We will constantly read how too much time playing video games is not good for children. It keeps them from being physically active, using their imaginations, can cause eye strain, and can cause them to lose touch with the real world. However with proper monitoring and parent involvement their can be a proper role for video games.One thing is clear, children should never be given unmonitored unlimited access to video games, otherwise that will be all they do. These games can be highly addicting, I myself find it difficult to pull myself away when I am playing. We set limits for our children, approximately 60 minutes every other day during the week and a little bit more on the weekend. It helps to set a timer so that children know up front when they will be expected to turn the games off to avoid arguments. Giving additional time can be used as a reward for children.
One way to avoid having your child avoid socializing during video games is by playing something the whole family can play. This turns video game time into family game time and the game can be enjoyed together.
We sometimes will let our children play handheld games at restaurants while they are waiting for their meal for some peace and quiet, however we do not do this a hundred percent of time because we still like to talk to our children at meals. Using these from time to time however can ease the challenge of eating out.
Finally I cannot stress this enough. Please be sure you monitor what games they are playing. There is a reason there are rating scales of the back of games. A school age child should not be playing games marked T-for teen or M-for mature. Children often will emulate what they see in the games and some of things portrayed in these types of games are certainly not content younger children are ready to be exposed to. While our technology advances the parents role does not change.
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