Video Games

I HATE video games.

I feel like I need to defend myself in this because few people understand why.
I guess it first came from my mom not allowing toy guns or video games at our house, but more and more I see that nothing good comes from them.

Guns are not toys, killing people is not a game, and violence is not something I want my children involved with.  It has been proven to influence behavior.  Virtual friendships are not real friendships.

If you want to have good hand eye coordination then go play baseball, learn to sew, do something productive!

If you want a hobby, something fun to do then go outside and fish, go on a hike, ride a bike, get some exercise, fresh air and real human interaction.
Video games are a waste of time.

Not to mention they are addictive.

The whole reason God gave us agency is so that we can have freedom. Most of the commandments God gives us are to protect our freedom.  When we have addictions, no matter what they are, we are not fully free to decide for ourselves anymore and give up our agency, the most important gift that God gave us.

Drugs (whether prescription or otherwise), alcohol, tobacco, pornography, gambling, coffee, tea, caffeine, being in debt, video games are all things we could become addicted to and are asked, by prophets, to avoid because they can potentially destroy our bodies and/or families.

These things do not help us become closer to our Savior or keep the needed companionship of the Holy Ghost so are not worth playing with, including offensive television, movies, youtube videos, music or whatever your choice of media may be.
I know I have a lot of improvement needed in my own life as far as wasting time on Facebook or watching television shows that aren't the best.  Even most PG-13 movies are worse than what I would want to watch.
I am aware that there are good video games out there and that it's about how much time is being spent playing them and what kinds vs. more wholesome activities.
I am not so ignorant as to think that everyone that drinks caffeinated drinks is a bad person either!
If my kids want to go play video games at their friends house then that will be their choice, but they won't be in my house.  Kyle already knows that if he were bring an xbox home that I would melt it in the oven :)

I just want to have an eternal perspective with what is good, better, or best for my life, my time and my future family and do the best that I can to avoid as much bad as I can.
I know God gives us commandments because they bless us, whether it is with a health for the body he gave us, the companionship of the Holy Ghost or peace and safety, He loves us and only wants us to be happy in our families now and for eternity.

That is my soapbox.