Last weekend my three-year-old got glasses as part of his ongoing treatment related to his cataract. I didn’t think it was possible for him to look cuter, but I have to say these glasses are really the icing on the cake. Totally extra-adorable, in my un-biased opinion.
After 24 hours he adjusted to them perfectly and we don’t have problems (knock wood) with him taking them off all the time. I guess he realizes that it is pretty sweet to be able to, you know, see out of his eyeballs.
However, the other new development in this story is that he also has to wear an eye patch for 2 hours a day — and that time will increase in the near future. So. I broke down and let him play Sonic on a Nintendo DS every morning. It is the perfect game because you don’t “die” and he can just keep going and going without the game stopping and requiring help from me.
It is also really great for getting his eye to work hard, and that is ultimately going to make his vision stronger. Before we tried this, the longest he wore his patch was 2.5 MINUTES and that was with me constantly moving his hands away from the patch and feeding him Skittles every 30 seconds!
But I know that soon enough he’s going to tire of this one game, and this is where I need your help.
Are there other games out there which are suitable for a 3 year old and which he could keep it going by himself — and the character doesn’t die? I want him to be able to entertain himself in the morning and be distracted enough to keep the patch on.
Help a sister out!
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I just got my own DS a week ago, and I have been playing Zelda ever since. So I can't make any recommendations based on that.
However, you might check out Cooking Mama. It's a game in which you actually prepare meals. I've seen it on the Wii (but am looking into buying it for myself for DS). It meets your criteria, but it might be a little tough for a 3 year old – I don't know how much reading or whatever there is. But worth a try.
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I just got my own DS a week ago, and I have been playing Zelda ever since. So I can't make any recommendations based on that.
However, you might check out Cooking Mama. It's a game in which you actually prepare meals. I've seen it on the Wii (but am looking into buying it for myself for DS). It meets your criteria, but it might be a little tough for a 3 year old – I don't know how much reading or whatever there is. But worth a try.
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Well, we don't have one but we have the Leapster and both my girls LOVE it (they are soon to be 3 and 5 1/2.)
Would he sit still long enough to color in one of the Crayola Wonder coloring books? I love those things.
OK, I'm absolutely no help. D'oh.
p.s. I am impressed that he'll keep his glasses on at least!
Well, we don't have one but we have the Leapster and both my girls LOVE it (they are soon to be 3 and 5 1/2.)
Would he sit still long enough to color in one of the Crayola Wonder coloring books? I love those things.
OK, I'm absolutely no help. D'oh.
p.s. I am impressed that he'll keep his glasses on at least!
Well … I shouldn't admit this, but my two (yes, I'm a terrible mom and I let my 2 year old play with the DS, but usually only when he steals his sisters and hides until we find him) LOVES to just color on the pro-chat screen. He even knows how to hit the "send" button so that he can get a blank screen.
He also loves the Purr-pal game, but that one he has to come out of hiding for because he does need a bit of help navigating it.
And I normally wouldn't admit to anyone that my 2 year old plays the DS because I really don't need to hear how awful and bad for him it is but well, I'll come out of hiding because I can tell you what he likes LOL!
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I work with child development. It's not a bad mom. It is all about how much time is spent with one on one interaction. If this is done then it doen't matter that they play Ds,Watch T.V…..
Well … I shouldn't admit this, but my two (yes, I'm a terrible mom and I let my 2 year old play with the DS, but usually only when he steals his sisters and hides until we find him) LOVES to just color on the pro-chat screen. He even knows how to hit the "send" button so that he can get a blank screen.
He also loves the Purr-pal game, but that one he has to come out of hiding for because he does need a bit of help navigating it.
And I normally wouldn't admit to anyone that my 2 year old plays the DS because I really don't need to hear how awful and bad for him it is but well, I'll come out of hiding because I can tell you what he likes LOL!
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I will ask the "experts" when they wake up tomorrow morning and then comment back. My first thought is that Disney has a lot of games out and some of these might be appropriate. My daughter (4) has a Little Mermaid game that she likes. She also has a Dora Gameboy Advance Game that works on DS (there must also be a Diego version) Some of the older games like PacMan may be a good choice as well. Age 3 is tough for the DS because many games have screens of written instructions that require more advanced reading levels. I will let you know if I come up with anything interesting.
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I will ask the "experts" when they wake up tomorrow morning and then comment back. My first thought is that Disney has a lot of games out and some of these might be appropriate. My daughter (4) has a Little Mermaid game that she likes. She also has a Dora Gameboy Advance Game that works on DS (there must also be a Diego version) Some of the older games like PacMan may be a good choice as well. Age 3 is tough for the DS because many games have screens of written instructions that require more advanced reading levels. I will let you know if I come up with anything interesting.
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My daughter will turn four next week – a few weeks ago, we got on noggin.com for the first time and found a bunch of great games that she can actually play herself by using the mouse. She's even learned how to go from game to game, so it just goes on and on. I don't know how "old" of a three year old Chip is, but it might work. All I know is I have to literally peel her away, otherwise she'd be on it for hours. Just be careful to have all other programs closed on your computer.(THAT's a little scary…)
On another note, I had eye surgery at age three myself (and again at four) to correct a condition known as strabismus (cross eye). I too had to wear a patch along with glasses (bifocals even!). I distinctly remember being "used" to it after awhile (and I wore it a loooong time), so hopefully that happens soon for Chip. It's amazing how quickly kids adjust, huh? I look back on pics of myself and cringe, but both my parents still have the same reaction you have to your son now – they're adamant I was the cutest thing ever. THAT's love! :) (And yours IS pretty darn cute, btw!)
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My daughter will turn four next week – a few weeks ago, we got on noggin.com for the first time and found a bunch of great games that she can actually play herself by using the mouse. She's even learned how to go from game to game, so it just goes on and on. I don't know how "old" of a three year old Chip is, but it might work. All I know is I have to literally peel her away, otherwise she'd be on it for hours. Just be careful to have all other programs closed on your computer.(THAT's a little scary…)
On another note, I had eye surgery at age three myself (and again at four) to correct a condition known as strabismus (cross eye). I too had to wear a patch along with glasses (bifocals even!). I distinctly remember being "used" to it after awhile (and I wore it a loooong time), so hopefully that happens soon for Chip. It's amazing how quickly kids adjust, huh? I look back on pics of myself and cringe, but both my parents still have the same reaction you have to your son now – they're adamant I was the cutest thing ever. THAT's love! :) (And yours IS pretty darn cute, btw!)
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Mario Kart. He crashes but doesn't "die"…I let my five year old play it
Mario Kart. He crashes but doesn't "die"…I let my five year old play it
My kids like the dog application, (although just like a real dog you have to do the training – and the novelty is somehat less if you have a real dog) and the best for us is the brain acedemy (not brain age – haven't tried that). This one has several games that are like sort of dot to dot and patterns and match. There are also some word problems, which obviously thay can't do, but we just skip that. Anyway, even my 2-year old could understand and do some of the tasks. And I felt good that it was somewhat educational.
Enjoy
Jen
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My kids like the dog application, (although just like a real dog you have to do the training – and the novelty is somehat less if you have a real dog) and the best for us is the brain acedemy (not brain age – haven't tried that). This one has several games that are like sort of dot to dot and patterns and match. There are also some word problems, which obviously thay can't do, but we just skip that. Anyway, even my 2-year old could understand and do some of the tasks. And I felt good that it was somewhat educational.
Enjoy
Jen
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I was also going to suggest Mario Kart for your DS. Also, ask the guys in the store where you buy the games. Some settings can be changed so that the character never dies. I'm sure that I've seen games that are SpongeBob and Dora related that would meet that criteria as well.
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I was also going to suggest Mario Kart for your DS. Also, ask the guys in the store where you buy the games. Some settings can be changed so that the character never dies. I'm sure that I've seen games that are SpongeBob and Dora related that would meet that criteria as well.
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when the MIL comes, the almost 5yo loves to play Rayman and a disney princess game that she bought for her. Neither die, the Rayman I like better because its small active games, kind of olympic style.
when the MIL comes, the almost 5yo loves to play Rayman and a disney princess game that she bought for her. Neither die, the Rayman I like better because its small active games, kind of olympic style.
How about Nintendogs, where you collect and train cute little puppies. (He wouldn't be interested in it past the age of 7, because it is kind of girly — but it should be fine for a 3-year-old).
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How about Nintendogs, where you collect and train cute little puppies. (He wouldn't be interested in it past the age of 7, because it is kind of girly — but it should be fine for a 3-year-old).
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Let me add to the chorus of Nintendogs. For an adult, it is the most boring game ever, but for kids, it's a blast. It will require a bit of mom's help since he's 3, because you need to be able to read for parts of it.
Also, any of the Mario games are good ones. We especially like Super Mario 3 in our house- and you can get that for the DS. Well, the GBA, which works in the DS.
Oh, oh, oh, and Cooking Mama is a BLAST, both for kids and for mama. I play that game constantly, ha.
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Let me add to the chorus of Nintendogs. For an adult, it is the most boring game ever, but for kids, it's a blast. It will require a bit of mom's help since he's 3, because you need to be able to read for parts of it.
Also, any of the Mario games are good ones. We especially like Super Mario 3 in our house- and you can get that for the DS. Well, the GBA, which works in the DS.
Oh, oh, oh, and Cooking Mama is a BLAST, both for kids and for mama. I play that game constantly, ha.
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mario kart for sure, and yoshi's island is great too!
Nintendogs is cute for about three days, then my kids , 3, 5, and 8, all got tired of it,. It hasn't been played in probably six months, and its hard for a five year old to know what to do, so i would think its hard also for a three year old.
mario kart for sure, and yoshi's island is great too!
Nintendogs is cute for about three days, then my kids , 3, 5, and 8, all got tired of it,. It hasn't been played in probably six months, and its hard for a five year old to know what to do, so i would think its hard also for a three year old.
I'm going to chime in with those reccomending Mario Cart. My son loves it and it's the only game he owns that he doesn't get upset and frustrated at. That's got to count for something.
PS Thank you for mentioning my upcoming birth in your GRIT a few weeks back. It's always fun to be linked to. (The baby is here and he's wonderful by the way.)
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I'm going to chime in with those reccomending Mario Cart. My son loves it and it's the only game he owns that he doesn't get upset and frustrated at. That's got to count for something.
PS Thank you for mentioning my upcoming birth in your GRIT a few weeks back. It's always fun to be linked to. (The baby is here and he's wonderful by the way.)
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I am so glad you posted this…not that I can help…we are THINKING about buying BOTH the kids the DS mainly as a good thing for our Disney trip and the more age appropriate games.
They lose patience with the wii a bit and the xbox is too tough for them…3 and 5.
Though the LEGO Star Wars game is great as they don't die and it is just goofy.
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I am so glad you posted this…not that I can help…we are THINKING about buying BOTH the kids the DS mainly as a good thing for our Disney trip and the more age appropriate games.
They lose patience with the wii a bit and the xbox is too tough for them…3 and 5.
Though the LEGO Star Wars game is great as they don't die and it is just goofy.
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Great suggestions folks, thanks so much! I'll get Mario Kart for him. Are there any other games he could play that require zero help from me? Remember he does this in the morning before school and I have no time to fiddle with a game :)
THANKS!!!!
Great suggestions folks, thanks so much! I'll get Mario Kart for him. Are there any other games he could play that require zero help from me? Remember he does this in the morning before school and I have no time to fiddle with a game :)
THANKS!!!!
There is a puppy one that my kids share. You choose a puppy, name it, teach it tricks (eventually it will only respond to your voice), feed it, etc.
My kids aren't very good at taking care of their digital pug. It is hungry and dirty. I feel bad for it. LOL!
There is a puppy one that my kids share. You choose a puppy, name it, teach it tricks (eventually it will only respond to your voice), feed it, etc.
My kids aren't very good at taking care of their digital pug. It is hungry and dirty. I feel bad for it. LOL!
"My kids aren’t very good at taking care of their digital pug. It is hungry and dirty. I feel bad for it. LOL!"
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
"My kids aren’t very good at taking care of their digital pug. It is hungry and dirty. I feel bad for it. LOL!"
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
We have a ClickStart computer for the kiddos – the three year old can operate the entire thing by herself and ALL the games are preschooler appropriate.
I'm trying not to love it too much.
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We have a ClickStart computer for the kiddos – the three year old can operate the entire thing by herself and ALL the games are preschooler appropriate.
I'm trying not to love it too much.
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My kids all go back to Nintendogs, and my three year old has been playing it since he was two. Another option, which I adore, is toontown.com. I believe they let you try it out for free. I've subscribed to this for over 5 years. My three year old plays it on his level (jellybeans are currency! Throw pies at the Cogs (bad guys)! Play games with others!) It's live, interactive, but totally safe as there is no free dialogue. It can be played just for cozy fun, or you can take months to accomplish tasks. It's all up to the child. My 9 year old still plays and he is a 'powerful' Toon with a lot of capability. You have your own house which you can decorate; fish;garden, etc. Oh my. I've gone on so long and have no idea if you are fully aware of this site already. I sound like an ad, but I'm just a mom, and I wouldn't mind living in Toontown some days.
My kids all go back to Nintendogs, and my three year old has been playing it since he was two. Another option, which I adore, is toontown.com. I believe they let you try it out for free. I've subscribed to this for over 5 years. My three year old plays it on his level (jellybeans are currency! Throw pies at the Cogs (bad guys)! Play games with others!) It's live, interactive, but totally safe as there is no free dialogue. It can be played just for cozy fun, or you can take months to accomplish tasks. It's all up to the child. My 9 year old still plays and he is a 'powerful' Toon with a lot of capability. You have your own house which you can decorate; fish;garden, etc. Oh my. I've gone on so long and have no idea if you are fully aware of this site already. I sound like an ad, but I'm just a mom, and I wouldn't mind living in Toontown some days.
I asked my 6 year old, who has 17 games which were interesting, non-violent and good for a 3 year old,, he asked how smart this 3 year old is.. heheh… he suggested that Spiderman was pretty cool and there were "only" webs. I like the ratings on the back- except that my little man claims he is "mature".
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I asked my 6 year old, who has 17 games which were interesting, non-violent and good for a 3 year old,, he asked how smart this 3 year old is.. heheh… he suggested that Spiderman was pretty cool and there were "only" webs. I like the ratings on the back- except that my little man claims he is "mature".
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Diddy Kong racing is fun, and so it Mario and Sonic at the Olympic games, plus lego star wars is AWESOME! People were amazed that when my son was in first grade, the dr. recommended he play video games to strengthen his hands and improve his writing. They can be good!
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Diddy Kong racing is fun, and so it Mario and Sonic at the Olympic games, plus lego star wars is AWESOME! People were amazed that when my son was in first grade, the dr. recommended he play video games to strengthen his hands and improve his writing. They can be good!
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Funny, you should ask this, since I just did a post this past week about a site called whattheyplay.com. (I am in no way affiliated with or selling anything for them, I just think it is a great tool for parents) Unlike most "gaming" sites that tell you if a game is cool or not, this one just gives you "the facts" what is played in the game, if somebody "dies" or not, etc. Worth a peek.
Other than that, the only DS games that I have first hand knowledge of include Hannah Montana and Cheetah Girls, unfortunately, while they meet the criteria, not exactly titles for a boy.
Funny, you should ask this, since I just did a post this past week about a site called whattheyplay.com. (I am in no way affiliated with or selling anything for them, I just think it is a great tool for parents) Unlike most "gaming" sites that tell you if a game is cool or not, this one just gives you "the facts" what is played in the game, if somebody "dies" or not, etc. Worth a peek.
Other than that, the only DS games that I have first hand knowledge of include Hannah Montana and Cheetah Girls, unfortunately, while they meet the criteria, not exactly titles for a boy.
Our 3 yr old plays "Smart Boys". The game is great for his age. The game consists of several games that are easy and use. Such games include an easy "memory" type game, coloring in pictures, simple puzzles and others. I have found it very difficult to find games easy enough for him, but this was a great purchase. We also just purchased Mario Kart, but he hasn't had a chance to practice much. I would be interested in hearing about any other easy games too.
Our 3 yr old plays "Smart Boys". The game is great for his age. The game consists of several games that are easy and use. Such games include an easy "memory" type game, coloring in pictures, simple puzzles and others. I have found it very difficult to find games easy enough for him, but this was a great purchase. We also just purchased Mario Kart, but he hasn't had a chance to practice much. I would be interested in hearing about any other easy games too.
My 3 year old daughter LOVES to play her big brother’s Nintendo DS and her favorite game is Crayola Treasure Adventures. She can play with NO HELP at all and it is basically just like coloring – you pick which blank picture you want to color and choose the colors from the crayons and color it in. There are also other options for older children – it kept my daughter busy on a 6 hour flight and she loves it !
My 3 year old daughter LOVES to play her big brother’s Nintendo DS and her favorite game is Crayola Treasure Adventures. She can play with NO HELP at all and it is basically just like coloring – you pick which blank picture you want to color and choose the colors from the crayons and color it in. There are also other options for older children – it kept my daughter busy on a 6 hour flight and she loves it !
I recently lookes for games for my 4 and 5 year old daughters and learned that there is a game called Smart girls playhouse. This game teaches numbers and memory, they can also do puzzles and color and a good buit of other learning activities that they will benefit from….I know that your son won't like the girly game but they have come out with a boy version called smart boys game room, and it is supposed to be great and like the girls version it was published and listed as one of the only games put out for 2-5 year olds…if that game doesnt work then there is a crayola treasure hunt game that the kids get to color and play games suited for there age also. Good luck!!!
I recently lookes for games for my 4 and 5 year old daughters and learned that there is a game called Smart girls playhouse. This game teaches numbers and memory, they can also do puzzles and color and a good buit of other learning activities that they will benefit from….I know that your son won't like the girly game but they have come out with a boy version called smart boys game room, and it is supposed to be great and like the girls version it was published and listed as one of the only games put out for 2-5 year olds…if that game doesnt work then there is a crayola treasure hunt game that the kids get to color and play games suited for there age also. Good luck!!!
My daughter is 3 1/2 and we got her the Smart girls playhouse and she loves it. She can play it all by herself so if there is a boy version, I am sure you son could play it alone too.
My daughter is 3 1/2 and we got her the Smart girls playhouse and she loves it. She can play it all by herself so if there is a boy version, I am sure you son could play it alone too.
I have found a few on ebay with an ec rateing game boy advantced. Franklin and Care bears. have not tried these cause i am on the fence about letting my 3 going on 4 play. i know there are pros and cons. just like the tv. I say parent how you like.and a few hrs can not hurt unless fights are had:)Hope this helps and i got a bit of information from it so Thank you.
I have found a few on ebay with an ec rateing game boy advantced. Franklin and Care bears. have not tried these cause i am on the fence about letting my 3 going on 4 play. i know there are pros and cons. just like the tv. I say parent how you like.and a few hrs can not hurt unless fights are had:)Hope this helps and i got a bit of information from it so Thank you.
i say nintendogs or hamsterz, you can raise your own pets and play with them.