TIM LANDRETH

<<for me the big problem lies with the marketing/consumerism, though this is
hardly exclusive to pokemon. we all must choose the values we want to
model for our children, as well as allow our children to understand we
live in a very diverse world. not all things are to our families liking,
but it is good to respect the right of others in the context of modeling
our own values.>>

I agree. My three boys (9,11, 12) are heavily into Pokemon here. We discuss the
marketing/consumerism aspect of Pokemon frequently. I've told them they spend
their own money on it, I will no longer help pad someone's already overinflated
bank account.

One good thing that's come out of our Pokemon craze . . . I no longer have to worry
about their ability to "learn". They know everything there is to know about
Pokemon. And in the future, they'll learn how much of their "hard earned" money
they spent on it. A good life lesson.

I have friends in our local Catholic hs group that would never allow their children
to become involved w/Pokemon. (One mom won't even allow her children to watch
Arthur because they are unkind to one another.) I respect their decision for their
family. I only ask that they respect my choices for what works for us. I
personally think Pokemon will not harm their souls--and that's what we judge our
decisions on in our family. (Oh, we watch Arther, too.)

I'll also let my 12 yr old read the original post and all the replies. It'll be a
good springboard for discussion . . . economics, religion, tolerance, marketing,
etc.

Suzy