Pokemon as Addictive as Crack?

Looking back, we should’ve seen it coming… While on vacation over the Millennium, our nephews were totally obsessed with playing Pokemon on their Nintendo Gameboys. Fast forward seven years, and our own kids are now obsessed (or should I say addicted?) — especially Sons #2 and #3, who are five and six years old, respectively). The other morning I walked past son #3, who was deeply engaged in a “Trainer Battle,” and I jokingly asked him if he planned on playing Pokemon all day. He peered up over his five year old glasses and said “No.” I then asked if he’d play all day if we let him and he sheepishly responded “Yes.”

It’s amazing to me how such a simple little game can grab (and hold!) their attention so strongly. Thankfully, we’ve always set limits when it comes to things like this — but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have to have a periodic crackdown to restore order. Don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoy video games as much as the next guy, but… Clearly Nintendo did their research prior to launching the Pokemon franchise. Oh well, at least we have a reliable diversion for cross-country car trips.