| Quite often, parents will take a negative attitude | | | | 3) Keep the Games Public |
| toward video games without taking the time to inform | | | | Don't let your kids play their video games in their |
| themselves of the games their children are playing, or | | | | bedrooms! Instead, set up the game system in a public |
| even bothering to learn what video games ratings | | | | room. This lets you monitor their playing time, ensuring |
| actually mean. Here are a few tips to help you stay | | | | they don't spend all day in front of a screen, while also |
| game-savvy when it comes to your child and video | | | | allowing you to easily get involved in the game and |
| games: | | | | make sure the content is appropriate. Don't hover, but |
| 1) Talk to Your Kids | | | | keep an eye on things! |
| If you don't understand the games your kids are | | | | 4) Monitor Playing Time |
| playing, don't rag on their self-esteem by telling them it's | | | | Video games have become such an integral part of |
| stupid and a waste of time: try sitting down while | | | | children's social lives that banning video games might |
| they're playing and ask them what they like about the | | | | actually hurt your child's potential friendships. Many |
| game, and who their favorite characters are. They'll be | | | | games have also been shown to stimulate imagination |
| more likely to respect your serious opinions on certain | | | | and help problem-solving skills, which can be highly |
| games if you show a respect for the things they | | | | beneficial in the long run! Regardless of what your child |
| enjoy. | | | | is playing, however, you should set a daily time limit to |
| 2) Learn the Ratings | | | | ensure a healthy balance of activities within the home. |
| Instead of waiting for your child to bring home a game | | | | Following these simple, common-sense tips will not only |
| rated 18+ and yelling at her to get rid of it, learn what | | | | help you as a parent to become more involved in your |
| the video game rating system is beforehand and | | | | child's life, but he'll also have a greater sense of |
| discuss it with your child. Let her know that it isn't | | | | respect for you and your opinions. And if you can bring |
| appropriate for a 12-year-old to play a game made for | | | | yourself to try playing, it's a great way to spend some |
| adults. By having this discussion ahead of time, you'll | | | | bonding time together! Educating yourself as a parent |
| set the boundaries and avoid a screaming match | | | | on video games is important so you can be the parent |
| down the road. | | | | your child needs. |