Life Imitating Art?



Have you ever heard of a game called Sims? In this game you create a character that first lives at home with mom. Then the character has to get a job and move out into her own house. She has to manage her money and move into ever-nicer homes, acquire a boyfriend and throw outrageous parties. My kids like to play this game, and I'm proud to say that it has taught them some life lessons, even if it is a bit skewed and the connection to real life hasn't quite sunk in.

The other day we came home and found the television had been left on. My oldest daughter saw this and said in total honesty, without being cheeky or sarcastic, "In Sims, that would make the electicity bill go up really high." Even though we have nagged the kids for years to turn off lights, etc to save electricity, it didn't really sink in for her until she learned it the hard way on Sims by leaving a virtual TV on and getting a high virtual electric bill that was more than she could afford on her virtual income. Bing! A connection is made and the light goes on (or off rather, to save electricity).