My ds suddenly has an interest in Pokemon collecting cards. Are they ok?

[Johanna]

Can I get opinions on these. Is anything objectionable about them that i should be aware of?
thanks!

[Pamela H in Texas]

It REALLY depends SO much on a few things.

First and foremost: They wouldn't be acceptable in our home for conscience issues. Monsters, magic, etc...so content would be a HUGE issue for us (ending the discussion completely).

Second would be how your kid in particular does with these sorts of things addiction wise. Even if they were harmless and not against God's ways, I'd be careful about this one.

I'm sure I just offended someone. Please know that wasn't my intention. Each person has to research and decide for themselves. These are our decisions and why.

[Johanna]

thanks so much, I appreciate your opinion :)

[Brindee]

Well, I was going to say what Pamela said. We never allowed Pokemon, though many of my kids friends DID have them. It was for the reasons stated above.

We always told the kids that was our family's decision, and that it was NOT ok for them to tell anyone else that they were wrong because they DID play with them! It's a choice....

[Book Crazy]

I personally don't have any problem with them, but some people object to the fact the creatures evolve as they experience.

[fivetails]

I don't see anything wrong with them :)

Though maybe I'm biased since I used to collect them myself. ;)

[Janet in Toronto]

Absolutely no problem in our household, although I had to bite my tongue watching my then-young son spending all of his allowance on cards.

Janet

[Brenda in FL]

We let our children (particularly oldest son) have them. These are the cons I've experienced(some of these may be more specific to the video games):

1) I don't like that they "evolve." Fortunately - the kids seem to be able to seperate it from real evolution/creation debates.

2) I don't like that the go to day care to breed and some of the other things that go with it.

3) I don't think I like the whole fighting thing.

4) These can become addictive. Kids spend alot of time learning all kinds of facts and figures of the pokemon world, when there are other things that could be deemed more important to spend their thoughts on!

5) Very often when he would trade with friends - some of his "best" cards would end up "missing." This happened more than once and with different groups of kids. It provided some good lessons on friendship, trust, stealing, etc.

6) They were always all over the house - ughhh.

However - it was a phase and the intensity has not lasted. He also has sold alot of his cards on ebay - Not for more than they cost - but he did get some value for them. (more than I thought he would). Also - it provided him something in common with other kids his age - helpful for my shy kid.

If you allow the cards - he will ask for more (games, movies, books). Know ahead of time where you are going to draw the line.

[Himfirst]

Well, I couldn't help but jump in here. My 10 year old daughter id CRAZY about not only Pokemon cards, but Pokemon EVERYTHING. Here is my opinion (for what it is worth). She loves Pokemon, because they are ike animals and she LOVES animals! She understand that the whole evolving thing is just pretend. She has accepted Christ and is very aware of concerns that some people have raised, in fact she brought up this conversation with me just las week. Her comments were that "Mom, most of the people who say they don't like Pokemon and that it is evil must have not watched it because it is made clear that you are supposed to treat each other kindly." Se went on to discuss that the "Battles" are not fighting as much as skills competition. I know many will disagee and it is not my intention to offend anyone. I only say this to make a point. My child and I have discussed the issues. I have watched MANY episodes of Pokemon and she has hundreds of cards (some bought some acquired from older children). Each episode has a good moral story. The "Good" huys prevailover the"Bad" guys. It is pointed out that cheating, lying, being hurtful, etc. are wrong. Do I think there are MANY other things out there that could do a better job of teaching these things? Sure! And we use other things. Especially Scripture. However, not all things that have a different packaging are bad. I will say, as someone else mentioned that the cards can be addicting. We are currently using them as a tool to teach extra responsibilty (taking care of them, trading wisely, giving to those who would like some and can't afford them, earning extra money to purchase, and an added bonus she has REALLY been working on her math skills with thsse things) We also are using them to discuss patience, greed, and thankfulness. As with any other "Earthly" thing. We must teach discernment. If the "Things" affect her behavior negatively then those things must go. Ultimately, God wants YOU to weigh everything and ask Him what is best for your family. All the advice from others is great, but the choice for your family may or may not line up with the choices of other families.

[Johanna]

Wow, thanks so much for all the differing views. I never knew that there was so much to the pokemon world. My ds just thought some of his friends cards were cool....and the friennd gave him a couple. He knows nothing else about them except that the creatures are "cool looking". Hmmmm, I think that I will just see where it goes and keep his "little mind" in check. I dont agree with it becoming an idol or obsession....but, I dont see the harm in having a collection of cards for the fun of trading. My dc seem to know the difference between reality and fantasy. So, I suppose we will allow him to keep what his friend gave him...
It really helped to hear all of your opinions....thanks so much for your insight:)