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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Bring in Happy Mother's Day with... Untraditional Gifts!

Mother's Day is a day that has been around for... as long as I can remember. It was created back in 1908 according to historical sources, which is why I wouldn't have remembered the first time it was kicked off, but I'm certainly glad it was. Love ya, mom!

Mother's Day is great because Mom's rock, and if you didn't know... my mom got me into console gaming (my mom and dad opened the door to arcade gaming via the tabletop Pac-Man).

So why not take an untraditional route this Mother's Day and show your mom just how much she means to you? Untraditional in a way that still shows love and appreciation for who she is, but also a different route in terms of gifts.

Here are the top 5 traditional Mother's Day gifts:

1. A bouquet of flowers

2. A card with a trip to the spa or salon for pampering

3. A new piece of jewelry

4. A basket full of her favorite things

5. A heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude

Here are my top 5 untraditional Mother's Day gifts:

1. Wine, Grapes, and Cheese

2. A Coffee or Tea Lover's Basket

3. Tech: A new phone, or even a laptop wouldn't be bad if she needed it, but I recommend the Echo Show. The device gives them the option to enjoy movies, games, and other apps but the main reason for the gift is for video chats. The device gives them the ability to keep an eye on the time, dates, their to-do lists, and more. I think it's easily the best gift that keeps on giving... especially for a busy mom.

4. A Mother's Day soiree: This doesn't have to be something you celebrate for just one mom alone, it can be one to celebrate the moms in your family or your circle of friends. Get swanky and celebrate!

5. A trip to the Movies: Take your mom out to the movies and enjoy a film that caught her eye. Treat her to some of her favorite snacks and have a great time!

Traditional or untraditional, enjoy quality time with your mom because it's priceless.

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