Wii Love It!!
Jordynn L. McKnight and Denée F. McKnight
Remember how much fun we had growing up playing board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and The Game of Life? The joy came in being able to include the whole family in some good wholesome fun. In today’s fast-paced, on the go world, it’s not that easy — from football practice, to travel volleyball, to cheerleading, to PTA meetings, to work, no one takes the time to slow down. The rapid growth of technology doesn’t help either, increasing the already wide digital divide between generations. Everyone has different interests, different skills, and are headed in different directions. The solution, Wii — the board game for today’s families.
I have to admit, I didn’t put much stock in this new “video game” — just another gimmick for the kids, I thought when I was first introduced to the game. But, much to my surprise, this small gaming system has more to offer than one might believe.
My cousin Jess was the first to jump on the Wii bandwagon and had all the children racing downstairs to play each time we visited. After discovering the fitness options they had such as yoga, kickboxing, strength training, and games inspired by hit TV shows like The Biggest Loser, I finally, in the name of losing weight and getting fit, gave in. And guess what? It was fun!!
Aerobics, cycling, bowling, dance, hula hoops, soccer...the list goes on and on. And Wii Fit is so interactive, it asks about your Mom if she hasn’t been using the fitness tool for a while...just like it’s one of the family. It holds you accountable like a real trainer, it makes animated faces when you slip up, and it has facial expressions and responses (all family friendly) just like an opponent would in a real game. No, it’s not the real thing, but everyone from the 4 year old to the Grandma is racing to play, and the competition is fierce. The thing is, the Wii is a great equalizer — the 4 year old might beat you in boxing, Grandpa might strike you out at baseball and Mom will school you on the dance floor.
And we all love the Mii people, the little characters you can customize into your own personal mini me!
Believe it or not, it’s fun to spend some time in your kid’s world — take a look at life from the other side. Let the kids take the lead and show you what they know. They have skills that are natural with this game and they can teach you a lot. It’s invigorating to see their passion and patience because they are in control. The teachable moments flow both ways.
Take the time, slow it down, and gather the family around the Wii. Fun, Fit, Family. Soon you’ll all be ROTFL — teen talk for rolling on the floor laughing :)