Is Sims 3 Game Appropriate for 9 Year Old?

Good for you N.! I wish there were more like you!!

Sims is not appropriate for 9 year olds. I tell my son that he needs to enjoy the things his age because soon he will out grow them and will miss out! I remind him how much he used to like Little People and Rescue Heroes...so, what if there is something their age now that they would love, but miss out because they jumped ahead to the next age group? He also secretly likes it when I tell him that parents who don't read the labels and follow the rules, must not really love their kids and we should feel sorry for them and try to help them.

okay...so, I think what you really asked for were some alternative...barbie.com,(free) groovie girls (need the doll) and webkins (need a stuffed animal) are all fun and age appropriate to do what she is wanting to do. Groovie Girls and Webkins have the ability to interact with her friend safely online.

Bless you for all that you do. She is so lucky to have you!

I like the Sims... and have played most of them including Sims 3. Although I'm a bit disappointed with Sims 3, I do think it is a game for a little older age group then 9 yrs. There is some violence, but you have to choose the trait that makes them want to fight. There is also some sexual acts - but they are done under covers and can create babies. Personnaly I think I would wait... I think most of the game rates are correct. If it's rated T... it should be for a teen or older. I know she won't be happy, but sometime protecting them makes them unhappy that the time you do it, but they understand later in life why you did what you did.

Good luck!

I've played a few Sims games in my day and I don't think it's appropriate for a 9 year old. Like pp said, there are blurred scenes of sex, toileting, shower etc. I supposed, it's a personal choice whether you're OK with your grandchild exposed to that or not. Personally, I would wait until maybe when she's 12 or 13. There are some innocent Sims games like Pets or Vets or some such, and other girly fashion dress up games. Your local library is a great place to check computer games out before you buy.

My husband and I we're discussing this while driving. He is adamant that he would never let a child play any of The Sims games and might consider it for a mature 16 year old. Unless - Maxis/Electronic Arts allowed parental controls to lock it in to a G rated game. I have owned every The Sims game and expansion pack since they came out in 20000 - original, The Sims 2 and now The Sims 3. I understand what your granddaughter wants the game for but I think you are justified in your beliefs. Unless a responsible adult is going to monitor game play at all times your granddaughter is going to be curious about adding children to the family in which the characters have two options: WooHoo to try for a baby - depicted by the characters in a double bed under the covers making giggly noises with hearts fluttering down on top of the bed or call and set up adoption via a social worker on the phone. There is no nudity and they blur out the characters for showers/baths and using the toilet. She's looking for the "dollhouse" effect of the game which is a lot of fun. I'm not aware of any type of parental controls and I'm not aware of any games that are going to compare to The Sims and be what she is looking for.

Well, I am very protective... I have a 11 year old girl and I let her start playing the sims when she was 8. That is because she is very mature and knows about sex and didn't get grossed out by the word "kissing". Of course I don't let her have a boyfriend. I was afried of the rating too, but then I played the game first. Its fine for a nine year old. You should play the sims first. I think the sim is perfect for your grandaughter. You should let her play it IF she is mature for her age. And if she isn't, well to bad grandaughter! Hope this helped!

N.,

Yes, I think you are a little too restrictive. Unless you are raising this child in a cave with no outside connections, do you seriously think she is completely unexposed to sex and violence? She wants to play a fun game of dress-up on the computer. Let her.

The game is what you make it. A few years ago, a group of gamers who wrote a short-lived gaming magazine used The Sims I to create a serial killer--he looked very average, behaved in a completely normal manner, except for secretly killing other sims now and then.

Unless your child is doing something like this, I would have no worries. Play the game with her. Sit next to her, listen to her ideas, see what she does. You'll have fun and so will she.

Best wishes,
K.

This is for teenagers. All games have age ratings. Most games, tv shows have age ratings to help select appropriate ones for each age category. Plus if you look at some of them yourself you can decide if it is something you want your granddaughter watching. There are some games called Animal Crossing, Pet Shop,Pacman Fever, Imagine games...There are too many games out there that kids are getting ahold of that is too mature for them. Kids don't know better. Err on the side of caution. Once they have lost their innocence then it is too late.

You are so right not to get it for her. No, you are definately not over reacting! I've never actually played any of the Sim's games but I've watched my husband play a little bit of one. So, I don't really know for sure what games would be most like them but kid friendly. My daughter plays this Hello Kitty game that is kind of like a reality game with the house, city, other characters,etc. I'm sure there's more games like that for children. You have internet right? I'd just do a bit of research online. Hope this helps.

Yes ,I say so because eventually they are really gonna learn this stuff. And you never kno what they already kno aboutAnd plus as a parent o looked it over and it doesn't show anything to far.hope this helped

well im a 9 year old and i know what is in it cause ive played it and now im not allowed to because people can have sex in it and when your granddaughter said she just want's to dress the people thats was my ascos (a-scus) to play the sims 3 when i was allowed

Your instinct is correct. I know some videogames are not appropriate for kids. Your granddaughter has to accept that. You know what is the best for her.

I don't think it is appropriate. I would not purchase it for her, but that is me. I would simply listen to her beg for, not comment on it other then to say it sounds interesting, and not get it for her. I would talk to the people at the Game Shops and see what they can offer as an alternative game where she can create and dress her own people, etc., they will be willing to help you.

most T rated games aren't even appropriate for teens or adults --- if you really think about it ----

I have always heard...

"Garbage IN... Garbage OUT"

is that what we really want out of the future of America?

Follow your Women's Intuition or instincts!!!!! Even though the times have changed - we don't have to.

she's right that you do have to choose to make your sim do things. However, if you take them to the shower, they do get naked, but it's blurred out. Same with using the bathroom. It's evident what they are doing, even though it's blurred out. The do have sex, sort of..It's under the covers, but again..it's very obvious what they're doing. It's not as easy as just dressing up your Sim either. You really do have to play the game to get your character new clothes. I would venture to say that she probably wont' even understand the game until she's older. I love the Sims and play it quite a bit (well, I used to before I had two kids!) but I don't think it's appropriate for a 9 year old. I know that the Nintendo DS has lots of games that are geared toward kids that age. They have lots of role playing games too.

Absolutley not! Listen to your instincts. If it has crude humor, sexual themes and violence, don't get it for her..ever! Protect her from these things. Also, be aware of friends she plays with who might have these games. If they are allowed, just remind her that she is not. Kids want lots of things that are not good for them and it is our job as their parent/guardian to say No because we have the age and wisdom to know what is harmful to their development. Of course she may be mad at you, but hopefully someday thank you. That is your job right now!!! Teach her how to choose well the things she spends her free time on. I wish I could think of an alternative game. Also, be careful what tv shows you let her watch. "Reality TV" is really a misnomer. "Reality" shows today are so construed in the mainstream media. Give your grand-daughter the good, true and beautiful and help her rise to a high standard. Don't lower expectations because of possible peer pressure or popular culture. Stay away from popular culture. Check out homeschooling websites. There are lots of good resources on many families blogs. God bless you for being vigilant!

well im 9 and its really fun theres no sexual unless you try for a baby even in the shower or bath its a blur so you wont see there ugghhh parts and its really fun for me i got when i was 9 im 9 right now i begged for it this 2010 christmas and i got it so you should get it for her!!!

My 9 year old, well he just turned 10, son has played this game. Sims 3 is actually supposed to have done away with a lot of the more annoying and sometimes inappropriate things (like sims peeing on the floor if you don't take them to the restroom). The sexual themes are only as prevalent as you make them, you have to get your sim a significant other, there's no nudity and they don't have sex, so it doesn't extend much further than having your sim walk up and kiss someone. Even that has to be initiated by the player. The violence is also very limited, you can get slapped for kissing a stranger but there is no blood or shooting or anything like that.

in regards to other games there aren't really any i can think of, and I can't say you are over reacting, things like this are a very personal choice but the game is pretty tame and actually rated more strictly than a lot of games.

my best advice, find a copy of the game that you can borrow or rent, and play it yourself. might not be something you'd enjoy but at least then you REALLY know what it is all about and can decide based on that.

Sims is not appropriate. While you don't have to choose those things, they are there, easily accessible AND just like every other good kid out there she's curious. I remember peeking at Nat'l Geographic in Catholic School. Webkinz has an online site but if she thinks she's too old for that there are lots of other ones. You can even buy software in the stores to create your own fashions on the computer. That may be what she really wants. Be careful with those as well, if there is any role playing a lot of the teen stuff has snotty antagonists for some reason that are pretty bad role models.

This game is fun! Im going to agree with some of the things that have been said, the making babies part is prob a little too mature for her however, im sure at 9 she already knows the birds and the bees. It isn't graphic and doesnt show anything that she doesn't already know what goes on in mom and dads bedroom. I dont think that the toilet/shower part is any big deal like one comment stated. we all shower and go bathroom. I think that you should play with her like someone stated previously and once you find out that it is just fine, im sure you wouldn't have any problem letting her play.

N.,
I would say no to the game. I have a six year old who loves her DS system. On all games they have a parental label on the front that tells you what ages that game is suitable for. Check out the label. If it says rated only for teen, explain to her that label says she cant have right now. I would try to find a age appropriate game for her.
God bless you for taking on raising your granddaughter.

I haven't played Sims 3, but I used to play the Sims. I won't let my 12yo play it. :-( I disagree with the T for Teen rating, I think it should be rated for adults. There is no choosing those things, at least with the original Sims game it was a part of the progression of the game. I'd see if you can get a demo copy to play yourself and see if they have options to turn off the adult stuff. I highly doubt it though since it is rated T. :-/ Tell her to knock it off or you won't ever buy it for her. LOL

There are games like Zoo Tycoon and Roller Coaster Tycoon where you have to create a zoo or amusement park. It's very similar to Sims without the personal relationship stuff. I personally really enjoy Zoo Tycoon, but I'm an animal lover. :-)

I have the original Sims game, and there are things that are very mature. For example, you can have a male & female Sim "play" in bed, complete with growling & giggling sounds. I've heard the newer Sims versions are worse. I think that may lead to some awkward discussions later!

I'm sure there are other games appropriate for her age group where you can build houses and dress up characters. If she has an interest in designing things, then go ahead encourage her creativity! Best of luck.

Your instincts are correct.
Even if it is rated T, when she is a teenager I would not just buy it because I do not trust the rating system's idea of what is appropriate for my child.
Be sure to do your homework before you invest in any video or game for your child.

I think its a appropiate my 8 year old daughter play's it it's not that bad. Ever since my little girl was a baby she always wached me play. I let her play it because she is mature. I have a 11 year old son to be honest i dont think he is ready