# Make sure you read the instructions (and play the games) once yourself, in the beginning, as your child will want some help in working out what button does what if they're under about 7 years old.
# The new version 4 and version 3 'Password' system is great fun, though it's no good typing in most of the codes posted by friends online - most passwords are keyed to your Tamagotchi's user name. So you'll have to go online in Tamagotchi Town and acquire your own passwords that work only on your unit!
# If you lose the instructions, you can find them on the Bandai web site here, but in case the page goes away again, here's an emergency-use only scan of those for a Version 2 unit (instructions.jpg, 2MB).
# Each Tamagotchi comes with a small chain. Use this to attach it to a lanyard (strap) around your child's neck. They'll like the fashion statement and will appreciate not having to keep carrying it, and you'll get the peace of mind that it's almost impossible for it to get lost (more tears, more expense, etc.)
# You can turn the bleeping sound off by pressing buttons A and C together. Of course, your child will probably complain like mad that they can't hear their pet 'talking', in which case you'll have to do it again to turn the sound back on!
# Make absolutely sure that your child understands that not all games and shop items are there from day one - explain to them that things will appear if they look after the Tamagotchi and help him/her get older.
# Become familiar with how to pause the Tamagotchi (just hold the far left button and press the middle button). This is essential for stopping the thing beeping while your child is at school, and with it paused they won't be worrying that it's going hungry or soiling itself.
# When opening the blister pack, slit it carefully and you'll be able to sell the Tamagotchi more or less as-new should your child lose interest in a few months time.
# If your child's Tamagotchi is beeping, and they don't know what to do because apparently their Tamagotchi is really full and happy, tell them that if they're crying (dots next to their face) or the Tamagotchi has its back turned (can't see face and symbol appearing) then they have to go to the sixth icon and choose 'praise'. And if they're just prancing along normally, go to the sixth icon and choose 'punish'.
# After a battery change, make sure you check the clock and correct it if necessary. If you don't, the character will be awake at the wrong times and there will be tears all round!
# If you have problems connecting to other Tamagotchis, and the problem isn't bright sunlight, it's usually because one of you has to press button 'B' to start things off, i.e. you can't both stay in 'stand by' mode.
# If your child's complaining their Tamagotchi won't play games, not even after a time out, say this to them: "Each Tamagotchi has a 'base weight' which their weight cannot go below. It's different for every Tamagotchi, and you can only play a game once your Tamagotchi is at least 3g over its base weight.
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