The G.U. has received a number of Wii based questions from parents recently, the great majority of them falling into the categories of “How do I get my husband to share the Wii with the kids?” or “How do I keep my child (and husband) from becoming a Wii addict?” Gunc will admit that he appreciates the idea that the Wii can make one more active–or, more active than other video gaming systems. But this is not a replacement for teaching your kids (or husband) balance in terms of screen time and other endeavors, or suggesting that they enjoy the outdoors. (It’s that stuff on the other side of your windows–90 degrees to the right of the flat screen, in case you’ve forgotten what those are too.) So he was thrilled when he received a note from his friend Ethel yesterday that described a viable alternative. Her boys Lucian, 10 and Gregor, 7 (you may remember them from the post Youth, Racial Healing, and the Obama Election) have been requesting a Wii for some time, but Ethel didn’t want it in her home. So she bought it and installed it at her parent’s place–about an hour outside the City–and told the boys it was an Xmas gift from the Grandparents. This solution has resulted in a number of positive repercussions. The kids can’t wait to visit their grandparents every weekend. They get to go Wii-ing, but don’t have enough regular access to the console to develop a daily habit. And the grandparents–who used to protest that watching the boys on their own was too difficult–are much more willing to take them for a night or two without the parents present, because when the adorable little hellions come to visit, Grandma and Grandpa just set them down in front of the Wii. “It’s so much easier,” they told Ethel. Being who he is, the Gay Uncle asked if the grandparents play too. “No, my parents don’t play (can you imagine?) But they did make Miis of themselves (the avatars), which are hilarious. I think my dad made himself a six foot tall black man.” Gunc give Grandpa two more months before he’s boxing with the boys. Still, he chalks one up to Ethel for finding the middle ground. And for exporting addiction.