Every parent has different parenting style. Trust me, we always think good for our kids and there is no, one proven method or a right method to raise a successful, creative or happy kid. That been said, there are few things we need to consider in this.

I believe as a parent, it is our energy level that matters the most. When I am low in my energy level, I won’t be able to entertain my kids and best way to avoid dealing with them is to just give them what they ask for which would be iPhones / iPads / gaming devices.

It is difficult to replace anything for a Video game. I have been there by myself and nothing was as good as Mario game. Now, but now I am conscious when and how long I allow gaming for my kids. They get to play twice a week for 30 minutes each only if they satisfy certain task throughout the week. The task involves everyday Homework, everyday one library book of their choice, one math sheet, one art /craft work and some basic science projects or learning something new in science. Making them to do all these everyday is quite energy and time consuming, but once you bring them into routine, trust me, you will thank yourself everyday. My kids are 5 and 7 yrs old and they are hooked up with books from library(any kind of books) all the time. It took two years for me to make this happen. The elder one was hooked up to Wii games and iPad all the time when he was ors old. He is smart kid but he was not willing to listen. I sold the Wii game and promised him that I will buy Xbox in future (no timeframe was promised). I took my kids to library religiously all 6 days for 6 months. I spent 30 minutes and they get to read whatever they want. My intention was to make them like the books and for that I didn’t restrict on books they choose. They eventually hooked up on to books. I always tell them that books can be your best companion any time in life. Now they thank me whenever I make a stopover at Library and I do get to hear a lot of “You are the best mommy in the world” for taking them to Library. I won’t say video games are completely bad, but everything has limit. Only zero calorie food can be taken in any amount and rest of the food you need to set limit. Likewise, Library is equally to Zero calorie food and you don’t need to restrict that but all other stuff need limitations. Just my thought.