son got his first DS at age 5. We set rules and guidelines and the outcome has been wonderful! He's learning responsibility and the value of a dollar. If you are willing to put in the time of reminding your child that this is something she needs to be careful with, it would be worth your while to get it.

Amber - posted on 10/17/2009

my seven year old got his last Christmas, and it is great! but do the new DSI or she will be wanting that next... the games are very small so get a big carrying case for it so they wont get lost so easily, other than that they are great.

Kristi - posted on 10/17/2009

Absolutely! It is important for them for understand responsibility at this age. My son has a DSi and we have a special place for it....We make sure it is there every evening. It does take a lot of watching on your part as well but with a nice nerf covering or other plastic covering to protect (bc it WILL get dropped) you should be fine.

Heather - posted on 10/17/2009

I bought my daughter one when she was 8 and 5 months later she broke it so my opinion would be no. But if you can give them rules to having one that would a suggestion one that I should have done.

Tameka - posted on 10/17/2009

HI, MY SON IS NOW 5 YEARS OLD, AND HE HAS HAD A NINTENDO DS SINCE HE WAS 4 YEARS OLD. HE HAS DONE RATHER WELL WITH HIS. I EXPLAINED TO HIM WHEN HE FIRST GOT IT, THAT IF HE WAS CARELESS AND I EVER FOUND IT LAYING AROUND I WOULD CONFISCATE IT UNTIL HE WAS OLDER. I THINK SHE WILL DO JUST FINE, BUT NOT ALL KIDS ARE THE SAME. GOOD LUCK.

Melissa - posted on 10/17/2009

My 8 year old son has had a DS since he was 6 years old and he still plays it every day. But I think it really has to do with you. I have pretty strict rules. He is only allowed to play it for a half an hour a day after homework is completed and checked during the week. On the weekends he can play it for as long as he wants but only if his chores are done and his room is clean...etc. I bought him a refurbished one and cost me $50.00 less and 2 years later it still runs like a champ!

Lauren - posted on 10/17/2009

We match DS time with reading time. She just turned eight this year and completed the summer reading program very quickly!

Shannon - posted on 10/17/2009

My 8yr old daughter has one. She keeps it in a case with all the games. i have found games in the dryer (they are fine!! - you can wash and dry them and nothing happens LOL) She does pretty well with it. I recomend the plastic screen cover and a case for it.

Felina - posted on 10/16/2009

We bought our son's when he was 7, he did well with it at first but now he's almost 9 and it's not working and he has no idea why. The battery will not charge. I think it depends on the individual child. I feel the same way about some of the things he wants now

Danielle - posted on 10/16/2009

My 9year old son has had his for two years and has been very responsible with his. I suppose it's like giving them a puppy the only difference is..no feeding, no walking and no poop to step in. I figure responsibility has to start being taught at some point, just the same with trust! Good Luck!

Krista - posted on 10/16/2009

My 8 yr old wants one too. His big brother has one, and he wants one. We use them for vacations to keep them busy in the car, but they don't use them much otherwise. But it's nice to have for special errands, that are boring for them. But he's also had a regular Game boy, and loves that.

Good luck

Misty - posted on 10/16/2009

I thought i could but i was wrong! She used the heck out of it but her desire to show off and please her friends was stronger than her urge to follow my rules about not taking it out og the house. Within the first week i had to go to school and pull her out of class to retrieve it and several games out of her backpack. Within 3 months she had sneaked it out of the house twice to let friends play it, the second time it never returned. Maybe its her age, but she just wanted so badly to be accepted and liked by her peers that any sense of responsibility went out the window!

Joanne - posted on 10/16/2009

I have Twins that are 8 and they both have DS's, I do control where they take them.

Keelie - posted on 10/16/2009

my 9 year old has one but it stays down stairs in the living room when not in use Fyi they can be played in the dark

Amie - posted on 10/16/2009

My 8 year old daughter just got a DS for her 8th birthday, she takes good care of it and if anything she uses it to much.

Danielle - posted on 10/16/2009

I bought a DS for myself last year and this year my daughter who is 4 plays it more than me. She plays Mystery Case files and Super Mario Brothers she takes care of it and even cleans the screen off. I got my money out of it by her playing it more than I did. But if you think she will play it for a day and then forget about it, it's not worth it

Sandy - posted on 10/16/2009

Quoting Becky:

Do I trust an 8-yr. old with a Nintendo DS?

My 8-yr old daughter wants nothing but a Nintendo DS for Christmas, but not sure if I trust her to take care of it and actually get enough use out of it to justify the cost. Anyone have kids this age with a Nintendo DS?

my daughter was 6 and my son was 6 when they got theirs.  They still use them and haven't broke anything on them.  How ever my nieces who are the same ages and my two each got one and they are both broke.  The question is does your daughter take cake of her toys that she already has well and does she keep her toys put away and clean up after herself when you ask her to.  My kids are pretty good at cleaning up after themselves when i ask them to and i get new games for thejm every year so they don't get board with it..my daughter is 10 now and all she wants is cooking mama for her ds so her and mom can learn to cook new things.  My nieces are 10 and 8 and they don't clean their rooms, or take care of things other people give them.  If your daughter already takes care of her toys I would get her one and just keep an eye out for cheep games at places like gamestop or other used game places.  you can find games pretty cheep if you look.

Toni - posted on 10/16/2009

my daughter had her DS when she was 2 1/2. Shes got it, still plays it and it's never been damaged. She's 4 1/2 now.

Tonya - posted on 10/16/2009

i got my son last year when he was 7. I am very proud of him he takes good care of it.

Lisa - posted on 10/16/2009

My son is 6 and we are getting him one for Christmas this year. My oldest daughter is 9 and has had her's for about a year and a half. I would say you have to trust your instincts. They do make cases to protect them in case it is dropped. I would say you should trust your daughter, but only you truly know the answer. Best of luck!

Jennifer - posted on 10/16/2009

Both my children have their own they got them last year for christmas they were 6 and 8 and they totally love them and take care of them I think it depends if your child is responsible or not...there are so many great game for them and it makes long drives go by way faster and I enjoy playing it as well LOL

Jennifer - posted on 10/16/2009

I gave my 9 year old one for his birthday this year and he loves it... it all depends on your kids i guess he is very good with it... I love the DS because there are sooo many learning games not just blood guts and fighting lol

Zitsha - posted on 10/16/2009

I gave my 4 year-old one for his B-day.I keep it in my room and let him play with it on the weekend.You never know if you can trust childen until you try.If you get it buy aromer it helps. My son dropped it 5 times and it still works.

Reesha - posted on 10/16/2009

My 8 year old has had one for 3 years now. He loves it. We have had to by one new pen... he has lost only one to date. Also there are so many games out there that are for learing (spelling, math, puzzle solving) that it can be a wonderful learning tool while they are having fun.

My only suggestion is to buy a carry case with it so that you can store the charger, and games along with it. (less chance of loosing them)

Jodie - posted on 10/16/2009

Hi hunny,
My son has had a DS since he was 5 and loves it, i brought lots of educational games for him to play as well as the games he likes and he spends alot of time on it especially when we are in the car. He knows not to leave it around the house and we have a box that it goes in, in the year that he has had it he has never misplaced it or lost a game. Believe me your little one will love it that much they wont want to brake or lose it. Hope that helped love Jodie x

Marsha - posted on 10/15/2009

sure you can. My son is 6-yrs and has one.

Lakesha - posted on 10/15/2009

Quoting candice:

we gave our daughter one for her 5th birthday only because she showed us that she could and does appreciate and take care of her things, it will be a year this november everything is still in great condition other than missing stylus' i think it is worth the money if you feel your child can handle the responsibility!

A friend of mine bought her daughter one for her 5th bday as well & she says so far she's been taking care of it. You're right it depends on the child & their level of responsibility.

Lakesha - posted on 10/15/2009

Yes my 8yr old got one when she was 7. She's pretty responsible & remembers to keep it in her case when not in use. Also I try to buy a mixture of games, some just for fun & some educational. I only allow her to play the just for fun games on weekends for short periods & if she plays the DS during the week it's only the educational ones after homework is done.

Sylvia - posted on 10/15/2009

I think you just have to rely on your knowledge of your daughter -- is she usually responsible about her possessions, or does she break stuff and lose stuff a lot? Does she have the same tendency as mine to want something desperately and then get bored with it after a few days, or does she stick with things? All of that stuff is probably more relevant than her age.

I would never buy my 7-year-old a Nintendo DS. That's not because I think she wouldn't take care of it -- although I suspect she'd either lose it or forget about it or lend it to a friend within a week -- it's because the last thing I want to do is encourage her to spend more time staring at a screen. I've also found that when she claims she really, really, really wants something, it's usually because she's seen it on TV or one of her friends has one, and when she actually has her own it turns out to be much less fun than she thought. (This happened with the Polly Pocket Glitter Garage, for example -- that's $20 I'd like to get back -- and the stupid LeapPad that her aunt bought her one year.) The things she actually plays with are mostly the old standards: dolls, dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, random sticks she picks up outside, and art supplies.

Laureen - posted on 10/15/2009

Yes but they need supervision

Angelina - posted on 10/15/2009

I gave my daughter a dsi for her 8th birthday this past year, she takes care of it soo good. She uses it mostly on long trips and when the weather isnt so nice. I think she was ready for an expensive toy, I think as long as a child is ready for that responsibility then its all good to go!!!

Tanja - posted on 10/15/2009

Our son is 8 and he as a DS. He does fine with it. However we limit the amount of time he gets to play everyday. Our 5 year old daughter wants one too. We are getting her one for her Birthday in Dec. I guess I would have to say, it depends on how responsible you think your 8 year old is.

Jamie - posted on 10/15/2009

I wondered the same thing, but the only way to see if your child is responsible enough, is to let her prove it to you. Let her know how to take care of it, and that it's not going to glued to her hands 24/7. My daughter got hers for Christmas when she was 8 and she has made me very proud! She knows that if it gets broken, another one will not appear anytime soon. The only thing that has happened is she lost one game (out of about 8, not bad!). It has been dropped once or twice, so I would advise the Nurf* (like the foam footballs) protective cover. Even without it, it still works fine. See if you have a store like GameStop that sells good used games. Because the used games are less expensive, she can save some allowance to help pay for the new game she wants so bad. =] Give her a chance, Mom... she might surprise you!

Mobolaji - posted on 10/15/2009

My 9 and 8-yr old want one each!! I wonder what that DS is?