Another Look at Playing Video Games

We've all heard or read news stories on the dangers of video games. Children and adults get addicted to gaming. They suffer withdrawal, and don't get the exercise they need. Adults fare little better as they sit for hours and hours in front of a computer/game machine screen chasing little computer generated people. Many video games are excessively violent and may foster violence in the player that might well translate to real life. For some, the boundaries between the real and virtual world collide.

But there is another side to this story. Many of the same children who sat for hours in front of a television screen zoning out, now actively participate in interactive video games. Instead of their brains growing fuzzy they must both think and react to what happens on the screen in front of them. Arms and mind do get exercise, and, with the new game machines, the whole body gets a workout.

Video games enhance eye-hand coordination and sharpen logical thinking skills. Games require gamers to think not just about the next step, the next level...but several steps or levels or more ahead to beat the game. Rewards along the way encourage the player to keep trying.

Just as many office workers take a "stress" break by sneaking in a game of solitaire, so video games can provide a needed break for either adult or child. Time at the computer or game machine can also be used as a reward. In fact, children with low self-esteem grow in confidence as they find themselves winning at one video game or another. Computers and game machines have also put fun back into learning with a host of educational games.

There are games that can be played as a family--fostering togetherness, games that can be played as teams--fostering teamwork, games that teach, and games just for fun. Games can be played over the Internet with players from different countries and cultures.

As for cost, many games can be downloaded from the Internet for free or for very little. Most stores offering software also offer low cost alternatives. If a child begs for something more expensive, he/she can earn the game through chores or other means...and learn about finances in the process. Video games offer much that is positive, but just as in television viewing or anything else, it is up to us as parents to set limits for our children (and ourselves) when it comes to gaming time.

Know the games played by your child--check them out. Violent graphic "blood and guts" games may foster violence. You, not the child, should chose the level of games in the shoot 'em up category. Parents, remember, our children watch us. If we play those games, so will they.

Play games together, even if it's just taking turns in one player games.

Enforce certain rules such as "No games before homework."

Get up and move around every half hour to an hour.

No more than 2 hours (whatever works in your house) of gaming a day.

Gaming cannot take the place of physical exercise, but can substitute for television time.

And yes, video games aren't all bad and gaming can be both fun and productive for the whole family.