Pokemon Bros

The gamers won't allow pics...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The buzz this week has been focused on a new app called Pokemon Go. I have yet to join in, but I'm amazed at the number of people (not just kids) who are playing. Some people aren't fans of Pokemon Go, and to them I say to each his own. I'm not going to try to persuade anyone to jump on board, but I am going to tell you how Pichu (the only character I know) and his friends have impacted my family.

I'm the only one of five in our family not playing the game. Our daughter doesn't have a smart phone, but she does go out and plays with my wife and our two teenage sons. And really, that's the point of this post. Our boys are 18 months apart in age, one's a junior in high school and the other is a sophomore. They are polar opposites. The oldest is an introvert. He plays video games and golf, is in the marching band and is working toward his Eagle Scout award. His younger brother is an extrovert. He plays football, baseball and basketball. 

The car is parked

However over the past week, not only are the two of them talking more, they're also hanging out TOGETHER. They're going places in search of Pokemon (all public places during daylight hours). The boys are spending hours together walking and talking. Prior to this the only interactions they'd likely have is at the dinner table and maybe for a brief round of Super Smash Brothers on the Wii U. I know the Pokemon Go craze will eventually wear off, but it's been awesome to watch how it's brought my kids a little closer together. Even the ten year old baby sister gets included in some of their hunts.

The game is getting people all over to get out and move. Sure they may have their eyes on their phone and not paying attention to everything else, but they're out and moving. There have been some accidents associated with the game, but people are always going to be distracted by something. I also know Pokemon Go isn't going to end obesity, but getting outside and moving is a good thing, plus businesses will soon be able to cash in on the craze as Poke Stops become more known. Anything that does all that can't be that bad, can it?