Dear Parents: Don't Smash The Game Consoles... and Here's Why! + Pinball FX Table Showcase: Garfield Pinball

I just want to say that for the most part... parents aren't going to damage their kid's game consoles. Consoles aren't cheap, but it didn't stop someone from smashing their son's Xbox because they caught him playing it at 12am on a school night. Their son didn't want to talk to them after that, and they wanted him to understand why it was his fault, but... that's the wrong play to make here. Before considering such a thing, know that there are other options to prevent them from playing the console.

You can take the Xbox controller, which takes away their ability to play.

You can take away the power cord, which takes away their ability to power it on.

You can take away the console, which takes away the unit and the ability to play it.

You can take remove the cord from their TV if they have one in the room, and let's say it has the Samsung Game Hub or it's a Fire TV with Luna on it (which allows them to play without consoles).

You have plenty of options that eliminate the need to replace the console, the apology, and the potential rift it may cause. I know you're the parent and they need to understand when they're doing wrong, but if it's that harsh, it's showcasing violence as the answer over strategic punishment.

They can lose one of the things mentioned above for 1 day of no gaming. Get caught again, 1 week no gaming. Caught again, 2 weeks of no gaming. Caught again, 1 month of no gaming (follow up with a month from that point on), and let them know the reason why... because you don't want them lacking sleep and being unable to focus to do their best in school, not to mention their health, attitude, etc.

This podcast episode breaks down what happens with a lack of sleep, and you'd be surprised. 

So consider taking a route that makes a positive impact, delivers a better understanding of the reasons why, and showcases a great example of how to approach these situations that doesn't require violence.

I wanted to mention this because while they did play the console at an unacceptable time, it was the wrong move to try and get them to understand why violence was their fault even if it's unjustified.

Imagine them walking away with that notion and applying it to their relationship with their significant other and their children, especially if they truly believe that they're doing the right thing because you taught them that. That would suck. 

So... I hope this helps more than a few parents out there. Enjoy your kids, be creative with your solutions, and... I wish you the best. By the way, if they have a console, that's also an opportunity to get in some family fun gaming. Cheers!

Pinball FX Showcase: Garfield Pinball

Garfield Pinball

Feast your way through mounds of lasagna to score big in Garfield Pinball!

Dig up bones with Odie, woo Arlene, fight the alarm clock, and find Pooky the teddy bear to reach Feast Frenzy, all for a perfect feline day of eating and sleeping.

Table features

• Help Garfield order pizzas, put lasagnas in the oven, or get rid of pesky mice to start the many multiball modes
• Woo Arlene and collect flowers for growing awards
• Garfield needs his sleep! Turn the lights off and gather more time so the alarm clock doesn't wake him
• It's TV Time! Garfield wants to sit in front of the TV all day -- keep him entertained
• Dig up bones with Odie, but watch out for the Vicious Dog
• Get frenetic scores in the Feeding Frenzy wizard mode

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Mask Up Mondays: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl - Garfield Gets It In!

I thought about what game I'd play in place of Muse Dash, and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl came to mind. It's certainly a good alternative because it delivers competition, but also that SSB-like action.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

I know that there are many of you who wonder when the pandemic will officially pass, while others have shrugged and figured they throw caution to the wind. There are multiple people still getting covid, I just think there's a burn out in terms of even giving a crap anymore... but try to play it safe as much as possible. For the essential workers, we still salute you, and certainly try to give you praise when we're out... because essential workers are the last step between normalcy and all hell completely breaking loose.

If no one worked at the gas stations, that would completely bring the axe down on tons of other things. Think about it. The same applies to grocery store workers, medical professionals, delivery drivers, etc. There are just so many things that disappear with essential workers, so just consider that.

We went out for pizza on Saturday, and there was a waiter and a cook from 11pm - 5pm. The waiter was trying to do his best, but you could tell he was in a panic and... service was held on by a thread. After telling him that we appreciated his service regardless, he was very appreciative, and also shared that it would be a little easier if his co-worker didn't call in with plans to come in late. She arrived early but didn't intend to clock in for another 1.5 hours. I'm not sure what she was going through, but with everything going on... I hope more of us make it a little easier. All it takes are the right amount of resignations to turn nearly everything belly up. So... game on, and be as awesome to others as possible.

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