Oh yeah, I’m a cool mom.  I’m also determined to stay one.  Growing up, I was so impressed with my father.  He was always up to date with the latest in men’s fashion, music and Entertainment.  Today, at a spry 65, he can still advise me on the latest in books, television  and movies.

Because of this, I’ve always said that no matter how things evolve, I plan on evolving with it.  Too often I see kids embarrassed by their parents when the parents try to be “cool” without actually knowing whats popular with our children of today. 

With music, I prefer classic rock and 80′s hair metal.  Even so, I make it a point to tune into the local radio stations and MTV to stay familiar with what’s current.  Most of it sucks, granted, but I at least KNOW it, and can hold my own in a group of my nephew’s teenage friends.

The same goes for video games. Since I am mother to 2 boys, and my husband has been teaching them video games since they were in my womb, I felt it was my duty to keep up with the latest in the gaming industry.

I have no intention of ever encouraging those violent games that dull the senses.  I don’t like street fighting, car stealing murder games.  They make me sick.  I’ll play games that encourage learning and growth.  Games that bring families together and give us something to do in the cold winter months when we’re trapped inside.

Even better are the portable games.  I just recently got a Nintendo DS Lite (in pink!).  I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner.  I travel to see my family in Upstate NY about every 3 months and  I always have a long flight with a connection.  Naturally, my 3 year old gets restless fast.

As I said before, my DH started teaching them games in the womb, I’m not kidding.  At 3, Jake can pick up and play any game you put in front of him.  I wrote about it here. We prefer Nintendo games, specifically the Wii for it’s interaction and the Nintendo DS Lite for it’s versitility and portibility.

My last flight to NY I brought the DS Lite along.  We brought a Mario game that had about 7 different games in it.  He sat still on both flights, cute as a button, playing those games.  When we deplaned, other passengers commented on how well he behaved, making me feel like mom of the year.

The beauty of the Nintendo DS Lite is that it can grow with him.   We spend hundreds of dollars on toys that will last a year, if that.  With this, there will always be games for him to play.  It’s great in the car, the doctors office, on a plane or if you’re hoping for a quiet dinner at a restaurant (but couldn’t find a sitter).

Since it has wireless capabilities, Nintendo allows for the option of trying games before buying them.  You can take your DS to a download station and try lots of great games for your Nintendo DS Lite before committing to a purchase. The games remain on your DS until you power off.  You also can connect to the Nintendo Wi-fi site online and play against other people throughout the world.

When Jake’s older, he’ll be able to play in groups with his friends.  It allows up to 16 people to play and communicate with each other from 30 to 100 feet away.  It plays not only DS games, but has a special port so you can play Game Boy Advanced game pak games.

I’m a big believe in doing the research before investing my money and in my opinion, it’s worth it.  Not only do my kids love it, we love it.  It keeps my sanity when I travel, and keeps me company if I’m lucky enough to have them nap on the plane.   My son thinks it’s great to have a “toy” to share with his parents, and I feel I’m fulfilling my promise to be the cool mom I’ve hoped to be.

UPDATE-

Well, well well!  Turns out I’m not only a cool mom, I’m also keeping up with the latest fashions.  According to an article I read on Nintendo’s site-

“Nintendo has partnered with From Bags to Riches, a popular online handbag-rental service, to include stylish and colorful Nintendo DS systems and games with some rentals through the end of 2008.

“In today’s fashion world, carrying customized accessories means everything,” said Kara Richter, CEO and founder of From Bags to Riches. “With the addition of the stylish Nintendo DS, Nintendo brings to fashion accessories what Prada brought to stylish messenger bags.”

“Almost half the Nintendo DS systems sold in the United States last year belong to women,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “With From Bags to Riches, we can help the growing population of female gamers test drive some great Nintendo DS games – and look good while they’re doing it.”

More information about the promotion can be found at www.frombagstoriches.com. For more information about Nintendo DS, visit www.NintendoDS.com.