Reply #7: you can only rot his brain if you do not pay attention & buy whatever he wants.

[NuttyFluffers]

some of the smartest people i've met have been gamers. some of the most rock-headed, numbskulls i have met have also been (more casual) gamers. it just depends on what sort of material you give them access to.

i recommend spicing up the gaming with games that stress thinking and reading occasionally. just put the kibosh on buying the umpteenth button-mashing game and make sure there's diversity in his collection. there's a time for hand-eye coordination and a time for tactical/strategic planning (and they don't always have to be in a tactical or strategic game).

maybe you should start taking an interest in your kid's hobby so you know a little something about the options available. sorta like learning how a public library or movie rental place works, it'll be useful to know a bit before buying them any ol' thing.