Video Game Limits with Nintendo 3DS XL & Printable Rewards

Do your kids love video games too? Find out How to Set Video Game Limits with the new Nintendo 3DS XL with free printable rewards! This post is sponsored by Nintendo. All fun game-time opinions are my own

Set Video Game Limits with Nintendo 3DS XL & Printable Rewards

He’s grown over 2 inches. He’s reading at a 5th grade level. And even the dental hygienist called him an “old soul.” At 8-years old, my son is one of the most amazing kids I have ever known. But sometimes I forget just how much he’s grown up. After many many months of asking, I can officially say that my son owns a real video game system. I’m kind of proud of that fact. We’ve have educational devices over the years, but this is the first time that we have invested in a portable game system purely for his love of video games.

And it’s not just any gaming system. We have the all-new Nintendo 3DS XL portable game system. SWEET! But a new game system also includes new rules. Find out how we are setting video game limits for this amazing new portable game system with these adorable Super Mario inspired printable rewards coins.

Introducing the Nintendo 3DS XL Portable Game System

I cannot believe how much technology has changed. No longer the box with the games you have to blow to make them work (remember those days?!), the new Nintendo 3DS XL now fits in the palm of our kids’ hands with super cool features that our family loves:

• Super slim portable game design – with fun color choices!
• Dual screens, included stylus, beautiful graphics, clear sound
• Enhanced controls – familiar Nintendo button controls with added C stick control
• Super-Stable 3D – bring your games to life with enhanced 3D play – the super-stable 3D technology to enhance game play of your favorite 3D games
• Included features: 3DS Camera (to take 3D pictures!), 4GB micro SDHC memory card, internet capability, built-in games

To quote my son “This is the coolest game system I have ever seen!” And not just my 8-year old, I have adult approval as well. Not that my husband has been sneaking in game time after the kids have gone to bed (right, honey?) – wink, wink. Giving my child a Nintendo 3DS XL system is more than just a game system.

Nintendo extends a small portion of my childhood into my children too. Classics like Donkey Kong, Mario, and Link – it’s a honor to help my kids fall in love with the characters I grew up with, now with upgraded technology that my kids can appreciate. It’s a way for me to bond with my son in a positive way. With any gaming system, there’s some parenting that goes along with it. Here’s how we are setting video game limits with our new Nintendo 3DS XL.

Game Time is a Privilege

The first hard rule we have with our son is acknowledging that game time is always a privilege – not a right. Even before we placed the game system into his hands, he had to understand that Mom and Dad always have our his best interests at heart – even gaming time. That means teaching him about R-E-S-P-E-C-T and responsibility for his device, the people around him and even himself. This is more than a fun gaming system – there are rules and consequences too.

All Game Time is Earned

Complementing Rule Numero Uno, my son also knows that all game time has to be earned. Every day is a new day to play – and all video game time comes with responsibility. That means that we get our homework done, our chores are complete and those everyday hygiene responsibilities are taken care of – without complaint, whining or trouble. While this may seem to come off harsh, let me encourage you with our Super Mario Rewards Printable.

My son is LOVING his New Super Mario Bros. 2 game for Nintendo 3DS XL. Not only do we get to share my childhood favorite characters (this game is so much like the original Super Mario + Super Mario 3 combined!), but the added 3D features and lots and lots of coins to collect help him gain extra 1ups and confidence to complete boards.

Inspired by his new favorite video game, we can now easily track earned game time with this Super Mario inspired rewards printable. For every good behavior effort and completed chore, my son can earn extra minutes of play with these adorable Mario coins.

FREE Printable Video Game Rewards

He then turn in his coins for more portable gaming time. (Yes, we set a timer!) Super easy way for kids and parents to work together, be sure to print your FREE Mario Printable Rewards to make video game time fun for all! Just click the picture to save to your computer. Print (and even laminate) to reuse your coins again and again. It’s a rewards system that works well for my son and encourages communication with parents. Win-Win!

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Be Specific

Consider making an official contract or at least written rules about when it’s ok or not ok to play. Be specific, very specific on what expectations you have for those rules. One of my house rules is that we don’t play video games in the morning. Period. I don’t want the first thing my son wakes up to be a screen or thinking about electronics. Instead, we focus on waking up to smiles from family, playing outside and communication. Plus, it’s a great way for my son to earn more reward coins for play time in the afternoons/evenings.

On the Road Again

One of the perks of the Nintendo 3DS XL is how portable this gaming system is. Not only does it have a really slim design but I love how completely portable this device is, especially on long car rides. Wow, has this portable gaming system made a huge difference in our long drives! But with any gaming system, the possibility of car sickness, mood swings and frustrations can be exponential in a tiny car space. So we set video game limits while traveling as well. We take mandatory breaks, insert educational games (like multiplication tables), and encourage other activities to combat boredom while on the road.

Consistency

Parents, the most important portable gaming limit I can suggest is to be consistent. No matter what your rules, rewards, limits, or schedule, it’s so important to be consistent with your portable gaming limits. Do what’s best for you, your kids and your family. Most importantly, show them how much you love your kids through your gaming limits. Sit down with them, watch them play, encourage their moves, and let them know how much you love who they are – video games or not.

It’s so hard to believe how much my son has grown. With his new Nintendo 3DS XL, he seems to have matured that much more. But I still see my little boy in there, especially when he flashes smiles like these when he plays his games. I love that I can share my childhood, my time, and my love with this guy thanks to Nintendo 3DS XL. Head over to Play.Nintendo.com for more info on the new Nintendo 3DS XL – perfect for families! And share how your child is a #3DSKidForADay.

How do you set video game limits with your children?

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