Don’t give in
I must not give in. Never. Not again!
I do many things for my kids. Sometimes things that I just don’t feel like but I’ll do it and I’ll enjoy it. I don’t do Games Arcades though. It’s not me. The noise, the flashing lights, the heat. I don’t do arcades. I’m like a mother duck on red bull, looking for her ducks in a pond full of crocodiles. I just don’t do arcades.
For some very insane reason, I told the boys they could go for a very short while this afternoon. Why oh why do I go against my own better judgement?
There I was, screaming looking for the other three boys constantly, all the while standing by Zander. One of the BIG reasons I don’t like these arcades are the fact that other people just do not understand personal space. EVER. Zander was playing a game where he throws balls into a hoop. I stand there to pass him the balls and within split seconds of starting the game we had more spectators than I needed. They actually pushed between me and Zander on more than one occasion. They were alternating between passing him the ball and throwing some themselves. All the time. I kept on asking them to move away. We moved on to another game and the same happened.
The one time they pushed between us, I took a photo on my cellphone. This doesn’t do the situation justice though. I didn’t get the whole group behind these guys in.
I ended up telling Zander that we had no more coins, just so that we could stop playing. It freaks me out.
I’m sorry but I honestly just don’t do arcades. Not a proper place that.
Super Mom .... or not 
Do the flashing lights ever trip an attack? It happens to me with migraines.
December 10, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I HATE HATE HATE those places.
December 10, 2008 at 10:38 pm
I don’t like those places either. I feel in a constant panic if they are out of my sight for a second. People just don’t have any idea about personal space. ATM’s is another one.
December 11, 2008 at 2:25 am
I also hate arcades (i have only ever taken the boys to Menlyn ONCE) – that is where “these people” pray on unsuspecting patrons – You so busy having “fun” and when you look again, either your purse of phone is gone or worse yet one of your kids – NEE DANKIE!!!!!!
December 11, 2008 at 2:26 am
never been in one of those places. I steadfastly refuse to go there. They are HORRIBLE.
December 11, 2008 at 4:48 am
I don’t think I could do arcades with my kids either. At least not here. (you know what I mean) But my husband and I used to love them. Even after marriage/before kids we used to get such a kick out of playing something like Tekken or Soulblade (basically ass-kicking games) against each other for fun, before a movie or something. I was pretty good, so we were very evenly matched. One time I remember, there was me, playing by myself (Soulblade)-hubby was taking a break, and this typical pimply 14 year old walks up, to challenge me at the game (you know you insert your coin and it’ allows you to play a two player game). I just know this kid took one look at me, and thought – easy. Easy to beat (of course if you win – you can take over the machine). I had him down and evicerated in under 10 seconds. His eyes grew wide, and he said, “O—kay….” and walked off with this totally freaked out expression on his face. Couldn’t believe that this ‘Tannie’ could beat him. HA HA.
December 11, 2008 at 7:46 am
I cannot explain how much I hate those places. I REFUSE to take the kids there and they know it. They have given up asking me to go. I just can’t do it.
December 11, 2008 at 8:14 am
I don’t do game arcades, either … and my kids know it too!!!
I’d rather go to the park, even if it means forcing the bikes into my tiny little car!!!
December 11, 2008 at 9:41 am
Gosh, I don’t blame you. I NEED my personal space. I thought you were going to say the flashing lights and all might bring on a seizure. Next time you even think about giving in, use the seizure excuse.
December 11, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Its nerver wrecking to say the least Mel.. 😦
December 11, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Hi! I was so happy to see you had visited recently. I haven’t been around much so apologies for not responding sooner! I am so with you on this whole Arcade story. Here, in the States, they are EVERYWHERE. There is even one at the movies. Aside from the stuff that you rightly mention, they are a complete rip-off – it is an endless stream of INSERT COIN and before you know it GAME OVER!!!! Every time we go to a movie I spend a good 15 minutes making it clear to Ross that we are NOT going to the arcade. Hope you are all well and no doubt gearing up for a wonderful summer holiday. Jealous … as we prepare for either an ice or snow storm later today – they are not quite sure yet which of the two it will be. I can tell you though, rain, snow or ice – I have an appointment booked to have my color done (grey roots – aaargh), AND I AM GOING! xoxox
December 11, 2008 at 6:45 pm
ek het mos nou al die gelees. skryf ietsie anders!
December 11, 2008 at 11:27 pm
A cattle prod would come in handy at these places.
December 11, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Wow, that sounds scary. When my son was younger his dad used to take him to a place that had miniature golf and arcades, but it was pretty tame compared to what you described. I don’t like those places because I think the teens that hang out there just get into trouble with each other. My girls aren’t interested in that kind of stuff. They just like to play video games at home like the Wii.
You are a brave Mommy to go there! Anything to make your boys happy…you are so good.
December 12, 2008 at 8:07 am
when the arcades first started opening they were okay, i used to take damien occasionally- but i only had one to watch 😉
now its a place where the poorer kids hang out and harass other kids till they walk away and they get to play on other people’s “dimes”!
i am sorry it wasn’t more fun.
December 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm
As much as possible we avoid Arcades. We never take our daughter there because if we do, it will be very difficult to stop her.
December 13, 2008 at 2:05 pm