Choosing Video Games for Kids

In order to diminish the adverse effects that video games may have on your child, consider the following safeguards:

• Set time limits.
• Make sure all chores and homework is completed before play.
• Be intimately involved in choosing the games your children play.
• Remember — you are the grown-up! Model good viewing and gaming habits yourself.
• Suspend play if your child is having difficulty with self-control.
• Monitor attitudes and behaviors with your child when he plays with friends or siblings.
• Encourage your child’s friends to play at your house.
• Watch for signs of addiction to video game play, particularly with boys.

— Vicki Caruana and Olivia Bruner

Olivia Bruner is a former sixth grade teacher and popular speaker for the Heritage Builders Association. The mother of four children, Olivia is author of The Family Compass and the upcoming release Playstation Nation.

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On This Topic

• Introduction • Benefits of Video Games • Detriments of Video Games • Types of Video Games • How to Choose Wisely • How to Control the Experience