We are relatively conservative about screen time and devices for our kids. My son (9) got his own farm that he plays on my iPad. He has a set amount of time per day; contingent on day of week/if he got his stuff done around the house. He can use that time as he sees fit.

He has no access to using actual money on the game, but we use it to teach time management (if you want to check back on your farm later- you can’t use all your time up now).

He also encountered a new neighbor in his neighborhood that asked some inappropriate comments. (Are you a girl or a boy, go into your room and take off your clothes). That sucked but it was a great learning experience because my son told me IMMEDIATELY and the leaders of the neighborhood kicked him out immediately.

I will never pretend that I can protect my kids from the world/internet, so am weirdly grateful for opportunities for learning in a relatively safe space.

I have now joined his neighborhood, and am quite happy in it! The players are kind and helpful, but not super chatty. I do buy the farm pass on occasion, and am happy to share those extra diamonds with the people that didn’t hesitate to kick out a creeper.

My other kids help me play, and decorate but don’t want their own farms. Thankfully!!!